Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the North American Premiere Production of SUNNY AFTERNOON.
Boy, you really got me goin’…
The Beatles. The Rolling Stones. The Kinks! In the 1960s, British bands invaded American music. Their revolutionary sounds and looks changed rock and roll forever. They were distinctly different groups with similar origin stories. Childhood mates rising to stardom from working class families in small English towns. Personality struggles escalated as fame and fortune rose. All these bands had to grapple with identity, jealousy and sustainability. Although John, Paul, George and Ringo are more well known, Ray, Dave, Mick and Peter have arrived in Chicago to tell -and sing- their story!
The show is a personal memoir of lead singer Ray Davies (original story, music, lyrics). The behind-the-music retrospective is an intimate glimpse into the creative and political process of making music. Playwright Joe Penhall penned the rags-to-riches tale. He navigates The Kinks going from small town obscurity to Hollywood tinsel and loneliness. Penhall’s script emphasizes Ray’s mastery in songwriting. Dialogues lead effortlessly into a song capturing the moment. Even though the band collaborates in adding a riff or a beat, the words are left to Ray’s evolving inspiration. And the songs seem to materialize in real time.
This musical experience blurs the past and present. Everything feels authentic and impulsively in the moment. A sound being amplified. A contract being disputed. A bandmate being clobbered. Director Edward Hall masterfully orchestrates an organic musical history of The Kinks. Hall directed the UK production debut that garnered four Olivier Awards, including Best Musical. This North American Premiere allows Hall to bring The Kinks back to life in this “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy.”
The two leads Danny Horn (Ray) and Oliver Hoare (Dave) reprise their West End roles. They are SENSATIONAL! Horn and Hoare are the ultimate performers as musicians, singers and actors. Horn delivers emotional depth as the frontman grappling with loss. He actually becomes this tortured talent dividing his time between artistically expressing himself to the world and closing himself off from the pain and agony of society. He and Hoare have ongoing sibling tussles resolved with a sharp word, a timely shove or a playful punch in the arm. Their unspoken bond of respect and love is apparent. At one point, Horn cues up a guitar solo by saying ‘ladies and gentleman, my little brother.’ This moment of pride is so genuine it takes a beat to remember they aren’t really brothers!
Hoare gives a tireless performance! He is a flamboyant showman. Whether he is dancing on stage or swinging from the chandelier, Hoare is explosive onstage. He radiates this uninhibited passion in his lust for women, irritation for a bandmate and unabashed enjoyment in making music. Hoare hits all the right notes… loudly with panache. Individually and collectively, these Kinks are amazing! Mick (played by Kieran McCabe) keeps the beat steady until he bursts out with an extraordinary drum solo. Peter (played by Michael LePore) brings a quiet strength and resignation to the band’s chaos. And Ray’s uncredited wife Rasa (played by Ann Margaret Marcu) exerts a simplistic and charming gravity in her marriage and as a back-up singer.
SUNNY AFTERNOON is a vibrant musical tribute to The Kinks. Under the music direction of Mason Moss, the band performs in this concert-like experience. There is even an encore rendition of their greatest hits. With Scenic and Costume Designer Miriam Buether heaping in the hip and groovy factor with 1960s flair, this show sounds, looks and feels like The Kinks are back. Aficionados and new fans are going to love SUNNY AFTERNOON.
…You really got me!
Running Time: Two hours and fifty minutes includes an intermission
At Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier
Original story, music and lyrics by Ray Davies
Written by Joe Penhall
Directed by Edward Hall
Performances are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7pm
Wednesdays at 1pm
Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm
Thru April 27
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Carol Rosegg
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