This is the story of the Ravens, who become The Kinks. It begins in London where they first gain a following. They set up their first record deal with four managers taking 10% each. Soon afterwards, they embark on their first tour of the US. The Teamsters and other unions immediately demand they pay their dues. At first they comply, but eventually they refuse. This results in them being banned from playing in America. 

The choreography by Adam Cooper is excellent. The dancers bring the stage and the whole theatre to life.  

The sound of the full concert scenes is much too loud for a musical. They hand out earplugs before the show, which work great for the loud parts, but make it too quiet for all the other scenes. Decreasing the volume of the concerts would be the best solution, but as it is, something easily removable such as noise-cancelling headphones is the best option. 

The music is the highlight of the show. They split their most popular song (over 380 million streams on Spotify), “You Really Got Me”, into two parts of the show. 

The final concert scene has “Lola”, which they releasd in 1970. “Well, I’m not the world’s most masculine man / But I know what I am and I’m glad I’m a man /  And so is Lola!” This is such a fantastic song that Weird Al Yankovich released a fantastic parody, “Yoda”, in 2009. 

Overall, it’s a very fun experience that showcases the music of The Kinks. 

Cost of a ticket: $97

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Discounted +

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for Sunny Afternoon through April 27th. 

Quinn Delaney

A young man comes home to attend his father’s medal ceremony for his work as a border patrol officer. They don’t get along very well. The father used to beat his mother and threaten her with a large hole he had dug in the backyard. The father is now controlling his new wife, Grace, with the same tactics.

Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog / Underdog) has written a a very dark and dramatic play. It takes unexpected turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The first act is a bit slow, but it really picks up in the second. 

Namir Smallwood is great as the son who has a secret plan for this visit home. Brian Marable is superb in the tough role of the father, who lives by strict military roles. Zainab Jah is excellent as the stepmother, who is so kind and caring towards everyone. 

Cost of a ticket: $82.50

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Discounted +

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for The Book of Grace through May 18th. 

Quinn Delaney

Claire is a suburban high school teacher. She hears a constant hum that really plagues her. She eventually learns that one of her students also hears the hum. He invites her to a community meeting of people that also hear the hum. As time goes on, it becomes clear that it’s more than just a support group. 

This opera is based on an original story by Jord Tannahill. The libretto was written by Royce Vavrek and the music was created by Missy Mazzoli. The result is a very unique opera. It has moments of hilarious modern humor. It also has very dramatic operatic scenes. This production includes scenes with video cameras on stage where they project the captured video on large screens. One scene features people commenting on the video, which is hilarious.  

It’s a bit hard to hear, even on the main floor. There is an announcement over the speakers before the show starts that is very easy to understand, but then the speakers are turned off for the performance. In the meantime, listening devices are available at the coat check for free. It would also be helpful to have the surtitles be much lower. 

Kyle Ketelson is superb as the charismatic leader. After seeing his great performance, it may be hard to see him play anything other than a cult leader! Daniela Mack is great as his number 2, fully supporting his efforts.  Nicole Heaston is excellent as Claire, who displays a great range of emotions on stage. Jonas Hacker is great as the student who pushes Claire to seek help with the meetings. 

Overall, it’s a very interesting production that definitely has the audience talking afterwards. 

Cost of a ticket: $99 (Main Floor Sides)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It –

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for The Listeners through April 11th!

Quinn Delaney

After playing two songs from his solo career, Glen Phillips says “Hey, isn’t this the guy from Toad?” He then launches into his first Toad the Wet Sprocket song, “Windmills”, from their 1994 album, Dulcinea. 

Soon afterwards, he plays “Walk on the Ocean” from the 1991 album, fear. “Walk on the ocean / Step on the stones / Flesh becomes water / Wood becomes bone.” This is such a beautiful song. It would fit right in with a Jars of Clay set.

His latest solo album is “There Is So Much Here” from 2022.  He plays a few songs from this album including “The Sound of Drinking” and “Call The Moondust” 

There was some timely political commentary from the Toad song “Old Habits Die Hard”. “It’s a new day in the District / after 4 years off the rails / want some checks and balances / not just the same rich old white males”.

Towards the end of the night, he plays “All I Want”, which is Toad’s most popular song on Spotify with over 58 million streams. “All I want is to feel this way / To be this close, to feel the same / All I want is to feel this way / The evening speaks, I feel it say”.  It’s easy to hear why this one was such a big hit in the 90s. 

During challenging times, music can provide comfort, hope and community, to help us carry on. Glen Philips delivered a little of  that to the people of Chicago tonight.

See the full setlist here. 

Toad the Wet Sprocket are still touring together. Catch them with Semisonic and Sixpence None the Richer on August 7^th at the Salt Shed!

Also of note: City Winery started a new policy that requires a $25 minimum spend per person. You can spend it on food, beverages, wine, or City Winery merchandise. See the FAQ here. 

Cost of a ticket: $38

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It  

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney

A man and a woman meet while drunk at a funeral and then sleep together. They are both at the age where attending funerals is a common occurrence.  In the morning, they piece together why each of them was at the funeral, and how they know the woman who passed away. The woman also uncovers the mystery of why he has a closet full of dresses.

Carey Crim (Northwestern University Graduate) has written a very funny play about hooking up at a later stage in life. Many misunderstandings lead to big laughs. In the second half, it naturally transitions to more dramatic scenes as they deal with their pasts.    

Paul Messinger is hilarious as the greiving man who has a lot on his plate and is full of snark. Christine Rogers is also so funny as the woman who easily gives it right back to him. Gus Hummings is superb as the neighbor who slowly pieces together what is going on.

Get tickets now for Morning After Grace through April 6th! 

Cost of a ticket: $36

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Exceptional Value –  

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney