Morgan James opens with “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. It’s the opening track on her latest album, Soul Remains the Same. She later describes this album as what would happen if Aretha Franklin and AC/DC went into the studio together. 

She follows this up with “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots. With this new soulful arrangement, the first few notes will give you goosebumps. This is because these soulful versions of alternative rock songs work so well. Since Stone Temple Pilots are touring without their original lead singer, they should consider hiring Morgan! 

Later in the night, she sings “Tonight, Tonight” by the Smashing Pumpkins. James sounds fantastically soulful. Billy Corgan and the Lyric Opera of Chicago are also reimagining this song and the entire iconic 90s album, Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness. 

Soon afterwards is “Better Man” by Pearl Jam. This version is hauntingly beautiful and would make Eddie Vedder proud.  

She plays a lot of great original songs as well. She introduces this one as a happy song called “Drown”, which definitely doesn’t sound like a happy title! 

Morgan James sometimes just plays with her husband, other times with a full orchestra, and tonight with a full band. They drive all over the country. Most recently they went from Knoxville to St. Louis to Chicago! With talent like this, they’ll surely continue to cris-cross the country for a long time! 

See the full setlist here. 

Cost of a ticket: $45

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value

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

Quinn Delaney

Constellations is the story of Marianne and Roland, played by Kaylah Crosby (Pro-Am) and Christian Davis Aldridge (Barefoot in the Park), across multiple universes. In the first universe, they meet at a BBQ while Roland is in a relationship, so they don’t connect. In another one, they are both single and they get together. Then, in one world, Marianne sleeps with another man. In an alternate world, Roland is the unfaithful one. The play goes on like this exploring the infinite possibilities of their relationship. It’s just like the improvisational game “Change” where whenever a bell is rung, the actor has to change their last line of dialog, which in turn can change the entire scene. As the options present themselves, the audience can’t help but hope for best possible outcome.

There are many big themes that emerge and big questions to ponder in this play by Nick Payne.  Does free will exist? Or, are we controlled by fate?  Do our choices matter in relationships, or will most things end up the same no matter what we do? Can a relationship survive infidelity? Can it survive a life threatening illness?

At 80 minutes, it would be nice to have an intermission to digest this complex play. There are plenty of scene changes where it could be easily added.  Join the Pro-Intermission movement here. 

The actors perform fantastically.  They expertly navigate multiple universes. With just a slight change of tone and a new word or two, they manage to create a completely different feeling for each world. Sometimes they repeat a lot more words than is necessary. The set is also unique. It looks like constellations with all the handing lightbulbs.  The entire production is world class.

See the program here. 

Cost of a ticket: $52

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It

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

Get tickets now for Constellations through October 19th at the Athenaeum Theatre!

Quinn Delaney

Julius Ceaser is a tyrannical fascist leader. So, Brutus, Cassius, and the Senator crew conspire to assassinate him. 

This musical by the Q Brothers Collective has many very fun songs, such as a very long one about sandwiches, since Ceaser has banned bread. 

It includes many 90’s hip-hop references from just a line to a full song. It’s a very timely and satirical story about political violence. 

Janyce Carabello is very versatile as the intern and many other characters. Curtis Bannister (Understudy) is excellently evil as Caeser. Victor Musoni (Fat Ham, Toni Stone) is an acting force as Brutus. Danielle Davis (Clyde’s, Fun Home) truly shines, especially on the sandwich song. 

Cost of a ticket: $73 (Main Floor)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It

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

Get tickets now for Rome Sweet Rome through October 19th! 

Quinn Delaney

Starcrawler, from Los Angeles, have a great stage presence. The lead singer, Arrow de Wilde, has a great entrance as she immediately grabs the microphone and sings “Goodtime Girl”, a 2021 single. It’s a great opener as it instantly showcases their talents.  

Midway into the set, they play “Stranded” from their 2022 album, She Said. “But now I wanna be with you … Shine on me”. It’s a great rocker that has everyone dancing along. 

To end their short 30 minute set, they play “Bet My Brains” from their 2019 album, Devour You. At the end of the song, Arrow leaves the stage and the band continues with an extended outro which includes the lead guitarist going out into the crowd while playing a shredding solo. Starcrawler definitely left the audience wanting more.    

See the full setlist here. 

Cost of a ticket: $85

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It

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

Quinn Delaney