When Cambridge-based indietronica act Passion Pit first started getting Top 40 radio play back in 2008 with their hit single “Sleepyhead,” the mainstream pop scene was being flooded by indie music. Apparently, the public was starting to become sick of the ringtone rap spearheaded by Soulja Boy and Flo Rida, as the “indie sound” quickly became the newest trend in music. Quirky vocals and crystalline synths soon became the norm. Many of these bands produced only one hit wonders, fading quickly into obscurity.

However, Passion Pit’s nostalgic, uplifting sound and respectable work ethic made them stand out amongst their peers. The band is revered within the scene for combining sparkling, upbeat electronic melodies with intimate songwriting and booming kick drums. If you listen closely, the lyrics are often not as uplifting as the instrumentation suggests, the soulful and vulnerable falsetto of frontman Michael Angelakos nonetheless serves to lift up and inspire.

Their set at the Riviera Theatre was incredible. Angelakos brought humble charm and striking stage presence. I was surprised that he was actually able to hit all of the band’s famous falsettos live. They performed all of their hit singles with extended intros, ending off their set with “Sleepyhead.” The crowd was electrified, and I’m happy to say that Passion Pit’s performance exceeded my expectations.

See the full setlist here. 

Cost of a ticket: $56 (GA)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value +

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

Justin Cabrera

This revue was originally titled Improv Supernova. When they renamed it Reality Detox, I suspect they replaced some of the improv with more prepared sketches. 

The improv tonight was very strong. In a quick scene, Anna Bortnick says “Let’s do a group sketch about narcissistic personality”. Riley Woollen goes up to the front of the stage and confidently says, “ok, I’ve got this one guys!” A crowd favorite was a sketch about a dog swimming instructor (Kennedy Baldwin). The dog (Annie Sullivan) is quiet and nervous until it gets into the water, and then she starts paddling furiously while yelling “Oh fuck, oh fuck!”

Another great one featured a small man (Chas Lilly) who reaching up can only touch the knee of the woman. It’s so funny, especially when he says that he knows this relationship will work, because he feels it in his heart, as he points to his head (which was a hilarious callback to a previous moment). In another scene, Max Thomas (The Chaos Theory of Everything) says “I love it in the back” as the last one in a line of people all on one luge! 

Overall, it has a bit more improv than past shows, but it’s still so funny and the Second City style of a mix of both.  

Cost of a ticket: $56 (GA)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value +

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

Get tickets now to Reality Detox! 

Quinn Delaney

Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, first appeared on Broadway in 1968. In 1979, the film version was released. In 2009, a Broadway revival opened and won the Tony Award for best revival. And now, in 2017, the production is being staged at the Mercury Theatre.

In the musical, Claude is drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. His friends all tell him to burn his draft card and resist. The threat of jail time for failing to serve weighs on him.

The highlights of the show are the opening number, “Aquarius”, and the closing song, “Let The Sun Shine In”. The cast’s vocal talent is fantastic.

Unlike many productions of Hair, this one doesn’t have any nudity. Also, they have created bleachers out of plywood for the audience to sit behind the stage. These are not comfortable and I wouldn’t recommend sitting there. 

Cost of a ticket: $55

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Discounted

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

Get tickets now for Hair through September 13th!

Quinn Delaney

Eight people meet on the north side of Chicago to discuss their addictions with modern technology. One by one, they share their story via song. Their addictions include playing candy games, dating apps, commenting on discussion boards, and more. 

Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) has written an outstanding musical full of humor and drama. This production is absolutely fantastic. The acapella singing is world class. The stories are so intriguing, fresh, and modern. It’s no surprise that this show earned an encore production downtown. 

One the best shares is called “Little God”. You can listen to the original cast recording here:   

At 95 minutes, it would be nice to have an intermission. There are plenty of scene changes where it can be easily added.  Join the Pro-Intermission movement here. 

The superb cast includes Joryhebel Ginorio, Neala Barron, Grace Steckler, Teressa LaGamba, Elliot Esquivel, Jordan Golding, Sam Shankman and Ryder Dean McDaniel.

Fun Fact: Filming completed in June for a film adaptation that is directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and stars Amanda Seyfriend, Rachel Zegler, and Jonathan Groff. 

Cost of a ticket: $84

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value 

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

Get tickets now for Octet through August 2nd!  

Quinn Delaney

Carrie Chapman Catt is the leader of the NASWA (National American Woman Suffrage Association). She’s been patiently working for women’s right to vote for 60 years. Alice Paul asks her for funds to do a march in Washington, DC. Catt declines so Paul starts her own organization to proceed with her more aggressive tactics. They both want the same goal, but they use very different strategies. 

This musical is very informative and enjoyable. It’s inspiring and will hopefully help to get the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) passed. The cast is full of excellent actors and singers who are Broadway worthy.

Cost of a ticket: $98 (Orchestra)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value –

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

Get tickets now for Suffs through July 19th! 

Quinn Delaney

Vera Vimm buys a frozen caveman for unknown reasons. People suspect that it is to gain publicity for her new Broadway show. Through many twists and turns, it leads to inspiring Eugene O’Neill to write “The Iceman Cometh”. 

The book was written by Erin Quinn Purcell and Jay Reiss. The lyrics were written by Mark Hollmann and Jay Reiss. Together they add up to very funny musical that has the audience laughing uncontrollably. 

Nick Offerman (Parks and Rec, Margo’s Got Money Troubles) is outstanding as O’Neill, especially when he is berating the audience for not know more about him. Megan Mullally (Will & Grace, Party Down) is solid as Vera Vimm, who craves the spotlight at all times. Cedric Yarbrough (Reno 911!) is hilarious as Vimm’s boyfriend who can’t get her to marry him. Alex Goodrich is so funny as Frankenstein’s monster, even though he just grunts! Sarah Stiles is excellent as Lambert, who suffers from forever menopause. The rest of the supporting cast is great as well.

Overall, it’s a very original musical that makes for a very enjoyable evening of theatre. 

Cost of a ticket: $109 (Main Floor)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value –

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

Get tickets now for Iceboy! through August 16th!

See our review of Nancy and Beth featuring Nick here.  

Quinn Delaney