Fun Home isn’t your typical sing and dance musical. Instead, it’s more intimate, emotional, and styled like a Steppenwolf play. Specifically, it shares a lot in common with Mary Page Marlowe. Both shows have multiple actresses playing the same character at different times in her life. Both jump around in time, both forwards and backwards. Lastly, both are extremely well written and executed.

In Fun Home, which is short for funeral home, the children perform an imaginary advertisement for the funeral home run by their parents called Come to the Fun Home. The choreography is so fun and hilarious. It shows off the talents perfectly of the child actors in the show. Everyone had a smile on their face after this funky jam.

Another amazing song is Changing My Major, which Allison sings about being excited and joyful after having sex with her first girlfiend, Joan. It’s such a fun song about teenage love and self-discovery. It showcases the singing and comedic talent of the actress playing college-aged Alison, Z Mowry.

For the best song of the show, the youngest Alison (Meena Sood on this night) notices a butch delivery woman and feels an inexplicable kinship with her (Ring of Keys). The song sends shivers through the audience as she begins to discover herself in this woman. Also, the song sounds beautiful as it bursts with joy.

There are only three small changes this play could use. Firstly, Lincoln J. Skoien, who plays many different characters, should have more distinct costumes so the audience isn’t confused about who he is playing. Secondly, the fact that Allison’s dad dies, which is revealed very early in the play, should not be stated. It would make for such a big climax to only discover this at the end. It would also make Patrick Byrnes’ performance, which is excellently nuanced, even more powerful. Lastly, at 100 minutes, it is quite long to not have an intermission. Join the Pro-Intermission movement here.

Compared to the Broadway version that toured Chicago in 2016, this production is far more intimate and funny, which is perfect for this play. 

Cost of a ticket: $86.50

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It –

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Catch Fun Home, the winner of five 2015 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, now through March 2nd!

Quinn Delaney

Two men open up their record store called Hitt Records in the morning. They only sell older records and they love to tell the stories behind the music. These tales always include the modern artists that they influenced. After each story, the stage spins and the song is performed. Only two artists get multiple songs, Bob Marley and The Pointer Sisters. 

The singing and the music is very good along with all the dancing. However, the record store part gets a bit repetitive. There isn’t any connective tissue between all the songs like in most jukebox musicals. 

The cast of Hitt Records includes: Lyle Miller, Dennis Dent, Michael Lunder, Vincent Jordan, Rhonda Preston, Qiana McNary, DeVaughn Loman, Dwight Neal, Trequon Tate, Jaitee Thomas, Britt Edwards, and Destin Warner.

Get tickets now for Hitt Records through January 26th! 

Cost of a ticket: $66

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Discounted +

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

Quinn Delaney

The setting is an African hair braiding salon in Harlem, New York, 2019. All the employees love to talk and gossip while working. The owner, Jaja, is getting married and is very excited to become an American citizen. A customer comes in and asks for micro-braids, which is a very difficult job. They all try to avoid taking her. The same thing happens again with a very uptight and bossy customer. It’s so funny to watch the employees react simultaneously. 

Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) has written a great slice of life play about this African salon. It’s so very funny and also filled with great drama. At 90 minutes, it would still be nice to have an intermission. Join the Pro-Intermission movement here.

The cast is fantastic. They fully become their characters. During this performance, one of them asks another if there can ever be an easy day at work. A very young audience member quickly responds “no”, which results in a huge laugh from the crowd. The cast doesn’t miss a beat and continues on professionally. 

Get tickets now for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding through February 2nd!

Cost of a ticket: $94 (Middle Balcony)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It –

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

Quinn Delaney

Waitress is based on the 2007 film of the same name starring Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, and Jeremy Sisto. In 2016, it was nominated for four Tonys, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The story is about Jenna, who is stuck in a bad marriage but dreams of winning a pie contest in order to have enough money to get away. With the help of her friends and a new love interest, her future begins to look bright. But the journey is not without its struggles.

The writing for this show is great. It all started with the great script for the movie by Adrienne Shelly. Then there is the book by Jessie Nelson and the music & lyrics by Sara Bareilles. It all comes together fantastically. This production is very impressive for the size of the theatre (capacity 199). It’s Broadway worthy with its large cast, full band, and large moving set pieces. 

The cast is excellent. Ruby Day is excellent as Jenna. Her voice is so strong. Ben Euphrat has the tough task of playing the bad husband, and he does it with class. Sharon Shao is sweet and cute as Dawn. Michael Parrott almost steals the show as Ogie. His performance of “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” is delightfully over the top and receives a huge applause from the crowd. Dorian Lockett as Cal and Tanika Baptiste as Becky have great chemistry together as they bicker in the diner. 

Cost of a ticket: $110 (Orchestra Center)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It

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Get tickets now for Waitress through January 18th!

Quinn Delaney

Fun aside: When the audience learns her husband’s name is Earl, some expect the song, “Goodbye Earl” by the Dixie Chicks to appear. “Cause Earl had to die!” they sing!

Jenny and David are going on a first date. They met via Tinder. David was reading the New York Times article about the 36 questions that can lead to love when Jenny arrives. He wants to ask Jenny the questions as a way to get to know each other. Jenny resists and she suggests they go back to her place and have sex. David hesitates, but he eventually agrees. Along the way, he tries to ask her many of the 36 questions. 

Leah Nanako Winkler (Two Mile Hollow, The Brightest Thing in the World) has written a hilarious, sexy, and smart story about modern dating. The audience is either laughing or sitting at the edge of their seats for the entire show. 

In this production, the two actors sit at desks on each side of the stage with handheld microphones. In the back middle of the stage sits the narrator. It works very well in this style as the actors are always facing the audience. It would be very interesting to see it performed with them facing each other in a realistic fashion. 

Soren Santos is fantastic as David, who is able to respectfully disrespect Jenny as she requests. Lauren Andrei Garcia is steller as Jenny, who is very focused in her intentions. nic feliciano is great as the narrator, who describes the action with great style and emotion. 

Overall, it’s a fantastic show that should not be missed! 

Cost of a ticket: $40

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Exceptional Value –

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

Get tickets now for Thirty-Six through December 29th! 

Quinn Delaney

Charles Dickens joyfully ushers everyone into their seats. He is in a happy mood as he passes out mini candy canes. When the show begins, he resists starting the reading. Instead, he suggests that everyone should go see the production downtown. They are doing a full play, instead of just a reading, he says. (He is referring to the Goodman Theatre. See our review here). 

Rather than doing ‘A Christmas Carol’, he prefers to throw a holiday party. But, the spirits won’t allow it. They keep turning off the party lights and introducing him. So, begrudgingly, he begins. With just a few asides, he proceeds to tell the entire story in a very suprisingly enthusiastic manner. 

Thus, the title is a bit misleading. It leads one to believe the reading will be done reluctantly, perhaps in a funny, sarcastic manner. Instead, it’s a mostly straightforward telling of the story. 

Blake Montgomery is excellent as Charles Dickens, who truly enjoys his 171st year of performing his most famous work. 

Get tickets now for  Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs ‘A Christmas Carol’ Again through December 22nd. 

Cost of a ticket: $38

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Discounted + 

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

Quinn Delaney

What ever happened to Cindy Lou Who? Well, she grew up and became quite a partier. She loves to drink and to swear. She reunites with the Grinch, and let’s just say, they start an adult relationship. Tonight she is throwing a holiday party. She has invited many of the Dr. Seuss characters including Lorax, Thing One, Thing Two, Yertle the Turtle, and many more.

Veronica Garza (Tonya and Nancy) is absolutely hilarious as Cindy Lou Who. She keeps the laughs going for the full 65 minutes. Also, the whole show rhymes in the style of Dr. Suess. She is especially quick with improved quips such as, “It mostly spilled on the table!” 

On this evening, she calls on a man in the third row. She flirts with him and gives him a shot of Malört. Throughout the show, she makes calls back to him including inviting him to the after party with her. It gives the show a great dose of interactiveness.   

Cost of a ticket: $39

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It –

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

Get tickets now for Who’s Holiday through December 29th!

Quinn Delaney

What if Juliet didn’t kill herself after she discovered that Romeo is dead? William Shakespeare doesn’t want to change it, but his wife, Anne Hathaway, does. This leads perfectly into Shakespeare singing “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys. 

There are so many well used songs in this show. Another great one is “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry sung by a new couple. David West Read (Schitt’s Creek) did a fantastic job writing the book which ties together these songs expertly. 

It is such a fun jukebox musical like Moulin Rouge, which also takes place in Paris. You’ll smile every time you hear the first few notes of a great song that you recognize.  

All the songs were written by Max Martin, who is #2 on the list on songwriters with the most number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart (#1 is Paul McCartney). It includes songs that were released by Jessie J, Britney Spears, Robyn, Kesha, Demi Lovato, Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, Arianda Grande, The Weeknd, Celine Dion, *NSYNC, Justin Timberlake, and more. 

What’s next for Juliet? Get tickets now for & Juliet through December 15th and find out!

Cost of a ticket: $111 (Orchestra)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +

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

Quinn Delaney

Beach Fly is up first. They play a hilarious song about a monkey stealing a mango right out of their hands. It’s full of monkey sounds and it’s very fun. Afterwards they play “Thinking Of You”. It’s a fantastic reggae rock love song with a smooth groove. It shows that this young band has a lot of potential. 

Next up is Coyote Island. Early on they play “River” from their 2024 album Holy Illusion. This excellent reggae rock track features a great solo by the lead guitarist. “Ain’t nothing left to hide when we are free!” This band is also on their way to great things. 

Surfer Girl takes the stage last. They are thrilled to be headlining in Chicago for the first time. They opened for The Elovaters and Shwayze at the Bottom Lounge last year. They play “Evil” from their 2022 album, Sunrise. “Evil walks my way sometimes / But I’ve seen where it’s coming from / So I give it hell but let it run / Even if I press rewind / I can’t fix everything I’ve done / So I might as well be giving love.” This song has such a great vibe that takes the audience away to a warm tropical beach. This surely won’t be their last headlining show in Chicago.

Cost of a ticket: $25

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Exceptional Value

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

Quinn Delaney

The scene is a bathroom in a gay bar. A drug addict is searching for more medicine. A man is proposing to his boyfriend. A mom is there to support her son. A guy refuses to hook up without protection. A drag queen gets ready to perform. A lesbian couple has an argument because the other didn’t say “I love you” back to her. Cut to a news reporter talking about a dramatic event that takes place at the bar that changes the tone completely. 

Juwon Tyrel Perry has written a great slice of life play about the community in a gay bar. It’s funny and dramatic in a good mix. Everyone in is the cast does an excellent job portraying their character. The play is a bit short at just 70 minutes. Perhaps they could add an intermission before the news reporter and then add each of the characters responding to the big event afterwards, instead of just the one. 

Cost of a ticket: $30

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Discounted +

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

Get tickets now for Flush through December 8th. 

Quinn Delaney