A couple meets at college in Chicago. During the last week of the semester in December, he asks her out on a date while it is snowing. Jump forward five years and they are married with a baby. The father has become a successful author while the mother is struggling to get published.  

Kate Arrington has written a play that is full of interesting events. These make for great scenes, however, it feels like a great outline that is missing the details. It jumps from event to event without any explanation of what happened in between.

Ian Barford (Linda Vista, The Minutes) is great as the father unsure of what he is doing with his life. Judy Greer (Married, Kidding) is so likeable as the mother, who is so kind to the father, even after he what he does to her. Caroline Neff is so cute and funny as the father’s literary agent. Nicole Scimeca is solid as the narrator.

Overall, it’s a solid production with a great cast. It has strong bones and it just needs to add a bit more meat to the story.

Cost of a ticket: $84 – $102

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Get tickets now for Another Marriage through July 23^rd!

Quinn Delaney

The Who’s Tommy was first released in May of 1969. The film version starring Roger Daltrey was released in 1975. The Broadway debut was in March of 1993. It was nominated for the Best Musical Tony. The Paramount Theatre in Aurora produced the musical in January of 2015. And now, in June of 2023, it opens at the Goodman Theatre.

Tommy’s father goes missing in action in the war while his mother is pregnant. Tommy is born and his mother meets a new man. His father is then rescued and returns home. The new man attacks and the father shoots him to death. Tommy witnesses this and goes deaf and blind. They see many doctors, but none of them can help. One day he discovers pinball and he quickly becomes a master.

This production is absolutely world class. It is Broadway and Tony Award worthy. All of the elements are at such a high level.

The set design by David Korins is incredibly impressive. It’s a very futurist look with lighted doors and mirrors. The lighting design by Amnada Zieve and the projection design by Peter Nigrini adds up to an incredibly amazing visual spectacle.

The cast is absolutely fantastic. Ali Louis Bourzgui (Layalina) shines as Tommy. Alison Luff is fantastic as the mother. Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) is superb as the father. John Ambrosino is great in the tough role of Uncle Ernie. Bobby Conte is steller as Cousin Kevin.

Also, the band is top notch. “Pinball Wizard” will be in ringing in the audience’s head for days.

Cost of a ticket: $145 (Main Floor)

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Get tickets now for The Who’s Tommy through August 6^th!

For other rock operas, check out The Hazards of Love by the Decemberists, The Wall by Pink Floyd, and 2112 by Rush.

Quinn Delaney

Milky Chance bring their blend of electronic music and rock to Chicago tonight from Berlin, Germany. They create a great dancing vibe. Early in the set, they play a couple of covers: “Tainted Love” by Gloria Jones (and then popularized by Soft Cell) and “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?” by Culture Club. They truly add their own spin to both of the songs while revealing a couple of their influences.

Later in the night they play their most popular song “Stolen Dance” from their 2014 album, Sadnecessary. It has over 1.2 billion streams on Spotify. This song has such a great groove that everyone in the audience can’t help but move along.

Immediately afterwards, they launch into “Colorado”. “I get high like Colorado. We had it all but what do I know?” This is a great track that keeps the party going.

The headliner tonight is Young the Giant. Early in their set they play “Something to Believe In” from their 2016 album, Home of the Strange. “Realize you’re a slave to your mind, break free / Now give me something to believe in!” sings the lead singer, Sameer Gadhia, with great passion.

They follow that up with the incredibly catchy “Cough Syrup” from their self titled 2011 Album.

“I got buried / No it won’t be long before I rise in song” Gadhia sings on “I Got”. This song just sounds so good with the long notes of “got” and “buried”. Song after song, the audience erupts with joy.

Finally, to close out the night, they play their biggest hit, “My Body”. It’s a rocking number that gets everyone jumping up and down as they shout “My body tells me no, but I won’t quit, cause I want more!” It’s an excellent finish to a great night of music!

Also see our Young the Giant review from 2017 here.

See their full setlist here.

Cost of a ticket: $70 + fees (200 Section)

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Quinn Delaney

Early in the set, Ava Maybee sings “Roxanne” by The Police. She sang this song on American Idol in 2022. She ended up finishing in the top 14.

“Don’t you love me?” she sings on “Limerence”, the just released new single. It’s a beautifully haunting track that will surely take off on the charts.

“Puke” is a great song about dealing with anxiety. “If yоu соuld sее thе things insidе my hеаd, yоu’d сlоsе yоur еyеs instеаd оf wаtсhing”.

“What was the color of your eyes again?” she sings on fiercely snarky breakup song, “Colors”. This song has become very popular with over 7.5 million streams on Spotify and rightly so. The lyrics are excellent and it’s very catchy.

Lovelytheband also had a great set. Check out our review of their performance at the Taste of Chicago in 2019 here.

Cost of a ticket: $48

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Quinn Delaney

“Welcome to theatre class” declares the instructor. “Today, we have a special guest, who has been a background actor in over 3,000 films! Any movie you name, he’s probably been in it!” “Shrek you say? You mean the 2001 film starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, and others? Yes, I was in it!” says the actor.  “Do you remember the scene where Donkey says he is going to make waffles in the morning? I walked by the window while he was saying that! Let’s play out the scene.” Donkey: “In the morning, I’m making waffles”. Actor walks by with a shocked face. “Holy Shit! A talking donkey!” “Wow, did that line get cut from the G-rated movie?” “No, it’s just really quiet!”

“Rush Hour you say?  You mean the 1998 film starring Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, … and others? Yes, I was in it! Remember the scene when they need to get from one place to another? I was the taxi driver! Which character would you like to play? I’ll be uncomfortable with either choice.” “I’ll be both! Hi, taxi driver, take me to the destination.” “Right away!” “Hey, why are we going so slow?” “Because it’s rush hour!”

This scene is a hilariously created structure that allows the actors to show their improv chops based on the film suggestions. Evan Mills’ (Together at Last) movie knowledge is very impressive and he is hilarious on his feet as well. Claire McFadden is fantastic as the instructor and cracks Evan up as she describes the films.

All the actors also starred in Do the Right Thing, No Worries If Not, except for Jordan Stafford. He is excellent in his mainstage debut, especially in his solo scene about the young man talking to his father on his deathbed.

Julia Morales is so funny throughout the show, especially as the principal of the school. Andy Bolduc’s scenes with the dad jokes always result in an eruption of laughter. Kiley Fitzgerald is so great as the mother who makes out with her son’s friends.

They all have great chemistry together. Don’t be surprised to see more great things from them all.

Cost of a ticket: $65 (General Admission)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +

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Get tickets now for Don’t Quit Your Daydream at Second City!

Quinn Delaney

Gaby Moreno’s recent performance at the Salt Shed was an excellent display of talent, passion, and pure musical artistry. Moreno’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, leaving the audience captivated and in awe.

From the moment Moreno stepped onto the stage, her infectious energy and genuine love for music were palpable. Her warm smile and engaging presence instantly created a connection with the crowd, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Throughout the performance, she effortlessly showcased her versatile vocal range, effortlessly transitioning from soft, delicate melodies to powerful, soulful belting.

What truly sets Gaby Moreno apart is her ability to effortlessly blend various genres, infusing her own unique style into each song. She seamlessly moved between Latin American rhythms, bluesy soul, and heartfelt ballads, keeping the audience on their toes and ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy. Her interpretations of classic songs were refreshing and full of creativity, breathing new life into beloved tunes such as “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás”, which is an Osvaldo Farrés cover. The title translates to “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps”.

In addition to her musical prowess, Moreno’s storytelling ability shone through her interactions with the audience. She shared personal anecdotes and insights behind her songs, making the experience feel intimate and personal. It was evident that she genuinely cared about connecting with her fans, and her authenticity only added to the magic of the evening. One example was her introduction to “¿Por qué te vas?” (“Why are you leaving?”) from the soundtrack of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. She says her instructions for the song were to write about a depressed cat.

Late in the set she played “Luna de Xelajú”. She did a duet of this Guatemalan song with Oscar Isaac. She considers the song a second anthem for the country and she dedicated the song to a group of workers at the Salt Shed that are from Guatemala.

The Salt Shed, known for its impeccable sound quality and intimate ambiance, was the perfect setting for Gaby Moreno’s performance. The acoustics were pristine, allowing every nuance of her voice and guitar to be heard with crystal clarity. The venue’s cozy atmosphere created an intimate connection between the artist and the audience, amplifying the emotional impact of Moreno’s music.

Overall, Gaby Moreno’s performance at the Salt Shed was a tour de force of musical brilliance. Her extraordinary talent, combined with her infectious energy and genuine connection with the audience, made for an unforgettable evening.

Cost of a ticket: $99 (Premium)

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Quinn Delaney

Nickel Creek was also exceptional this evening. Read our review of their performance at the Taste of Chicago in July 2014 here.

“West Side Story” first premiered on Broadway in 1957. A film adaptation was released in 1961. 60 years later, Stephen Spielberg directed another film adaptation. In 2019, it first premiered at the Lyric Opera. And now, in June of 2023, it opens again at the Lyric.

The Lyric Opera’s production of “West Side Story” is an enthralling and powerful interpretation of the classic musical. With its remarkable staging, phenomenal performances, and a timeless score, this rendition successfully captures the essence of the original while bringing its own unique flair to the stage.

One of the most impressive aspects of this production is the innovative staging. The three story set smoothy transforms from scene in an impressive fashion.

The cast of “West Side Story” at the Lyric Opera delivers exceptional performances that leave a lasting impression. The chemistry between the two rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, is palpable, and their intense dance battles showcase the immense talent and skill of the entire ensemble. The vocal performances are equally impressive, with the actors’ powerful voices filling the opera house and conveying the raw emotions of the characters.

In particular, the lead roles of Tony and Maria shine brightly. Their portrayals are filled with youthful innocence, passion, and heartbreak. The chemistry between them is electric, and their duets are nothing short of breathtaking. The supporting cast also deserves applause, as each actor brings depth and authenticity to their respective characters, adding layers to the narrative.

The orchestra, conducted with finesse and precision, beautifully brings Leonard Bernstein’s iconic score to life. The melodies are both familiar and fresh, evoking a wide range of emotions, from the exuberance of “America” to the haunting melancholy of “Somewhere.” The music not only drives the story forward but also serves as a powerful commentary on the themes of love, prejudice, and the clash of cultures.

Overall, the Lyric Opera’s rendition of “West Side Story” is a must-see production that pays homage to the original while delivering a fresh and captivating experience. With its stunning visuals, outstanding performances, and the enduring power of Bernstein’s score, this rendition reaffirms the musical’s status as a true American classic. Prepare to be moved, dazzled, and enthralled by this remarkable interpretation at the Lyric Opera.

Cost of a ticket: $67 – $242

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Get tickets now for West Side Story at the Lyric Opera through June 25^th!

Quinn

Gene Tunney and his wife, Polly, are on their honeymoon in the island of Brioni in the Adriatic Sea. It is here that they meet George Bernard Shaw. They strike up a great friendship with him. Gene and GBS meet up often to talk about boxing, playwriting, God, and more. Their religion discussion gets heated as GBS is an atheist while Gene is a believer.

Douglas Post (Howard’s End) adapted this play from the book, The Prizefighter and the Playwright. It was written by Gene’s son, Jay R. Tunney. The play is very humorous and smart. It features many great conservations between the two friends

Maddie Sachs (Remy Bumppo’s Howard’s End) is delightful as Polly. She brings a true warmth to the character. Sam Pearson (Southern Gothic) is very charming and likable as the leading man, Gene Tunney. Richard Henzel is so funny and witty as George Bernard Shaw.

Cost of a ticket: $40

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +

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Get tickets now for Shaw vs. Tunney through July 8^th!

Quinn Delaney

On stage, Maksim sits at the piano facing directly to the right. The audience on the left half has a great view of him and the keys of the piano. Those on the right side can’t see his hands or the keys. All they can see is his head bobbing. So, definitely sit on the left side if possible.

Early in the set, he plays “In the Hall of the Mountain King”. Many bands have covered this song including The Offspring, ELO, The Who, and Deep Purple. Maksim’s version is great and fits in well with these others.

Next up is “Clocks” by Coldplay. He converted the vocals into piano notes and it sounds great. This a great song choice as Coldplay is the #3 most tracked artist on Songkick.

Afterward he plays “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. This is another great crowd pleaser that displays his crossover appeal. He plays the piano with such great passion.

In the middle of the concert, Maksim leaves the stage and the band plays three songs without him. It’s a good idea to showcase the band like this, but three straight songs seemed like a bit much.

Later on he plays “Nutcracker Fantasy”. It’s a bit odd to hear this outside of the Christmas season, but it still sounds great.

“The Flight of the Bumble Bee” displays his lightening quick piano playing skill fantastically. It was a great choice to have near the end of this great night of music.

Cost of a ticket: $140 (Main Floor Rear)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Half Price

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

Quinn Delaney