North American Premiere Of ‘Sunny Afternoon’ Brings The Kinks’ Story To Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is set to bring the electrifying story of The Kinks to life with the North American premiere of “Sunny Afternoon,” a rock ‘n’ roll musical chronicling the band’s rise to fame.

Directed by Edward Hall, the musical tells the true story of The Kinks through their own legendary songs, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night.” Featuring a book by Joe Penhall and music and lyrics by The Kinks’ Ray Davies, the production comes to Chicago following its acclaimed West End run in the U.K., where it won four Olivier Awards, including Best Musical.

“Anyone who knows The Kinks knows we’re a series of catastrophes turning into glorious triumph,” Davies said. “This is not an interpretation … it’s coming from my perspective and is very personal to me. Most of the stories come from the family in the front room where everyone played an instrument, and everyone collaborated. Yet what’s come through is that it’s a kind of timeless story. Yes, there’s a setting, but hopefully the songs transcend time. It’s about characters and situations and people trying to get through their lives.”

From humble beginnings in working-class London, The Kinks broke into the 1960s music scene with a raw, rebellious sound that changed rock history. “Sunny Afternoon” brings that era to life, blending theater and concert-style performance as actors play their own instruments live on stage.

“It’s a joy to be bringing this show to America for the first time and to celebrate the incredible music of The Kinks,” said director Edward Hall. “Chicago is a city rich in musical history, so there is no better place to begin this rock ‘n’ roll journey, which takes us from a small family home in North London to the stage of Madison Square Garden.”

The cast includes Emma Grace Bailey, Joy Campbell, John Carlin, Sean Fortunato, Marya Grandy, Jared D.M. Grant, Oliver Hoare, Danny Horn, Will Leonard, Michael Lepore, Ana Margaret Marcu, Ben Mayne, Kieran McCabe, Joseph Papke, and Kayla Shipman.

Performances begin March 21 at the Tony Award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater on the famed Navy Pier.