A Rock ’N’ Roll Fantasy

Sunny Afternoon

During the 1960’s, the United Kingdom became the breeding ground for an international music industry. Except for  some specific details, the story of how The Kinks became one of the defining sounds of the 1960’s, sounds vaguely familiar. Almost every musical group from that time period, especially those who were labeled as part of the “British Invasion,” had similar background stories. Musical collectives, like The Kinks, The Beatles, The Animals and The Rolling Stones, primarily hailed from everyday, working class backgrounds. And more often than not, the young musicians began as members of one or more smaller groups. However, as these bands became more and more popular, a professional producer would soon join their ranks, helping promote the group and making the band more refined, rebranded and ultimately renamed.

The story of brothers Ray and Dave Davies, and their longtime friend Peter Quaife, and their newly hired drummer, Mick Avory, is rather unique. Today this talented musical quartet from suburban North London is recognized as one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960’s. Performing under several different names, the band finally settled on calling themselves The Ravens. However, following a successful local gig on Valentine’s Day, the performers could foresee big things coming their way. 

So Ray Davies decided to hire two local business men, Robert Wace and Grenville Collins, to be their managers. Eventually the boys even hired a third business manager, a former pop singer named Larry Page. Before the boys knew what was happening to them, their producers had chosen a new image for the band. They felt the group needed a gimmick in order to gain public attention, so they decided to rename the band. Based on the kinky way the band would be costumed, as well as their kinky, often rebellious behavior (the boys would sometimes fight on stage while performing), the quartet became known internationally as The Kinks. 

The fascinating story of their rise to stardom, including all of the ups and downs, highs and lows and many problems and their great popularity, is told through this highly entertaining jukebox musical. Filled with more than two dozen songs from The Kinks’ catalogue of hits, SUNNY AFTERNOON emerges as an energetic and contagiously tuneful biography of a beloved rock group. It also paints a portrait of one of the most influential eras in musical history, A Rock ’N’ Roll Fantasy. The two hour and forty-five minute show boasts a script by Joe Penhall, based upon a story by The Kinks’ lead singer/songwriter, Ray Davies, who also wrote all the music and lyrics.

This production, enjoying its North American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, is brilliantly Directed by Edward Hall (CST Director of RICHARD III, HENRY V, ROSE RAGE). Mr. Hall has infused the production with a polish and flair that recalls the groovy energy and far out emotional trajectory of the Swinging Sixties. Talented Choreographer Adam Cooper (LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, TOOTSIE) adds lots of life to the show with authentic dances from the 60’s, including the Jerk, the Funky Chicken, the Pony, the Boogaloo and the Twist. The expert Musical Direction is by Mason Moss and some spot-on Music Supervision is headed by Elliott Ware. All of the instrumentals are provided by this talented cast, as well as some gorgeous vocal harmonies. 

Mr. Hall’s staging, which utilizes the entire expanse of the Yard venue, is dynamic and an absolute gas. His production employs an artistic Scenic Design by Miriam Buether (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, STRANGER THINGS) that features a box set comprised of three enormous walls made entirely of woofers and tweeters. The set extends the acting area by including a runway that brings the action right into the audience’s lap. Ms. Buether is also the production’s Costume Designer, as well, and her fashions truly represent the 60’s era as the “Cultural Decade.”

The cast, who are not only fantastically talented vocalists and instrumentalists, are also gifted actors. Many cast members play multiple roles, often at the drop of a hat, and do it with unbelievable skill and finesse. The controversial Kinks are led by Danny Horn, as songwriter and lead vocalist, Ray Davies. Not only is he a handsome, talented young musician but he’s a versatile British actor who makes this character absolutely honest and relatable. Mr. Horn’s bio sports plenty of performing experience on stage, in film and on TV. Ray’s younger brother Dave is passionately played by Oliver Hoare. This exceptional English actor also boasts a resume that includes dozens of live theatre, TV and movie work.

Bass guitarist Peter Quaife is portrayed by New York actor Michael Lepore, whose resume also boasts a great many regional theater and TV roles. And, as dynamic drummer Mick Avory, Chicago actor/musician Kieran McCabe is simply incredible. Seen at CST in AS YOU LIKE IT, Mr. McCabe will be remembered from his award-winning portrayal of the lead character in BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, both at the Marriott and at American Blues Theaters. He also dazzled audiences with his terrific performances in Paramount’s ROCK OF AGES and at Writers Theatre in NEXT TO NORMAL.

The supporting cast is, in a word, sensational. Having recently appeared in THE FULL MONTY at Paramount, Ben Mayne is excellent as the Kinks’ producer, Robert Wace. He’s joined by talented Will Leonard, another exceptional local actor/singer, as producer Grenville Collins. Mr. Leonard was seen recently in Drury Lane’s GUYS AND DOLLS. Both actors are gifted triple-threats who are absolutely delightful in this production. They’re joined by one of Chicago’s favorite character actors, Sean Fortunato, as the third producer for the Kinks, Larry Page. Sean has appeared in over two dozen productions at CST, as well as playing the titular Doctor in Mercury Theater’s YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN and Miss Trunchbull in MATILDA at Drury Lane.

Other highly accomplished actor/singer/dancers include the always magnificent Marya Grandy, as Annie Davies, Marsha, and others; chameleon actor John Carlin, as Fred Davies, Allen Klein, and others; Ana Margaret Marcu as Rasa, Dolly, and others; Joseph Papke as Eddie Kassner, and others; Jared D.M. Grant as Gregory Piven, and others; and, especially, the ensemble trio of lithe and lovely vocalist/dancers, who also play multiple smaller roles, which includes Emma Grace Bailey, Joy Campbell and Kayla Shipman.

This jumping, jubilant jukebox musical is so much fun and a full evening (or a SUNNY AFTERNOON) overflowing with perfected performances and marvelous music. Edward Hall’s polished, professional production features plenty of songs, many that most theatergoers will immediately recognize, while others may become new favorites. They include the title song, “Lola,” “You Really Got Me,” “All Day and All of the Night,” “Too Much on My Mind/Tired of Waiting” and “Waterloo Sunset,” which makes this show a real  “Rock ’N’ Roll Fantasy.”            

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 21-April 27 by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, in The Yard venue, 800 E. Grand Avenue on Navy Pier, Chicago.

Tickets are available by calling the box office at 312-595-5600 or by going to www.chicagoshakes.com.

Additional information about this and other fine area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com