Kinks: Sunny Afternoon | Review

On the heels of the success of The Beatles and Rolling Stones, another group of four working-class lads from the outskirts of London called The Kinks made their mark on the history of Rock and Roll.

This energetic jukebox musical, “Sunny Afternoon,” enjoying its North American premiere here in Chicago, is based on the story of the Kinks as told by lead singer and songster Ray Davies, filtered through the adept hand of playwright Joe Penhall.

“Sunny Afternoon” at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, through April 27, 2025 is highly recommended. Running time is about 2 1/2 hours with a 15-minute intermission. For tickets and information visit ChicagoShakes.com

Cast List:

• Emma Grace Bailey. Peggy / Ensemble
• Joy Campbell. Joyce / Ensemble
• John Carlin. Fred Davies / Allen Klein / Ensemble
• Sean Fortunato. Larry Page / Ensemble
• Marya Grandy. Annie Davies / Marsha / Ensemble
• Jared D.M. Grant. Gregory Piven / Ensemble
• Oliver Hoare. Dave Davies
• Danny Horn. Ray Davies
• Will Leonard. Grenville Collins/ Ensemble
• Michael Lapore. Peter Quaife/ Ensemble
• Ana Margaret Marcu. Rasa / Sister/ Ensemble
• Ben Mayne. Robert Wace / Ensemble
• Kieran McCabe. Mick Avory /Ensemble
• Joseph Papke. Kasner / Ensemble
• Kayla Shipman. Gwen / Waitress/ Ensemble