Director

**Sunny Afternoon at Chicago Shakespeare Theater**

**Dates:** March 21 - April 27, 2025  
**Location:** The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, 800 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

**About the Show:**  
Dive into the electrifying journey of The Kinks' rise to fame with the North American Premiere of "Sunny Afternoon." This award-winning musical, capturing four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, showcases the band's tumultuous ascent through their own iconic songs like "You Really Got Me," "Lola," and "All Day and All of the Night." With an original story, music, and lyrics by The Kinks’ legendary Ray Davies and a script by Joe Penhall, "Sunny Afternoon" offers an unforgettable rock-and-roll experience. Directed by Edward Hall, who led the world premiere in London, the musical promises a personal and timeless narrative straight from Davies' perspective, highlighting the family's collaborative spirit and the universal struggle of overcoming life's challenges.

**Duration:** Approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes, including intermission

**Tickets:** Available later this summer. For more information, visit the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's website or contact the Box Office at 312.595.5600.

**Additional Information:**  
- Parking and dining options are available at the venue.  
- For those interested in supporting the arts, consider becoming a sponsor or donating to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Join us for a mesmerizing performance that celebrates the legacy of The Kinks and the power of music to transcend time. Don't miss this rock-and-roll journey through the highs and lows of one of the most influential bands in history.

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Sunny Afternoon

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

From working-class London lads to rock ‘n’ roll icons, The Kinks exploded onto the ‘60s music scene with a raw, energetic new sound that rocked a nation and changed the industry forever. The story of the band’s atmospheric rise to fame is told through their own prolific catalog of hit songs, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night”—all performed live onstage by the actors. You’ll be rocking out in your seat with a live concert experience of the irresistible music that inspired generations. With an original story, music, and lyrics by The Kinks’ legendary Ray Davies and a script by Joe Penhall, this award-winning new musical makes its North American Premiere directed by Artistic Director Edward Hall, whose UK debut production took the West End by storm.

Experience the magic and whimsy of Shakespeare's beloved romantic comedy, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," like never before at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This enchanting production, adapted and directed by the renowned Edward Hall, promises to captivate audiences with its portrayal of young love, foolishness, and the delightful chaos brought on by magic and enchantment. Set in the intimate Courtyard Theater, this adaptation is part of the Short Shakespeare series, designed to introduce the wonders of Shakespeare to middle and high school students from across the region.

From February 8 to March 8, 2025, the theater will host a special five-week run of school matinees, welcoming over 20,000 students to experience the exhilaration of this timeless story. Additionally, the public will have the opportunity to enjoy this 75-minute production during Saturday performances, making it a perfect weekend outing for families, Shakespeare enthusiasts, and newcomers alike.

Edward Hall, celebrated for his dynamic and engaging adaptations, shares his excitement about creating this Short Shakes production. He aims to warm hearts and delight souls, inspiring young audiences and future artists with a comedy that resonates across ages. This production is a testament to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's ongoing commitment to providing exceptional theater experiences for young people.

Don't miss this opportunity to dive into a world where the boundaries between dream and reality blur, and love leads the way through a night of enchantment and laughter. With no intermission, the 75-minute run time ensures a captivating experience from start to finish. Tickets will go on sale later this summer, so be sure to mark your calendars for a magical journey to the heart of Shakespeare's imagination at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier.

Short Shakespeare A Midsummer Night’s Dream

**Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents: Henry V**

This fall, immerse yourself in the timeless drama of Shakespeare's "Henry V," brought to life by the acclaimed Chicago Shakespeare Theater. From September 6 to October 6, 2024, the Courtyard Theater will be the stage for this gripping tale of ambition, adventure, and the complexities of nationalism, directed by the visionary Edward Hall.

**Event Details:**

- **Play:** Henry V
- **Dates:** September 6 - October 6, 2024
- **Venue:** Courtyard Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
- **Directed by:** Edward Hall

Following his groundbreaking production of "Richard III," Artistic Director Edward Hall opens the fall season with a powerful rendition of "Henry V." Known for his evocative storytelling and innovative direction, Hall has previously captivated audiences in London’s West End, New York, and globally with his Shakespearean productions. This play marks his first season with CST since taking over as artistic director in October 2023.

"O for a Muse of Fire" – with these iconic words, Shakespeare's "Henry V" unfolds into a narrative filled with famous speeches and stirring poetry. Edward Hall's interpretation delves into the thrill and the destructive power of war, examining the seductive and dangerous facets of nationalism. The play is a profound exploration of war, its consequences, and our collective need for unity.

**Why See Henry V?**
Edward Hall states, "Henry V remains one of the most revealing plays about war, nationalism, and the consequences of both. There has never been a more prescient moment to explore our reflex for conflict through the prism of a story that contains some of the greatest writing in the English language."

**Tickets and Additional Information:**
Tickets will go on sale later this summer. For more information on tickets, seating, and additional resources, please visit the Chicago Shakespeare Theater website or contact the box office at 312.595.5600.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of Shakespeare's most compelling works, directed by one of the most innovative directors of our time. Join us at the Courtyard Theater for a season opener that promises to be both thought-provoking and profoundly moving.

Henry V

“Conscience is but a word that cowards use...” 2023 Tony Award-nominated actor, Paralympic champion, and bilateral above-knee amputee Katy Sullivan makes her Chicago Shakespeare debut—and is set to shine as Shakespeare’s ruthless king. A divided kingdom is fertile ground for the unscrupulous Richard to seize power and exact revenge, and no one is safe from his tyranny. Edward Hall, one of the UK’s leading directors, brings a brooding steampunk aesthetic to this infamous play and grapples with its relationship to disability and ableism in society.

Director

Edward Hall

Events

Past events

Mar 21 - Apr 27, 2025

Sunny Afternoon · Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

Mar 21 - Apr 27, 2025

Sunny Afternoon · Chicago Shakespeare Theater

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