Sunny
Afternoon
March 21
April 27, 2025
The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare
By Joe Penhall
Original story, music, and lyrics
by Ray Davies
Directed by Edward Hall
March 21
April 27, 2025
The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare
By Joe Penhall
Original story, music, and lyrics
by Ray Davies
Directed by Edward Hall
Sunny Afternoon tells the story of the rise to stardom of The Kinks through their own prolific catalog of chart-topping songs including “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, this musical is an unforgettable rock-and-roll journey through the soaring triumphs and devastating lows of an iconic band that influenced generations. Edward Hall returns to this show after directing the world premiere at London’s Hampstead Theatre and in the West End.
“Anyone who knows The Kinks knows we’re a series of catastrophes turning into glorious triumph,” says Davies. “This is not an interpretation…it’s coming from my perspective and 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.”