Party Music! Shwayze at Beat Kitchen (April 5, 2019)

Shwayze created a new style of rap with his musical partner, Cisco Adler. It a sun and fun filled style completely different from the NY or Detroit style. And tonight, he brings this party music to Chicago’s Beat Kitchen. Early on, he plays a new song that is a bit darker and harsher than his usual style. However, he quickly gets back to his roots with “Buzzin'”. “She was buzzin’ all over me like she fell in love” sings along everyone as they sway to the beat.

Shwayze is in a party mode as he asks the bartender for some tequila, because he is all out. Fans go ahead and start to buy him shots. He goes on to take about 4 shots throughout the night. One fan ups the ante and hands him a lit joint mid song. He takes a puff and then carries it around with him until the next break in the song when he can take another puff. Then, he hands it back to him. Shortly afterwards, this fan is escorted out of the building, despite the pleas from Shwayze saying “Don’t kick him out!”

The ejected fan luckily only missed a few songs, including the closer, “Corona And Lime”. “Baby, will you be my Corona and lime? And I will be your main squeeze.” It’s impressive how he can command a room with just a microphone and a DJ behind him.

Catch Shwayze on tour now!

Cost of a ticket: $19
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Exceptional Value
Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney

Exceptional Value! The New Colony Presents Small World at The Den Theatre (Through May 4, 2019)

A disaster strikes Disney World. Three employees are trapped inside the “It’s a Small World” ride. Kim is seriously injured but she tries to stay calm. Donny is sure they won’t be rescued and is determined to find a way out. Becca is caught between them, unsure of what to do.

This ensemble piece, written by Jillian Leff (Missed Opportunities) and Joe Lino (Grace, Fun Home) is a very dramatic play with life or death stakes. However, it is also very humorous. An especially fun scene is when they successfully stop the music from playing. It’s a fun moment of celebration in a tough situation.

The acting in this production is fantastic. Stephanie Shum (Plainclothes) is so funny as Kim, trying to stick to the Disney rules in this time of crisis while also wailing in pain. Patriac Coakley is great as Donny, manically searching for an escape. Lastly, Jackie Seijo is excellent as the normal one reacting to these two big characters.

Get tickets now for Small World through May 4th!

Cost of a ticket: $25
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Exceptional Value
Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney

Excellent! Requiem for a Heavyweight at The Artistic Home (Through April 14, 2019)

Mountain McClintock is a prize fighter past his glory days. After a brutal defeat, his pain only deepens following a visit from the doctor sharing devastating news that his next best move is retirement. He has been boxing for 14 years now and and he cannot visualize any other career.. His friend takes him to a job agency where he struggles to describe his talents. The woman working at the agency takes a strong interest in him and is determined to find an alternative passion. On the other hand, his manager wants him to take up professional wrestling, an idea Mountain strongly opposes.

It’s a story many people can relate to. What do you do when lose the job you’ve had for so long? You’ve become so specialized, it seems impossible to do anything else. This play really captures Mountain’s inner battle.

It is seating in the round for this show which creates a very intimate atmosphere. The boxing is happening just inches away. It is actually a bit too close and loud when the entire cast is clapping their gloves together violently. Thankfully, this only happens a couple times.

The acting in this production is excellent. Mark Pracht (School for Lies) is fantastic as McClintock, a man lost without his former sense of purpose. Patrick Thornton is also great as his manager, a man just trying to figure out where he can make his next dollar.

Get tickets now for Requiem for a Heavyweight through April 14th!

Cost of a ticket: $36
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It!
Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney