It’s always refreshing to see the sun come out after a summer rainstorm and that’s exactly what Baekhyun brought to Rosemont Theatre on his Reverie World Tour in late June. The EXO member’s first solo world tour sold out the impressive Chicago-adjacent venue as fans were packed to the balcony armed with slogans, lightsticks and an endless supply of adoration.
Baekhyun started the show right on time, whipping the fans into a frenzy with a visually stunning video introduction before emerging through a door at center stage for “Young”, “Ghost” and “Pineapple Slice”. Dressed to impress in a sleek suit and flanked by a stellar group of dancers, Baekhyun’s impressive vocals and smooth moves remained in the spotlight. His first formal introduction had the crowd barking enthusiastically- not for the last time that night- and cheering right into “Woo” and “Bambi”.
The flashing lights and the tight choreography added wonderful layers to the show but it was Baekhyun’s voice that rightfully pulled all the focus. His impeccable control and roof-shattering falsetto elevated the music right past the rafters and into the humid air outside. There were also many video breaks that told a meandering sort of story while Baekhyun ran offstage to present his next outfit- from a sultry black number to a cute and sunny cardigan- and the night’s remaining songs.
“Chocolate” and “Good Morning” were obvious fan favorites in the middle of the set, along with “Lemonade” and “Psycho” later on. Baekhyun took time between songs to explain their meanings and drop little anecdotes for the audience, encouraging the closeness between artist and fans throughout the show. After so much time away, his fans were just happy to have him back onstage and showered him with love from the first notes to the final encore.
Baekhyun’s set was a whopping 24 songs, including a cover of BoA’s “Garden in the Air” before he returned to rock his tour merch and perform one last encore of “Love Again” and “Amusement Park”. This last section of the set was fun and whimsical and allowed Baekhyun to express his own love for the fans who have always had his back. The Chicago air was still thick with the threat of more summer rain but fans left the theatre feeling washed clean by the amazing experience of Baekhyun’s Reverie.
Photo credit: Olivia Khiel and INB100
