It’s funny how music acts who have been in the game for more than 30 years are revolutionizing the concert experience. That, at least, was what I witnessed during Wednesday night’s New Edition Way Tour at the United Center. In a time when reunion shows and nostalgic retreats are a staple of the touring concert circuit, New Edition employed a different kind of production to create their show. But if you weren’t aware of this ahead of time, or you just happened to arrive late, you would have missed out on all the fun. The show more or less started right on time at 8 p.m., with the band jumping into “We Going Out Tonight,” a new song to kick off their tour and hype up the crowd. This is where the fun began, with both Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton appearing out of thin air on the stage to join the group for the performance of the song. Those strategically placed risers would prove to be fundamental to the production of the rest of the evening, which was sharp, tight and compelling. But importantly, it also demonstrated how the flow of the night would proceed. Although the tour was dubbed a New Edition experience, appearances by Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton were peppered in throughout the night, giving the New Edition band members time to rest and breathe. In a traditional concert show structure, Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton would be opening acts before New Edition took the stage. But this collaborative musical experience created a three-hour spectacle quite unlike anything I had experienced before. A regular nostalgia tour this was not. Of course, the band’s biggest hits were present. They performed “If It Isn’t Love” early during the evening. I especially loved their medley later in the night, when they played some of their earliest ‘80s hits, including “Mr. Telephone Man” and “Can You Stand the Rain.” But they also left room for individual New Edition band members and group offshoots to get their shine during the evening as well. Johnny Gill’s voice was strong and smooth, just as silky as it’s always been for “Fair Weather Friend” and “Rub You the Right Way.” During “My My My,” Gill went down the stage’s steps to serenade members of the audience, much to the glee of the aunties in the room. It was a climactic moment in the show. The audience also sang along and shouted “Go Bobby!” during Bobby Brown’s numerous solo performances, including “Don’t Be Cruel.” Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe, aka Bell Biv DeVoe, popped up occasionally to sing with Bobby, then performed their own hits, including the always-rapturous “Do Me Baby.” Ralph Tresvant had his moments too, including during a dancer-fueled rendition of “Sensitivity.” From their elaborate costume changes, which always seemed to include sequins or rhinestones, to their modified dance moves that even the most casual of fans would know, the New Edition Way Tour was a loving tribute to the enduring power of RB, all in service to their fans. This was evident as well with the other performers during the evening. Boyz II Men danced to “Motownphilly,” got down on their knees for “On Bended Knee” and made the ladies swoon during “Water Runs Dry.” Other classic Boyz II Men elements were out in full force, including their performance of “I’ll Make Love to You,” when they threw roses to members of the audience. I almost caught one, but a woman elbowed me for it. Understandable. Boyz II Men performs at the United Center in Chicago on Feb. 4, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Likewise, Braxton more or less stuck to her hits, including “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” “Breathe Again,” and “Just Be a Man About It,” among others. As a longtime Toni Braxton fan, I was disappointed to see how few songs she performed during the evening. However, longtime fans also know that Braxton has suffered from complications of lupus for decades. At one moment, she noted that doctors had said that she may not be able to perform again. Her appearances at Wednesday night’s show and as part of this tour are a testament to her strength and courage. And although she only performed a handful of tunes (and ended her evening with her mega hit, “Unbreak My Heart”), she made sure each one was immaculate. Nearly every track was accompanied by an elaborate costume change and choreography, proving that Toni still is that girl. Toni Braxton performs at the United Center in Chicago on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Not every aspect of the evening was perfect. The first third of the evening had some technical sound issues. Sometimes the backing vocals were a little too strong, and it was hard to hear the singers even though, from what I could tell, they all sounded good, just like they did at their peaks. I noticed it most during Braxton’s performances. With a voice that’s unique and strong and charismatic, it deserved to shine boldly and beautifully. But the hiccups didn’t last long. If the traditional concert structure is a thing of the past, then I welcomed it here with open arms. All aspects of the large stage were utilized, ensuring all fans — including those with the seats behind the stage — received a 360-degree entertaining concert. This eclectically produced, round robin-style show (with no one artist on stage for too long) made for a lively, surprising evening that emphasized fun and community more than artistic hierarchy. Britt Julious is a freelance critic. ...read more read less