Thursday, Aug 19: The Pavilion
8:30 p.m.; Gift Theatre at Victory Gardens; $20-$25
Even in this super-paranoid American era, nothing frightens us more than high school class reunions. This elegant Pulitzer-nominated script by Craig Wright tenderly explores the world of two former high school sweethearts who reconnect at their 20-year reunion.
Friday, Aug. 20:
Solid Citizen
8:00 p.m.; Neo-Futurarium; $12
Lisa Buscani, one of Chicago’s pioneering Neo-Futurists and acclaimed monologist, performs a solo show in the old-school style. In several monologues, Buscani plays “people who serve their community,” ranging from an abortion clinic employee to a grand jury member. Here’s a homegrown artist at the top of her game.
Saturday, Aug. 21: Matt & Ben
7:30 p.m.; Theatre Building Chicago; $25
Catch the off-Broadway hit that’s making its Chicago premiere. Two women play Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Hollywood buddies who are blessed when the screenplay from “Good Will Hunting” literally falls from the sky. It’s even more hilarious than it sounds (if that’s possible).
Sunday, Aug. 22:
Merrily We Roll Along
2:30 p.m.; White Horse Theatre at Chicago Dramatists;
Here’s a rare chance to hear some spirited up-and-comers sing the hell out of one of Stephen Sondheim’s trickiest scores. This emerging company is putting itself on the map doing large-scale musicals with shoestring budgets in small spaces. Get it while it’s still cheap.
Monday, Aug 23:
Armando Diaz Experience, Theatrical Movement & Hootenanny
8:30 p.m.; open run; ImprovOlympic Theatre; $12.
“The Armando Diaz Experience” at ImprovOlympic still retains its warhorse popularity. Performed by members and alumni of Second City and ImprovOlympic, seeing this show is the perfect thing to do on a Monday. It’s a great chance to see actors take big risks with equally big payoffs.
Tuesday, Aug 24:
Fatty Arbuckle’s Spectacular Musical Review
8:30 p.m.; Tuesdays only; Second City Theatricals at Martyrs'; tickets: (800) 594-TIXX; $17 This original Chicago rock musical is slowly but surely on its way to becoming the next big thing to emerge from the city’s diverse theater scene. Featuring a troupe of seasoned singers, burlesque performers and guerillas clowns, this tribute to silent screen comedians is joyride.
Wednesday, Aug 25:
500 Clown Macbeth
8 p.m.; Lookingglass Theatre Company, Water Tower Water Works; 821 N. Michigan; (312) 337-0665; $22-$28
Can’t sit still for the real thing? This acrobatic version of the Scottish play by Chicago’s foremost theater troupe runs a brisk 75 minutes and offers the most physically combative take on the Bard you’ll ever encounter. You might worry for their safety, but that’s half the fun.
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