500 Clown Macbeth
Shakespeare may roll over in his grave when three clowns attempt to perform his tragedy, but that’s nothing compared to the wild physical stunts the trio endures as they compete for the title role and wind up destroying the text, the set and one another in this rambunctious comedy. $20-$28. Through Aug. 29. Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave. 312-337-0665.
Puppetry of the Penis
The term “genital origami” may raise some eyebrows, but the return engagement of this non-sexual adult show is definitely a unique production. Two naked puppeteers orchestrate installations reminiscent of the Loch Ness monster and the Eiffel Tower. $39-$45. Through Aug. 29. Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway, 773-472-3492.
Matt & Ben
Two women play the Hollywood hunks (or lunks?)–pre-stardom, in this off-Broadway hit. Watch for a few fun J.Lo and David Schwimmer jabs. (Check out the full review on metromix.com.) $25. Through Sept. 12. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327- 5252.
Job Opportunity
Take a drive through Chicago’s North Side in a 1985 Delta ’88 Oldsmobile. While you get cozy in the back seat with three friends (the audience is limited to four people per show), two actors up front grapple with the moral and ethical dilemmas of using their car to courier a package. $37. Open end. Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-883-1090.
Broadway Bound and Gagged
Jazz Hands Across America, an ensemble with The Second City Training Center, crafts a fully improvised musical with songs and dance numbers based on audience suggestion. $10. Saturday-Sept. 9. Second City Skybox, 1608 N. Wells St. 312-337-3992.
Foolin’ Around with Infinity
Two keepers of a missile silo, stationed a quarter mile beneath the Utah desert, test their sanity while awaiting a call from the president. As their evening wears on, they summon each other’s deepest fears in this dark comedy. $15. Through Aug. 29. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. 312-902-1500, 773-935-6860.
Opening soon:
W!
This musical satire–at George W. Bush’s expense–includes tunes such as “Texas Kind of Prez” and “Weapons of Mass Distraction.” $21. Previews begin Aug. 26, opens Sept. 7. Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-883-1090.
