THU 6/14
Stage frights
Mary Shelley and William Shakespeare caused you enough anxiety in college. Throw in a batch of clowns and you’ve got a recipe for sheer terror — or compelling theater. Decide for yourself when “500 Clown Frankenstein” and “500 Clown Macbeth” open in rotation at Steppenwolf Theatre. The performance trio reworks the classic texts using wildly physical theater and circus arts. 7:30 p.m. “500 Clown Frankenstein” preview. Full schedule at metromix.com. $20. 1650 N. Halsted St. 312-335-1650.
Dolly pardon
Prefer dolls to clowns? “The Refugee Girls Revue” chews up saccharine American Girl dolls and spits out a political parody set to music. Watch the Refugee Dolls sing and dance about valuable life lessons while extending a welcome to two newcomers from New Orleans: Katrina and her sister Rita. 10:30 p.m. preview. Free. Mullen’s on Clark, 3527 N. Clark St. 847-331-1295. Show opens Saturday at the Apollo Theater (2540 N. Lincoln Ave.). See metromix.com for schedule.
Smells delish
After palling around with the “Ocean’s Thirteen” crew and a flock of dancing penguins, it’s time to kick back with some less mainstream movies. Three venues screen 59 films and videos from 10 countries at the 19th annual Onion City Experimental Film and Video Festival. The opening-night program includes work by Jean-Luc Godard, Manoel de Oliveira and scene newcomers, as well as a screening of Bill Morrison’s “Outerborough” with live musical accompaniment. 8 p.m. $7-$9. Gene Siskel Center, 164 N. State St. 312-846-2800. See metromix.com for schedule.
FRI 6/15
Jam and toast
The week is up, which means it’s time to boogie down at Sunset Jams. Castaway’s annual live music series featuring tribute bands kicks off with Libido Funk Circus and Bacardi drink specials. 8 p.m. $10. Tickets: chicagosocial.com. 1603 N. Lake Shore Drive. 773-281-1200.
SAT 6/16
On a tangent
Raise a glass to MidTangent Productions at the Summer Solstice Gala. The benefit precedes the theater company’s third annual staging of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Queer Tale,” Tony Lewis’ fast-paced GLBT take on the Bard’s romantic comedy (see metromix.com for details). Includes food from Pie Hole, beer, cocktails, a DJ, door prizes and performances by drag artist Titania Divine. 7 p.m. $15. 800 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-7711.
Word up
You can’t resist the lowbrow appeal of reality TV. But how would your competitive chops hold up in an “American Idol”-style competition? If you think you’ve invented a word worthy of dictionary residence, flaunt your wits at the New Word Open Mic. A panel of editors and neologism experts are on hand; the winner takes home a new dictionary and bragging rights. 4:30 p.m. Reservations recommended: dsna(underscore)xvi@logocracy.com. Oriental Institute, 1155 E. 58th St. 773-478-2339.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
