Theater shows come and go, most by design, but some seem to hang around forever.
They are the evergreen crowd-pleasers, the shows that keep selling tickets season after season, year in and year out. Compared side by side, many of these long-running shows share similar elements. Most are comedies; many also employ improv. They encourage audience participation and focus on relatable themes, such as relationships.
And they aren’t stuffy. None of these shows will be mistaken for serious theater — they’re intended to be fun entertainment for an evening.
So how entertaining are they? We profile some long-running Chicago shows that have withstood the test of time.
‘Late Nite Catechism’
Thursdays and Saturdays at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St.; $30, 312-988-9000.
A one-woman — er, Sister — show that’s part of the successful “Nuns in Charge” franchise of nun-centric shows. Sister teaches the class — the audience — about Catholicism. The show never gets serious as it pokes fun at the quirks and eccentricities of the religion.
Staying Power: The show is updated in response to news events and pop culture. “The beauty of ‘Late Nite Catechism’ is that it’s always changing,” said co-author and producer Vicki Quade.
Best For: Present or former Catholic school students. You’ll know the answers and get the jokes. But even if you were a “public,” as the Sister calls it, the possibility of being picked on makes it thrilling. “It takes them [the audience] right back to when they were 10 years old and they were looking at their teacher going ‘Oh my God, what did I do wrong now?'” Quade said.
Insider Tips: When called upon — yes, you will be called upon — stand up and address your teacher as “Sister.” And don’t wear anything “inappropriate.” You’ll be asked to cover up.
– – –
Forever runners
Some shows manage to stand the test of time
‘Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding’
* Open run at Pipers Alley, 230 W. North Ave.; $55-$65, 312-664-8844.
* Also Aug. 10-31 in the St. Charles Ballroom at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., Saint Charles; $69, 630-584-6342.
Billed as an interactive wedding with zany characters that pull you up to participate in the show, which is actually a realistic wedding ceremony and reception. You’ll feel just like you do when you’re at family occasions – except you’ll be glad you’re not related to these folks.
Staying Power: People love weddings — and shows with food. Your ticket includes a buffet diner and wedding cake. Plus, since it’s interactive. Audience members don’t just sit in their seats, said Tina character Jaclyn Mastrangelo. “They’re part of it.”
Best For: Those who just can’t get enough weddings.
Insider Tips: Participation is hard to avoid. Not only will you be pulled on to the dance floor to dance with cast members, but some even sit with you at your table.
‘Shear Madness’
Open run at the Chicago Theatre Downstairs, 175 N. State St.; $42.50, 312-462-6300.
A modern-day whodunit, set in a hair salon. The landlady is found dead and it’s up to the audience to determine the killer.
Staying Power: Relevant, localized jokes keep the story fresh. Plus over-the-top jokes and double entendres appeal to the teenager in all of us.
Best For: Girls on a night out or theater newbies. “It’s a great breaking ground to people who haven’t gone to theater,” said Christopher Tarjan, associate director and cast member.
Insider Tips: Don’t ask questions about DNA or other logistics. Keep your eyes peeled for suspicious behavior.
‘The Awesome 80s Prom’
Saturdays at The Ballroom at Radio Star, 901 W. Weed St.; $49 to $79, 312-664-7766.
If you missed your prom, or if you want to relive it, this is your chance. You, in the audience, are a prom guest along with John Hughes-esque characters such as the head cheerleader, captain of the football team and the nerd. The night’s big moment is the crowning of the prom king and queen, as voted by the audience.
Staying Power: The ’80s were fun for some. The music was kooky, clothes colorful and bizarre.
Best For: Fans of the decade. Plus, if you love to dance, stay and groove to all kinds of music at Radio Star after the show when it turns into a nightclub.
Insider Tips: Tease your hair and wear day-Glo clothes. Dressing the part is encouraged.
‘ComedySportz’
Fridays and Saturdays at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St.; $19, 312-733-6000.
Two teams of improv comics battle it out to see who’s funniest. The audience participates by suggesting ideas and occasionally volunteering on stage. The audience determines the winning team. But the show isn’t about sports.
Staying Power: It’s completely improvised, so each show is different.
Best For: Improv junkies.
Insider Tips: The show is all ages, so keep your shouted suggestions light and funny. If something slips out you’ll get the “brown bag foul,” Elwell said. “If anyone says something that you wouldn’t want to see, they have to wear a brown paper bag on their head.”
‘Cupid Has a Heart On: A Musical Guide to Relationships’
Saturdays at 10:30 p.m in the Del Close Theater at i.O., 3541 N. Clark St.; $16, 773-880-0199.
A fast-paced musical sketch comedy show that takes a “feisty” look at relationships and human behavior, said Jill Valentine, executive director and a performer in the show. “It’s a little bit more about the truth and the dark side of relationships.”
Staying Power: Relationships and their quirks are relatable.
Best For: Bold people — the show can get somewhat risque.
Insider Tips: “The cast creates the show,” said Brian Posen, director and executive producer. So the skits are based on their experiences.
‘Tommy Gun’s Garage’
Through October at 2114 S. Wabash Ave.; $50-$60, 312-225-0273.
An interactive musical comedy set in a speak-easy during prohibition in the Roaring ’20s.
Staying Power: The mystery and love affair with Capone-esque Chicago.
Best For: Out-of-towners and retro junkies.
Insider Tips: You need a password to get in and you’ll get it as soon as you fork over the cash.
‘Barenaked Lads Take Off Broadway’
Fridays and Saturdays at Bailiwick Repertory, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; $30-$37, 773-883-1090.
A comedy sketch show that features one woman and five (sometimes) naked men singing songs and exploring daily life in the buff.
Staying Power: Naked men. “We’re in a society where you can see naked women a lot,” said artistic director David Zak. “I think were basically catching up only now to a situation where people are more comfortable with naked men.”
Best For: Gay men and bachelorettes.
Insider Tips: This isn’t exotic dancing. And they’re not naked all the time. Also, attend the special fundraiser “naked night” on Sept. 7 — the audience will disrobe and be in the buff as well.
‘Whose Line?’
Fridays and Saturdays (the 10 p.m. show Friday is the “naughty” show) at the Comedy Shrine, 22 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville; $20, 630-355-2844.
An improv comedy show based on television’s “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Audience members participate by suggesting topics and ideas, and some can join the comics on stage.
Staying Power: It’s a gentle introduction to improv and participation. And co-owner David Sinker says Chicago comedy vets from Second City, i.O. and Noble Fool are featured.
Best For: Comedy newbies. You don’t have to participate if you don’t want to, but the option is available. “There’s nothing intimidating about what we do,” Sinker said.
Insider Tips: Don’t worry if you get stuck while onstage. The professional comedians will move it right along. Sinker said, “It’s improv, which is based on an ensemble … making each other look good. We want to do that with the people who come up on stage also.”
———-
onthetown@tribune.com
