Chicago has a new, Equity-affiliated theater troupe: The Route 66 Theatre Company. It’s the baby of Chicago actor Stef Tovar, with a mission to connect folks along the Mother Road. First show will be “On an Average Day,” opening Aug. 2 at Victory Gardens Greenhouse in cooperation with the Vs. Theatre Company of Los Angeles. … The Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington opens Friday night with Catherine Weidner’s production of “The Taming of the Shrew.” … Cirque du Soleil’s “Kooza” has added Chicago performances through Aug. 10. … Theo Ubique has extended “Jacques Brel’s Lonesome Losers of the Night” through Aug. 30. … Tony winner Rondi Reed returns to her role as Madame Morrible in Chicago’s “Wicked,” fresh off “August: Osage County.” … Beginning July 12, Second City expands to the Apollo Theater, spilling over its Saturday night crowd with an improv show directed by Mick Napier.
