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Openings: Equity | Non-equity | Children | Improv | Dance | Performance

Currently running: Equity | Non-equity | Children’s | Improv | Dance | Performance | Staged readings

Openings

Equity

Defending the Caveman—The misunderstandings of the gender gap are insightfully revealed in the ways mena nd women fight, laugh and love. Opens 8/13 and runs through 8/15 at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Fri 8pm, Sat 4:30 & 8pm, Sun 2pm. 630/584-6342. $39. www.noblefool.org

Late: A Cowboy Song—The story of one woman's education and her search to find true love after she meets a female cowboy just outside of Pittsburgh. Opens 7/26 and runs through 8/29 at Piven Theatre Workshop, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. 847/866-8049. $25. www.piventheatre.org

Cast: Polly Noonan, Kelli Simkins, Larry Grimm. Crew: Jessica Thebus, director; John Kearns, stage manager; John Dalton, set design; JR Lederle, light design; Andre Pluess, sound design; Stephen Mazurek, projections; Janice Pytel, costume design; Jodi Gottberg, production manager.

2010 Ignition Festival— Opens 8/15 and runs through 8/22 at Biograph Theatre, 2433 N. Lincoln. Call for schedule. 773/871-3000. www.victorygardens.org

Crew: Chisa Hutchinson, playwright; Leonard Madrid, playwright; A. Rey Pamatmat, playwright; Tanya Saracho, playwright; Jackie Sibblies, playwright; Andrea Thome, playwright.

Non-Equity

The Irrelevant Adventures of Jarvis McFadden—Jarvis McFadden is an eccentric but aimless 19-year-old who has passed on college to stay home with his widowed mother and two younger siblings. Until one fateful night, when his friends are bullied at a party, he realizes his true calling. Opens 7/30 and runs through 9/4 at Corn Productions , 4210 N. Lincoln. Fri-Sat 8pm. 773/988-0850. $15. americandemigods.com

Crew: David DeVries, director.

Fisting—Star-crossed lovers in 1800's Ireland find themselves in a world of boxing, vengeance, fudge and Catholicisim. Opens 7/29 and runs through 9/2 at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Thurs 8:30pm. 773/561-4665. $10. www.theannoyance.com

Cast: Tim Paul, Kate Duffy, Jim Carlson, Timmy Mayse, Nicky Margolis. Crew: Andy St. Clair, director.

Fame—The bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. Opens 8/6 and runs through 8/8 at Stage One Theatre, 620 Lee St., Des Plaines. Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2 & 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. 630/808-5852. $16-18. www.artreachspotlite.com

Cast: Caroline Koch, Drake Miller, Lexi Burkley, Dustin Rothbart, Jonah Parra, Angela Panzarella, Sheryl Strain, Tony Ball, Julie Hoadley, Livi Seller, Ian Hoffman, SarahBeth Rabin, Holly Moss, Rachel Corrado, Olivia DalPorto. Crew: Dan Walsh, director & choreographer; Caroline Koch, production assistant; DeZaRae Shafala, production assistant; Amanda Gilbert, production assistant.

Betty Sue's Hula Hoop Dance Number—The inhabitants of a poor village try to solicit foreign aid by marketing their most valuable natural resource: hot women. Opens 8/8 and runs through 8/8 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Sun 4:30pm. 773/598-4549. $10.

Art of Adaptation—The third annual three-day juried festival of world premiere short pieces of non-dramatic literature adapted for the stage. Opens 8/13 and runs through 8/15 at City Lit Theatre Company, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. 773/293-3682. $10-15. www.citylit.org

Crew: Robert Tobin, adapter; June Eubanks, director; Greg Aldrich, adapter; Rachel Edwards Harvith, director; Warwick Johnson, adapter & director; Eliot Monaco & Amanda Brown, co-adapters & directo; Wysteria Edwards, adapter; Jak Phillips, director.

Armageddon Dance Party—Apparently the world is ending. Not to be defeated, New York couple John and Michelle face destruction boldly with a dance party - better to actually live when you're dying, right? Opens 8/2 and runs through 8/23 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Mon 7:30pm. 773/598-4549. $15. www.gorillatango.com

The Dionysia—A series of shows from up-and-coming playwrights. Opens 8/7 and runs through 8/15 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Sat 4pm, Sun 6pm. 773/598-4549. $10. www.gorillatango.com

Crew: Anthony Green, playwright; Terry McFadden, playwright; Brett Hursey, playwright; Shannon Murdoch, playwright.

Sharks on Wheels—Murder, intrigue, zombies, mischievously cheap costumes and the dark and Satanic powers of VooDoo all await in this twisted mockery of all that is Holy. Opens 8/9 and runs through 8/23 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Mon 9:30pm. 773/598-4549. $10. www.gorillatango.com

Crew: Jason Martin Jablonski, playwright & director.

Subdivision—A single mother and her two young sons invent fantasies and fabricate lies to cope with the absence of their hardworking, hard-drinking father. When he unexpectedly returns, dreams, deceptions, truth and reality violently collide. Opens 8/4 and runs through 8/25 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Wed 7:30pm. 773/598-4549. $12. www.gorillatango.com

W.A.R. (Wake-up, Attack, Repeat)—Since humans…and puppets began roaming the earth, the world has been sort of, well, disastrous. From yummy land domination to hilarious religious persecution, life truly is a vicious cycle we'll just never get right. Opens 8/6 and runs through 8/21 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Fri-Sat 8pm. 773/598-4549. $10. www.gorillatango.com

Fillet of Solo Festival—This festival features the solo form. Opens 7/29 and runs through 8/21 at various locations. Thurs-Sat 7pm, Sun 3pm, no performance 8/15. 773/761-4477. $10. www.lifelinetheatre.com

Carousel—Headstrong carnival barker Billy Bigelow falls for the demure young Julie Jordan, and their love story transcends time and death itself. Opens 8/14 and runs through 8/29 at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm, 8/18 2pm, 8/20 8pm. 847/869-6300. $32-92. www.light-opera-works.org

Cast: Cooper David Grodin, Natalie Ford, Elizabeth Lanza, George Keating, Winifred Faix Brown. Crew: Stacey Flaster, director & choreographer; Roger L. Bingaman, music director; Tom Burch, set design; Deborah Lindell & Mealah Heidenreich, properties d; Nikki Delhomme, costume design; Sienna Macedon, hair & makeup design; Andrew Meyers, light design.

Godspell—This retelling of the Gospel of St. Matthew celebrates the worldwide community and is packed with hit songs and irresistible goodwill. Opens 8/14 and runs through 9/26 (previews 8/11 - 8/13) at Provision Theater Company, 1001 W. Roosevelt. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. 866/811-4111. $25-28. www.provisiontheater.org

Cast: Syler Thomas, Justin Berkobien, Maxwell Burnham, Tiffany Yvonne Cox, Greg Foster, Sarah Grant, Frederick harris, Richelle Meiss, Kevin O'Brien, Jennifer Oakley, Amy Steele. Crew: Tim Gregory, director; Amber Mak, choreographer; Priscilla Hummel, asst. director & choreographer; Rokko Jans, musical director; Shannon Huneryager, asst. musical director; Inseung Park, set design; DJ Reed, costume design; Rosella Nitti, asst. costume design.

The People's Drum Circle Pandora—One terrible day Pandora opened a forbidden box to reveal pain, suffering and sorrow on the earth and now Pandora is about to open the box again. What will she find inside? Opens 8/13 and runs through 9/19 at Quest Theatre Ensemble , 1609 W. Gregory. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. 312/458-0895. Free. www.questensemble.org

Cast: Beth Allin, Drew Anderson, Erin Renee Baumrucker, Aimee Bass, Jason Bowen, Angelica Keenan, Kristin Danko, Danielle Davis, Kiley Moore, Summar Jonas, Merril Matheson, Ryan McDaniel, Kim DeVore, Benjamin Rosenthal, Colette Unger. Crew: Andrew Park, director; Scott Lamps, music; Gary Powell, music director; Nick Rupard, set design; Lee Brasuell, light design; Emma Weber, costume design; Megan Hovany, puppet design.

DrekFest: Worstament 2010—The national search for the worst ten-minute play returns in a new, expanded format. Semi-finalists will be presented each of the first two Mondays and the best of the worst, or the worst of the best, will be held up for ridicule the final Monday. Opens 8/2 and runs through 8/16 at ComedySportz , 929 W. Belmont. Mon 7:30pm. 773/883-8830. $10-15. www.stagelefttheatre.com

Cast: . Crew: Kate Black, playwright; James Thomson, playwright; Randall Colburn, playwright; Robert Karol, playwright; Joshua McIlvain, playwright; Rob Kozlowski, playwright; Jake Lindquist, playwright; Scott Woldman, playwright.

Curtains—A leading lady who can't sing or dance is murdered on opening night. The bodies begin to pile up as the money-hungry producers, flamboyant director, divorced song writing team and battling ingenues fight for control of the show. Opens 7/29 and runs through 8/8 at Timber Lake Playhouse , Black Oak Rd., Mt. Carroll. Call for schedule. 815/244-2035. $20. www.timberlakeplayhouse.org

Cast: Samantha Dubina, Philip Black, Samantha Barboza, James Beaudry, Braxton Molinaro, Chris Froseth.

Children

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs—Did the story of the three little pigs ever seem slightly biased to you? All that huffing and pubbing - could one wolf really be so unequivocally evil? Finally, we get to har the rest of the story. Opens 8/14 and runs through 8/14 at Theatre at the Center, 907 Ridge Rd., Munster, IN. Sat 11am & 2pm. 219/836-3255. $7-8.50. www.theatreatthecenter.com

Cast: Joe Goldammer, Matt Olson, Samantha Nicodemus. Crew: Alyn Cardarelli, adaptor; Ernie Nolan, director & set design; Nic Jones, light design; Joe Court, sound design; Jenny Pinson, properties design; Joshua Lansing, technical director; Scott Deter, stage manager.

Bridge to Terabithia—A lonely boy in rural Virginia dreams of becoming something special. The new girl from the city opens a world of imagination, art and literature for him. Together they create Terabithia, a fantasy kingdom where they are safe. Opens 8/3 and runs through 8/7 at Timber Lake Playhouse , Black Oak Rd., Mt. Carroll. Tues & Thurs-Sat 2pm. 815/244-2035. $5. www.timberlakeplayhouse.org

Cast: Jacob Lapoco, Kelsey Andres. Crew: James Beaudry, director.

Improv

They Grow Up So Fast—A sketch comedy revue about growing up and facing the significant moments of life, from new experiences to life changing decisions and dealing with what you thought was love. Opens 7/30 and runs through 8/27 at Donny's Skybox Studio, 1608 N. Wells. Fri 10:30pm. 312/450-4440. www.adultscomedy.com

Cast: Chaz Allen, Lou Engleman, Max Zuppa.

Farewell Chicago!—Last Call Cleveland and Hey You Millionaires perform a final evening of sketch before HYM moves to Los Angeles. Opens 7/31 for one performance at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Sat 8pm. 773/561-4665. $10. www.theannoyance.com

Crew: Sarah Haskins, director.

Octopus Pudding—This evening feature's CIC's oldest house ensemble, Roboctopus along with special gues headliners, Pudding Thank You. Opens 7/30 and runs through 8/27 at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy , 1420 W. Irving Park. Fri 8pm. 800/838-3006. $10. www.cicomedy.com

Cast: Ryan Patrick Dolan, Jorin Garguilio, Adal Rifai, Louis Sanders.

Heat Stroke—This sketch comedy revue provides laugh-quenching satire and musical numbers that poke fun at those dog days between Memorial and Labor Day. Opens 7/31 and runs through 8/28 at Second City , 1616 N. Wells. Sat 7:30pm. 773/598-4549. $6-13.

The Brand New Shoes—Their hilarity ripples through the earth like a mega earthquake sent from God. Opens 8/7 and runs through 8/21 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Sat 6pm. 773/598-4549. $10. www.gorillatango.com

Death and Sex—A dark, experimental sketch revue that features stand-up comics, musicians and local celebrities. Opens 8/5 and runs through 8/26 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Thurs 9:30pm. 773/598-4549. $12. www.gorillatango.com

Hey You Millionaires & Last Call Cleveland—Chicago's eminent sketch comedy trio, Hey You Millionaires, is picking up their giant bags of comedy money and saying farewell with a final performance. Opens 7/30 for one performance at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Fri midnight. 773/880-0199. $5. www.iochicago.net

Managing Vision and Purpose—This "meeting" will lampoon Six Sigma Business, mock Lominger, hate on the Corporate Office and turn what could be the most boring office meeting into sketch comedy. Opens 8/6 and runs through 8/27 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Fri 9:30pm. 773/598-4549. $10.

The Hill—Each month a new king will be crowned based on the power of their comedic reign, will host a fast-paced mix of sketch, standup, video and musical comedy. Open run at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted. Wed 10pm. 773/871-3793. $5. www.the-playground.com

Rob Blagoyevich Superstar—A monumentally hilarious comedy about the rise and fall of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Opens 8/12 and runs through 9/18 (previews 8/6 - 8/7) at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre , 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights. Call for schedule. 312/337-3992. $28.50. www.secondcity.com

Mortal Coitus—Everyone is born, everyone dies. Some people find a loving partner whom they marry and live with happily ever after, some people watch their relationships spiral out of control and disintegrate. A sketch revue about the bookends of life. Opens 7/30 and runs through 8/27 at Second City , 1616 N. Wells. Fri 9pm. 312/337-3992. $13.

Cast: Chris Bashen, Logan Hall, Scott Morehead, Tabitha Parker, Nick Rees, Amy Speckien, Andi Woody. Crew: Jim Carlson, director.

Performance

Phenomenal Phantasmagoria—An evening of both center-ring and sideshow entertainments interwoven with fantastical storytelling, puppetry, original music and a revolving roster of celebrity performers and specialty acts from the worlds of circus, burlesque, theatre and music. Opens 7/30 and runs through 8/28 at Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn. Fri-Sat 8pm. 800/838-3006. $20. www.bigtopjojo

Cast: Ryan Brandoff, Colin Creveling, Jenn Dollface, Naomi Finkelstein, Tom Hill, Hilary Holbrook, Alison Logan, Megan Murphy, Shaw Nigro, Jeff Pressley, Ellie Sorokin, Brett Tewell, Mark Umstattd, Noel Williams.

Democracy Burlesque: Eat Me!—Join DB as they ask "How is food policitacl?" and seek answers through a series of sliced, diced, filleted, fried, processed, reconstituted and regurgitated satire, dance and music. Opens 8/3 and runs through 8/10 at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark. Tues 7:30pm. 773/486-8261. $10-15. www.danztheatre.org

Alonzo Bodden—The Last Comic Standing Season 3 winner, judge of LCS season 5 and regular on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno performs for one weekend. Opens 7/29 and runs through 8/1 at Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg. Thurs 7:30pm, Fri 8 & 10:15pm, Sat 7 & 9:15pm, Sun 7pm. 847/240-2001. $17-22. www.improv.com

Huggy Lowdown—The number one segment on the syndicated Tom Joyner morning show heard in over 115 markets, Huggy Lowdown gives his humor and celebrity gossip to over 8 million listeners each week. Opens 8/13 and runs through 8/15 at Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg. Fri 8 & 10:15pm, Sat 7 & 9:15pm, Sun 7pm. 847/240-2001. $22-24. www.improv.com

Jon Lovitz—Jon Lovitz, Saturday Night Live veteran known for such movies as The Wedding Singer, Bit and A League of their Own, performs for one weekend. Opens 8/5 and runs through 8/8 at Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg. Thurs 7:30pm, Fri 8 & 10:15pm, Sat 7 & 9:15pm, Sun 7pm. 847/240-2001. $33. www.improv.com

The Variety Show - A Drinking Game Performance—What better way to wind down the week than with a heady mix of sketch, improv, music and maybe a magician, a belly dancer, or an opera singer and wash it all down with whatever you like, because this show is BYOB. Opens 7/30 and runs through 9/24 at Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln. Fri 11pm. 312/409-6435. $10. www.cornservatory.org

$500 GTT Stand-Up Thing—Stand-up comedians show what they're made of in three exciting round sof competition. The audience's votes determine who moves on to the next round. Opens 8/7 and runs through 8/28 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Sat 9:30pm. 773/598-4549. $10. www.gorillatango.com

America's Next Top Actor—Five live contestants will compete for the ultimate title of America's Next Top Actor and the audience votes the contestants out of the show. Opens 8/7 and runs through 8/28 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Sat 11:30pm. 773/598-4549. $12. www.gorillatango.com

Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts: Magic, Comedy, Mayhem—You might not believe that a show this big can fit into Edd's single trademark briefcase, but you will. You might even get a chance to peek inside yourself! And be warned; this show is for audiences 13 and up, due to moderate amounts of immaturity. Opens 8/5 and runs through 9/2 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Thurs 8pm. 773/598-4549. $10. www.gorillatango.com

Cast: Edd Fairman.

Magical Exploding Boy—From a child with mind control powers to an amoeba struggling for life to a man cast helplessly adrift in outer space, this uniqu new show transforms the playing space to present original narrative with precision and insight. Opens 7/30 and runs through 8/7 at Prop Thtr , 3504 N. Elston. Call for schedule. 773/539-7838. $10. www.propthtr.org

Cast: Dean Evans.

Dance

Rhythm World - JUBA! Masters of Dance and Percussive Dance—The 20th anniversary of the oldest and most comprehensive festival of American tap in the world. Opens 8/2 and runs through 8/7 at Museum of Contemporary Art , 220 E. Chicago. Mon 8pm, Tues 7pm, Wed-Thurs & Sat 7:30pm. 312/334-7777. $30. www.chicagotap.org

The A.W.A.R.D. Show!—Twelve promising contemporary choreographers offer 12-15 minutes of new work over three nights, with the top choreographers from each evening featured on the final night. The winner there receives $10,000. Opens 7/28 and runs through 7/31 at Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan. Wed-Sat 8pm. 312/369-6600. $15. colum.edu/dancecenter

Crew: Jacqueline Steward, choreographer; Alicia Wilson, choreographer; Mike Gosney, choreographer; Kate Corby, choreographer; Peter Carpenter, choreographer; Rebecca Lemme, choreographer; Michel Rodriguez, choreographer; Molly Shanahan, choreographer.

Art to Art—Local choreographers collaborate with film, music, theatre and visual artists in the sixth installment of this experimental concert series. Opens 7/30 and runs through 7/31 at Danceworks Performance Company, 1661 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI. Fri-Sat 7:30pm. 414/271-8480. www.danceworks1661.org

Crew: Lauren Hafner Addison, choreographer; Elizabeth Alstad, design engineer; Mary-Elizabeth Fenn, choreographer; Brett Stenson, graphic design; Julianna LaRosa, choreographer; Kurt Hartwig, puppeteer; Jordan Melrood, graphic design; Hannah Marquardt, choreographer.

Knock on Wood—A toe-tapping mixed program of original tap choreography with special guest artists. Opens 8/13 and runs through 8/15 at Danceworks Performance Company, 1661 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI. Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 4pm. 414/271-8480. www.danceworks1661.org

Encountering the Other— Opens 7/29 and runs through 8/1 at Storefront Theatre, 66 E. Randolph. Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm. 312/742-8497. $18-20. www.mordine.org

Equity

Equity

This Train—Runs through 8/1 at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted. Thurs-Fri 7:30pm, Sat 5 & 8:30pm, Sun 7pm. 312/335-1650. $22. www.16thstreettheater.org

Million Dollar Quartet—Extended through 1/2 at Apollo Theater , 2540 N. Lincoln. Wed 2 & 7:30pm, Thurs 7:30pm, Fri 8pm, Sat 5 & 8pm, Sun 2 & 5pm. 773/935-6100. $25-64.50. www.apollochicago.com

Cut to the Chase—Runs through 8/1 at The Artistic Home , 3914 N. Clark. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm. 866/811-4111. $15. www.theartistichome.org

The Tallest Man—Extended through 8/22 at The Artistic Home , 3914 N. Clark. Thurs 7:30pm, Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 5pm. 866/811-4111. $25-27. www.theartistichome.org

The Message is in the Music (God is a Black ManNamed Ricky)—Open run at Black Ensemble Theater , 4520 N. Beacon. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. 773/769-4451. $45. www.blackensembletheater.org

Nothin But the Blues—Runs through 8/29 at Black Ensemble Theater , 4520 N. Beacon. Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. 773/769-4451. $45. www.blackensembletheater.org

Shrek the Musical—Open run at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph. Call for schedule. 312/902-1400. $25-90. www.broadwayinchicago.com

Billy Elliot the Musical—Extended through 1/16 at Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 24 W. Randolph. Tues 7:30pm, Wed 2 & 7:30pm, Thurs 7:30pm, Fri 8pm, Sat 2 & 8pm, Sun 2pm. 312/902-1400. $28-100. www.broadwayinchicago.com

Saturday Series—Open run at Chicago Dramatists , 1105 W. Chicago. Sat 2pm. 312/633-0630. $5. www.ChicagoDramatists.org

Suicide, Incorporated—Extended through 9/12 at The Gift Theatre Company , 4802 N. Milwaukee. Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. 773/283-7071. $25-30. www.thegifttheatre.org

Journey to the Center of the Uterus—Runs through 8/29 at Greenhouse Theater , 2257 N. Lincoln. 8/15 & 8/29 7pm. 773/404-7336. $18. www.greenhousetheater.org

Lookingglass Alice—Extended through 8/29 at Lookingglass Theatre , 821 N. Michigan. Wed 7:30pm, Thurs 3 & 7:30pm, Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3 & 7:30pm, Sun 3pm, 8/3 7:30pm. 312/337-0665. $28-64. www.lookingglasstheatre.org

Once On This Island—Runs through 8/29 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. Wed 1 & 8pm, Thurs-Fri 8pm, Sat 4:30 & 8pm, Sun 1 & 5pm. 847/634-0200. $35-48. www.marriotttheatre.com

Love's Labour's Lost—Runs through 8/21 at Austin Gardens, 100 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Thurs-Fri 8pm, Sun 7pm. 708/445-4440. $25. www.oakparkfestival.com

Late: A Cowboy Song—Runs through 8/29 at Piven Theatre Workshop, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. 847/866-8049. $25. www.piventheatre.org

A Parallelogram—Runs through 8/29 at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted. Tues-Fri 7:30pm, Sat-Sun 3 & 7:30pm. 312/335-1650. $20-70. www.steppenwolf.org

Jesus Christ Superstar—Runs through 8/8 at Theatre at the Center, 907 Ridge Rd., Munster, IN. Wed-Thurs 2pm, Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 2:30pm. 219/836-3255. $36-40. www.theatreatthecenter.com

A Guide for the Perplexed—Runs through 8/15 at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln. Tues-Thurs 7:30pm, Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm, additional performances 8/4 & 8/11 2pm, no evening performance 8/4. 773/871-3000. $20-50. www.victorygardens.org

A Streetcar Named Desire—Extended through 8/15 at Writers' Theatre Chicago, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe. Tues-Wed 7:30pm, Thurs-Fri 8pm, Sat 4 & 8pm, Sun 2 & 6pm, no evening performance 8/1. 847/242-6000. $40-65. www.writerstheatre.com

Non-Equity

40 Whacks—Extended through 10/1 at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Fri 8pm. 773/561-4665. $15. www.theannoyance.com

Co-Ed Prison Sluts—Open run at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Fri 10:01pm. 773/561-4665. $15. www.theannoyance.com

Hardcore Dad—Open run at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Thurs 8pm. 773/561-4665. $10. www.theannoyance.com

Triple Feature—Open run at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Wed 8pm. 773/561-4665. $5. www.theannoyance.com

Fucking Men—Extended through 8/8 at Stage 773, 1229 W. Belmont. Thurs-Fri 8pm, Sat 7 & 9pm, Sun 7pm. 877/677-7761. $25. www.bailiwick.org

That's Weird, Grandma—Open run at The Neo-Futurists , 5153 N. Ashland. Mon7pm. 312/409-1954. $5-10. www.barrelofmonkeys.org

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying—Runs through 8/1 at Guerin Catholic High School, 15300 Gray Rd., Carmel, IN. Thurs-Sat 8pm, Sun 2:30pm. 317/815-9387. $15. www.carmelplayers.org

The Philadelphia Story—Runs through 9/5 at Circle Theatre , 7300 W. Madison, Forest Park. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. 708/771-0700. $20-24. www.circle-theatre.org

Orestes—Runs through 8/15 at Dream Theatre Company , 556 W. 18th. Thurs-Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm. 773/552-8616. $15-18. www.dreamtheatrecompany.com

After the Fall—Runs through 8/22 at Greenhouse Theater , 2257 N. Lincoln. Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. 773/871-3000. $25. www.eclipsetheatre.com

Herbert III & Contribution—Runs through 8/22 at ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. South Chicago. Thurs-Sat 8pm, Sun 3 & 7pm. 773/752-3955. $30. www.etacreativearts.org

The League of Awesome—Runs through 8/21 at Prop Thtr , 3502 N. Elston. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm. 866/811-4111. $15-20. www.thefactorytheater.com

Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure—Runs through 8/22 at side project, 1439 W. Jarvis. Thurs-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. 773/206-6112. $20. www.idlemuse.org

Escape from Happiness—Runs through 8/8 at Raven Theatre , 6157 N. Clark. Thurs-Sat 8:30pm, Sun 3:30pm. 312/458-9780. $20. www.infamouscommonwealth.org

Hairspray—Runs through 7/31 at Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero. Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm. 708/656-1800. $17. www.jpactheatre.com

R & J—Runs through 8/21 at Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan. Fri-Sat 7pm. 773/857-5395. $15. www.TheJourneymen.org

Prom Night—Runs through 8/14 at Red Tape Theatre Company, 459 W. Belmont. Thurs- Sun 8pm, additional performances 7/31 & 8/7 3pm. 847/738-6919. $20. www.redtapetheatre.org

Cherrywood—Runs through 8/8 at Angel Island, 731 W. Sheridan Rd. Thurs-Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm. 773/871-0442. $18-22. www.maryarrchie.com

The Emperor's New Clothes—Extended through 8/14 at National Pastime Theatre , 4139 N. Broadway. Fri-Sat 8pm. 773/327-7077. $20. www.npt2.com

Living Canvas: Demons—Extended through 8/14 at National Pastime Theatre , 4139 N. Broadway. Fri-Sat 10pm. 773/327-7077. www.npt2.com

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind—Open run at The Neo-Futurists , 5153 N. Ashland. Fri-Sat 11:30pm, Sun 7pm. 773/275-5255. $10-15. www.neofuturist.org

Point Break Live!—Open run at new rock theater productions, 3931 N. Elston. Fri-Sat 9:30pm. 866/811-4111. $15-20. www.pointbreaklive.com

My Fair Lady—Runs through 8/7 at Overshadowed Productions, 210 S. Walnut, Itasca. Thurs-Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2 & 7:30pm. 630/250-7518. www.overshadowedproductions.com

Late Nite Catechism—Open run at Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. 312/988-9000. $30. www.nuns4fun.com

Put the Nuns in Charge—Open run at Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. Fri 8pm, Sat 5pm. 312/988-9000. $30. www.nuns4fun.com

Saints & Sinners—Open run at Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. Sat 5pm, Sun 3pm. 312/988-9000. $30. www.nuns4fun.com

Classic TV Re-Runs—Runs through 8/17 at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark. Third Tuesday of the month 7:30pm. 773/282-9728. $10. www.arftco.com

Hesperia—Runs through 8/14 at RBP Rorschach, 4001 N. Ravenswood. Thurs-Sat 8pm. 773/750-2033. $15. www.therbp.org

Little Shop of Horrors—Runs through 8/1 at St. Patrick Performing Arts Centre, 5900 W. Belmont. Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. 773/286-8470. $12. www.stpatrick.org

Hay Fever—Runs through 8/7 at Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St. Louis. Thurs-Sat 7:30pm. 773/442-4274. $10. www.neiu.edu/~stagectr

Talk Radio—Runs through 8/15 at Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood. Thurs-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. $18. www.statetheatrechicago.com

Sweet and Hot: The Songs of Harold Arlen—Extended through 8/15 at No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood. Thurs-Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm, no performance 8/5. 773/347-1109. $25. www.theoubique.org

Tommy Gun's Garage—Open run at Tommy Gun's Garage, 1239 S. State. Thurs 6pm, Fri 7pm, Sat 6pm, Sun 5:30pm. 773/728-2828. $58-68. tommygunsgarage.com

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet—Runs through 8/21 at Evanston Arts Depot, 600 Main St., Evanston. Thurs-Sat 7:30pm. 312/488-1128. $20. www.twopenceshakespeare.org

Children's

The Emperor's New Clothes—Runs through 8/29 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand. Wed 11am, Thurs-Sat 11am & 2pm, Sun 2pm. 312/595-5600. $23. www.chicagoshakes.com

Storytown—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Sat 10:30am. 773/880-0199. $5. www.iochicago.net

Pinocchio—Runs through 8/29 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. Sat-Sun 10am. 847/634-0200. $15. www.marriotttheatre.com

Wizard of Oz—Runs through 8/8 at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Fri 7pm, Sat 10:30am, Sun 2pm. 630/584-6342. $12-15. www.noblefool.org

Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow-Up—Runs through 8/29 at various locations. Sat-Sun 1pm. 630/725-2066. $19. www.theatrehikes.org

Improv

Improv ATC—Open run at American Theater Company , 1909 W. Byron. Fri 11pm. 773/409-4125. $10. www.atcweb.org

Cheap Beer Improv—Open run at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Wed 8pm. 773/561-4665. $2. www.theannoyance.com

Chicagoland & Fish Nuts—Open run at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Tues 8pm. 773/561-4665. $8. www.theannoyance.com

Messing With a Friend: An Uncensored and Joyous Romp Through Hell—Open run at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Thurs 10:30pm. 773/561-4665. $5. www.theannoyance.com

Skinprov—Open run at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Sat midnight. 773/561-4665. $7. www.theannoyance.com

Swear Jar—Extended through 9/4 at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Sat 10pm. 773/561-4665. $15. www.theannoyance.com

Un-Tied—Open run at InterContinental Chicago O'Hare Hotel, 4830 N. Broadway. Every other Fri 8pm. 773/561-4665. $15. www.theannoyance.com

Untitled—Open run at Annoyance Theatre , 4830 N. Broadway. Sat 10pm. 773/561-4665. www.theannoyance.com

Baby Wants Candy—Open run at Apollo Theater , 2540 N. Lincoln. Fri 10:30pm. 773/935-6100. $5-15. www.apollochicago.com

Whirled News Tonight Presents Newspeak—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Sat 8pm. 773/880-0199. $14. www.whirlednewstonight.com

Blewtenanny—Open run at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted. Second Sat of the month midnight. 773/477-8223. $10. www.dontspitthewater.com

Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Showcase—Open run at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy , 1420 W. Irving Park. Sat-Sun 10:30pm. 800/838-3006. $10-12. www.cicomedy.com

ComedySportz —Open run at ComedySportz , 929 W. Belmont. Thurs 8pm, Fri 8 & 10pm, Sat 6, 8 & 10pm. 773/549-8080. $21. www.comedysportzchicago.com

The Super Happy Fun Show—Open run at Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln. Sat 11pm. 312/409-6435. $10. www.cornservatory.org

Cupid Has a Heart On: A Musical Guide to Relationships—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Sat 10:30pm. 773/880-0199. $18. www.cupidplayers.com

The Cool Table—Open run at Fizz Bar, 3220 N. Lincoln. Tues 9pm. 312/348-6000. $5.

The Bryan Room Presents—Open run at Goodbar, 2512 N. Halsted. First and third Wed 8pm. 773/296-9700. Free.

Speakeasy—Open run at Green Door Tavern, 678 N. Orleans. First three Fri each month 8:30pm. 312/664-5496. $5.

1, 2, Fag + Hag—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. 30. 773/880-0199. www.iochicago.net

3033—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Sun 10:30pm. 773/880-0199. $5. www.iochicago.net

The Armando Diaz Experience—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Mon 8:30pm. 773/880-0199. $12. www.iochicago.net

Close Quarters—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Wed 10:30pm. 773/880-0199. $5. www.iochicago.net

Cook County Social Club—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Tues 8pm. 773/880-0199. $12. www.iochicago.net

Deep Schwa—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Sun 8pm. 773/880-0199. $12. www.iochicago.net

Felt—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Wed 8pm. 773/880-0199. $5. www.iochicago.net

The I.O. Musical featuring the Deltones—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Sat 8pm. 773/880-0199. $14. www.iochicago.net

The Improv Jam—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Fri midnight. 773/880-0199. $3. www.iochicago.net

Improvised Shakespeare Company—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Fri 8pm. 773/880-0199. $14. www.iochicago.net

The Reckoning—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Tues 10:30pm, Thurs 10:15pm. 773/880-0199. $5-12. www.iochicago.net

T.J. and Dave—Open run at I.O., 3541 N. Clark. Wed 11pm. 773/880-0199. $5. www.iochicago.net

Open Wound Comedy—Open run at Mutiny, 2428 N. Western. First Sun of the month 9:30pm. 773/486-7774. Free.

pHrenzy pHucked—Extended through at Studio BE , 3110 N. Sheffield. Sat midnight. 773/732-5450. $10. whatisph.com

Wheel of pHortune—Open run at Studio BE , 3110 N. Sheffield. Thurs 8pm. 773/732-5450. $10. whatisph.com

pHamily the Musical—Runs through at Studio BE , 3110 N. Sheffield. Sat 8pm. 773/732-5450. $10. whatisph.com

pHarm pHresh—Open run at Studio BE , 3110 N. Sheffield. Thurs 10:30pm. 773/732-5450. $5. whatisph.com

pHrenzy PG—Open run at Studio BE , 3110 N. Sheffield. Fri 8pm. 773/732-5450. $10. whatisph.com

pHrenzy—Open run at Studio BE , 3110 N. Sheffield. Fri 8pm. 773/732-5450. $10. whatisph.com

The Big Yellow Bus—Open run at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted. Thurs 8pm. 773/871-3793. $10. www.the-playground.com

Grafitti—Open run at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted. Fri 10pm. 773/871-3793. $10. www.the-playground.com

Open Court—Open run at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted. Thurs 10:30pm. 773/871-3793. $8. www.the-playground.com

The Sandbox Showcase—Open run at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted. Mon 8pm. 773/871-3793. $5. www.the-playground.com

The Sickest F**king Stories I Ever Heard—Open run at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted. First Sat of the month midnight. 773/871-3793. $10. www.the-playground.com

Bye Bye Liver—Open run at Fizz Bar, 3220 N. Lincoln. Fri 9:30pm, Sat 8 & 9:30pm. 773/904-8777. $15. www.thepubtheater.com

The Nerdologues—Runs through 8/22 at Fizz Bar, 3220 N. Lincoln. Thurs 8pm. 773/904-8777. $5. www.thepubtheater.com

Sketch Test—Open run at Fizz Bar, 3220 N. Lincoln. Tues 8pm. 773/904-8777. Free. www.thepubtheater.com

I Never?—Open run at The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway. Mon 8pm. 773/746-7472. $5. www.redinktheatre.com

The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life—Open run at Second City , 1616 N. Wells. Tues-Thurs 8pm, Fri-Sat 8 & 11pm, Sun 4 & 7pm. 312/337-3992. $22-27. www.secondcity.com

The Best of Second City —Open run at Second City , 1616 N. Wells. Mon 8pm, Sat 4pm. 312/337-3992. $15-20. www.secondcity.com

HouseCo—Open run at Second City , 1616 N. Wells. Sat 9pm. 312/337-3992. $12. www.secondcity.com

Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies—Open run at Second City , 1616 N. Wells. Tues-Thurs 8pm, Fri-Sat 8 & 11pm, Sun 7pm. 312/337-3992. $22-27. www.secondcity.com

Studs Terkel's Not Working—Open run at Second City , 1616 N. Wells. Wed-Thurs 8pm, Fri-Sat 8 & 11pm, Sun 7pm. 312/337-3992. $20-25. www.secondcity.com

Taming of the Flu—Open run at Second City , 1616 N. Wells. Tues-Thurs 8pm, Fri-Sat 8 & 11pm, Sun 7pm. 312/337-3992. $20-25. www.secondcity.com

Pistol Party—Open run at Town Hall Pub, 3340 N. Halsted. First Tuesday of the month 9pm. 773/472-4405. $5. www.thinktankcomedy.com

Performance

Beast Women 2010 Summer Series—Runs through 8/28 at Greenhouse Theater , 2257 N. Lincoln. Sat 10:30pm. 773/278-1212. $15. www.beastwomenproductions.com

Essay Fiesta—Open run at Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln. Third Monday of the month. 773/293-2665.

The Kates—Runs through 10/23 at Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln. Second Friday and last Saturday of the month. 773/293-2665. $10.

Blue Man Group—Open run at Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted. Thurs 8pm, Fri 7pm, Sat 4, 7 & 10pm, Sun 1, 4 & 7pm. 773/348-4000. $49-59. www.blueman.com

The Edge Comedy Club—Open run at Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green. Thurs 8:30 & 10:30pm, Fri-Sat 10:30pm. 312/733-6000. $12-16. www.theaterland.com

Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me!—Open run at Chase Tower, 10 S. Dearborn. Thurs 7:30pm. 312/948-4600. $20. www.chicagopublicradio.org/events

Supernatural Chicago—Open run at Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn. Fri 7:30pm. 312/266-1944. $25.

Christophe the Insulter—Runs through 9/3 at Gorilla Tango Theatre , 1919 N. Milwaukee. Fri 11pm. 773/598-4549. $10. www.gorillatango.com

In One Ear Open Mike Poetry Night—Open run at Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood. Wed 9pm. 773/805-0610. $3.

Quickies!—Open run at Innertown Pub, 1935 W. Thomas. Second Tuesday of each month 7:30pm. Free. quickieschicago.blogspot.com

Loose Chicks Drinkin' Latte on Lincoln—Open run at Latte on Lincoln, 4229 N. Lincoln. Fri 7:30pm. 773/868-4229.

The Lincoln Lodge—Open run at Lincoln Restaurant, 4008 N. Lincoln. Thurs-Fri 9pm. 773/251-1539. $10. thelincolnlodge.com

The Wild Party Variety Hour—Open run at Prop Thtr , 3502 N. Elston. Third Saturday of the month 10:30pm. 773/597-5403. $10. www.silenttheatre.com

Summer Stand-Up—Runs through 8/28 at Studio BE , 3110 N. Sheffield. Sat 9:30pm. 773/248-8590. $10. www.studio-be.org