This annual showcase of experimental theater, performance, and music from Chicago’s fringe, coproduced by Curious Theatre Branch and Prop Thtr, runs through 11/4. This year features two full-length trilogies, “The Madelyn Trilogy” by Beau O’Reilly and the “Danger Face Trilogy” by Idris Goodwin. Admission is $15 or “pay what you can,” except where noted. Performances take place at the Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston, and the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, and elsewhere as noted below. An installation by Jamie Rey, Reconciliation, will be up in the Prop’s lobby for the course of the festival, along with a display of memorabilia of early off-Loop theater curated by Rick Paul. For information and reservations, call 773-539-7838 or visit rhinofest.com. Following is a schedule of shows opening through 9/6; a complete schedule is available at chicagoreader.com.
RThe McGuffins Run the 440 “The Madelyn Trilogy” continues the tale of the McGuffin siblings. This spare, efficient play is nearly perfect. I can’t recall a more satisfying two and a half hours I’ve spent in the theater. (JHa) a Through 10/6: Sat 7 PM, Prop Thtr, north theater. Then Sat 10/20 and 10/27, 7 PM, Athenaeum Theatre. $15; $20 for the full trilogy.
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Hollywood at Sunset In this 2002 comedy by Robert Patrick, a gay screenwriter wrestles with his fear of coming out in an industry dominated by closeted queers. Patrick’s wry humor is engaging, but the show is too long, and playing a scene on video is distracting in this People’s Theater of Chicago/Legacy Project production. (AW) a Through 9/24: Mon 7 PM, Prop Thtr, south theater.
RThe Play About the Squirrel A couple must contend with a squirrel in their attic in Mia McCullough’s play, presented by Stage Left Theatre. It becomes clear that McCullough is really writing about an unplanned pregnancy; Maggie Graham’s mercurial performance charts the chilling compromises marriage entails. (AW) a Through 9/17: Mon 9 PM, Prop Thtr, north theater.
Defender A prostitute in criminal court runs into an old boyfriend who’s now a lawyer in James Owens’s new play. a Through 10/3: Wed 7 PM, Fri 9/14, 9 PM, Prop Thtr.
Danger Face 2: The Slow Burn The outlaws take refuge in an art gallery in this second part of the “Danger Face Trilogy.” a 9/6-9/15: Thu 9 PM, Fri-Sat 10 PM. Then Fri 10/12, 9 PM. Prop Thtr, south theater, $15; $20 for the full trilogy.
Ian’s Dog and Pony Show Ian Belknap headlines an evening of stand-up comedians, monologuists, and sketch and improv actors, with a different lineup each week. a 9/8-9/22: Fri-Sat 9 PM, no show Sat 9/8, Athenaeum Theatre.
