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. 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.
The McGuffins Run the 440 “The Madelyn Trilogy” continues the tale of the McGuffin siblings. 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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N Hollywood at Sunset In this 2002 comedy by pioneering off-off-Broadway playwright Robert Patrick, gay screenwriter Penn wrestles with his fear of coming out in an industry dominated by closeted queers. Set in mid-90s LA, the quirky script is peppered with movie in-jokes, which witty but neurotic Penn uses to deflect his boyfriend’s efforts to bring their relationship down to earth. Patrick’s wry humor is engaging, but the play is too long, and director Madrid St. Angelo’s decision to play the second scene on video is distracting. Still, actors Andrew Kain Miller and Christopher Slavik effectively convey the lovers’ mutual affection and frustration in this People’s Theater of Chicago/Legacy Project production. –Albert Williams a Through 9/24: Mon 7 PM, Prop Thtr, south theater.
c The Play About the Squirrel 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 Opens Fri 8/31, 9 PM. Through 10/1: Mon 9 PM, Athenaeum Theatre.
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 comedy, monologists, and sketch and improv actors, with a different lineup each week. 9/8-9/22: Fri-Sat a 9 PM, Athenaeum Theatre.
