Theater Spotlight
Former Saturday Night Live star Rachel Dratch, former 30 Rock star Scott Adsit and Community creator Dan Harmon are the headliners for the 20th Annual Chicago Improv Festival. More than 145 improv groups from the U.S., Canada and India are in the mix, including returning troupes like Frangela, SIRENS and Damaged Goods. The 20th Annual Chicago Improv Festival plays at multiple venues between Monday, March 27, through Sunday, April 2. Chicago locations include: Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.; Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave.; Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont Ave.; and Second City e.t.c., 1616 N. Wells St. Tickets are $5-$35; visit ChicagoImprovFestival.org .
Caption: Rocky Williams, Stefan Gearhart and Parker Bowles of the improv troupe Damaged Goods based out of Louisville, Kentucky. Photo courtesy of Chicago Improv Festival
Critics' Picks
American Hwangap, A-Squared Theatre & Halcyon Theatre at Christ Lutheran Church, through April 1. Immigrants of all ethnicities will see themselves in Lloyd Suh's candid look at a long-absent father's attempt to reconnect with his estranged family. MSB
Bootycandy, Windy City Playhouse, through April 15. Author/director Robert O'Hara effectively disguises a serious, satirical playabout sex, Black culture and race relations among other thingswith lots of laughs, exaggerated acting and comic strip style. It works, but it ain't for prudes or the faint-of-heart. Sissies, yes! JA
Henry V, Babes With Blades Theatre Company at City Lit Theater, through April 1. Diana Coates renders Shakespeare's war hero both a fiery battlefield commander and a wise peacetime ruler in this all-female production. MSB
Saturday Night Fever, Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook Terrace, extended through April 9. A new script and director/choreographer Dan Knechtges all help to make a strong and dazzling case for the latest screen-to-stage adaptation of the iconic 1977 disco film. Hunky Adrian Aguilar exudes manly charisma in the John Travolta role of Tony Manero. SCM
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan