After almost 17 years of performing their trademark 30 plays in 60 minutes, the Neo-Futurists have lost none of their snap. In fact the rotating current cast, which includes veteran Heather Riordan and founder Greg Allen, writes plays that are funnier and more inventive than they’ve been in the ensemble’s previous incarnations. Of course, since the Neo-Futurists’ idea is that the actors are always actors telling their own stories–or at least expounding on their own beliefs–the evening is punctuated by nakedly honest first-person sketches. This is fine theater: funny, wise, sometimes unsettling, invariably entertaining. The Neo-Futurists’ New Year’s Eve show is too risque for young kids but a good option for older teenagers, since no alcohol will be served. Doors open at 9:30 PM; hors d’oeuvres and soda will be on hand until curtain, 11 PM sharp. When the 60-minute buzzer goes off, actors and audience toast the New Year with sparkling grape juice. a Open run: Fri-Sat 11:30 PM, Sun 7 PM, no shows Fri 12/30 and Sun 1/1, Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland (second floor), 773-275-5255, $7 plus the roll of a die ($8-$13). Sat 12/31, 11 PM only, $30 (tickets must be purchased in advance at www.neofuturists.org).
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/Linnea Frye.