Theater news: Lifeline hosts Fillet of Solo

Fillet of Solo

Performers Stephen Bastion of Gurnee and Tekki Lomnicki of Elmhurst are among those featured during Lifeline Theatre's 18th annual Fillet of Solo Festival, showcasing Chicago area storytellers and the “Live Lit” scene taking place at select bars and bookstores. Participants include the all-Asian ensemble Stir-Friday Night; The Sweat Girls; the all-female comedy group the kates; Chicago Slam Works, a performance poetry collective; and Story Club, a nonfiction storytelling ensemble, among others. The fest kicks off with a free event at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago. Performances run Jan. 9 to 25 at Lifeline, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., and at Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. $10 per show; $50 for an all-festival pass. (773) 761-4477 or lifelinetheatre.com.

From sub to stand-up

Nathan Craig, a former Chicago substitute public schoolteacher who studied at The Second City, headlines Zanies in St. Charles this weekend. Craig, who began his standup career in 1999 while a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has appeared on Comedy Central and Funny or Die. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, and 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $20 plus a two item food or beverage minimum. (630) 584-6342 or zanies.com.

World premiere

Signal Ensemble Theatre's Ronan Marra directs The Side Project's world premiere of #8220;Push Button Murder,#8221; Steve Spencer's dark political comedy about Becky and Roy, a couple of military industrial complex employees who have access to personal information about their fellow citizens and licenses to kill. Steve Spencer directs. Previews begin at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at 1439 W. Jarvis St., Chicago. The show opens Jan. 10. $20. (773) 340-0140 or thesideproject.net.