While Hitch*Cocktails has been a staple of the Annoyance Theatre’s lineup for over a decade, the team behind Chicago’s most frighteningly funny drinking game is raising the stakes with the ambitious “Summer of Suspense.” Billed by artistic director Caleb George as “a full creative overhaul”—though one could argue that the improvised show experiences that on a weekly basis—Hitch*Cocktails regulars will recognize the upgrades right away: a cleverly edited pre-show montage of iconic Hitchcock scenes and pop culture homages (even Big Bird makes an appearance), complimentary popcorn, and instructions for the audience’s own drinking game (hear a scream, take a shot).
By design, you never know what you’re going to get when you see an improv show, but Hitch*Cocktails’s reliably strong cast and time-tested formula are one of the safest bets in the Chicago comedy scene. Friday’s performance was the first and only time audiences could witness Snor-kill, inspired by the suggestion “diving.” (The post-intermission teaser was packed with even more delightfully groan-worthy puns.)
Amidst a sea of suspicious deaths, George portrays Austin Witherspoon, a lifeguard and silver medalist at the 1954 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro—historical accuracy is not a prerequisite in the “yes, and” world of improv. Joining him were his overdramatic, currency-confused wife (Molly Jones); “Sparky” a.k.a Aunt Bev, a 91-year-old who competed in the 1911 Olympics (Madelyn Murphy), whose great-great-granddaughter (Alli Stark) was weak in the water but an excellent “land-swimmer”; a mischievous couple (Marybeth Kram and Travis Stuebing) who served up “bad margaritas” with chunks of shrimp (“People will order it ironically”); and the seemingly sincere character who (gasp!) turned out to be the killer (Jason Stockdale). After Sparky’s untimely murder, Murphy reappears as Witherspoon’s rival, Dale Earnhardt Sr, and the two compete in a rap battle “dive-off.”
If that all sounds convoluted, that’s because it is—and that’s the point. Improv shows rarely make sense when explained after the fact, but in the moment, every kooky, over-the-top detail fits perfectly in the context of Snor-kill. Even the mistakes, such as Witherspoon’s belated realization that Sparky is a woman and not a man, are embraced and celebrated by the cast and audience.
The Summer of Suspense is the perfect time to check out or return to Hitch*Cocktails. In addition to its usual 90-minute shows on Fridays at 9:30pm, an abbreviated hour-long iteration will take place on Saturdays from July 5 through August 2 at 8:30pm. Plus, buying your ticket at least 24 hours in advance secures you a free chocolate chip cookie.
Hitch*Cocktails runs Fridays at 9:30pm indefinitely and Saturdays at 8:30pm from July 5 through August 2 at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont Ave. Running time is 90 minutes (Friday) and 60 minutes (Saturday). Tickets ($20) are on sale now.
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