In an accidentally defiant act of feminism, the Bastion spent Super Bowl Sunday watching "Stacked: An Evening of Two One-Woman Shows" at the Apollo Theatre Studio. The Bastion booked their tickets without realizing that February 3rd was the day of the big football game, but was more than happy to see some funny ladies instead of over-indulging in wings and seven-layer dip.

The evening opened with Hanna LoPatin's "The Sound of One Hanna Clapping," directed by Katie Rich. "The Sound of One Hanna Clapping" is the hilarious lament of a not-quite-famous, perpetually single, sorta Jewish twenty-something. LoPatin is a member of the sketch comedy group Teatro Bastardo and the all-girl band, Mary's Addicts, and both her comedic and musical chops are showcased in this piece. In a blend of song, monologue, and video we get to know LoPatin, a University of Michigan grad who finds that she's come up short in realizing some of her life's ambitions. LoPatin isn't afraid to make herself vulnerable with many a self-deprecating jab, allowing the audience in on jokes that many other performers might be afraid to share. Standout moments from her show included "The Perpetually Single Tango" and a quaint/creepy mimed montage of what LoPatin imagined her life with comedian Michael Showalter would be like. LoPatin is an absolutely charming performer and by the end of the show you hope she gets a development deal, or at least a chance to meet Michael Showalter.

The second show on the bill is Nancy Friedrich's "Dingbat," directed by James Whittington. "Dingbat" is described as "the story of Claudia, a librarian, who slips in and out of a dream world as she searches for friendship following a devastating personal loss." Aside from Friedrich, who skillfully plays an assortment of characters, the only other "character" on-stage is Claudia's imaginary friend Dingbat, a rope with some bells tied to it. I would liken "Dingbat" (the show, not the rope creature), to a deep-fried oreo. It sounds a little kooky and you're not sure how it's going to taste, but in the end it is ultimately delicious. Friedrich takes an absurd premise and infuses it with sincere and compelling characters. The main character Claudia is both tragic and hilarious as she copes with the loss of her husband, and although the show only runs about 45 minutes long you still feel as though you get to see her character run her course. Friedrich's character work is a treat to watch as she covers the spectrum from bitchy Sarah Lawrence graduate to public access dream interpreter.

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"Stacked: An Evening of Two One-Woman Shows" plays the Apollo Theatre Studio (2540 N. Lincoln Ave.) on Sunday nights at 8 pm, running until February 24th. Tickets are $12 each, and can be purchased by calling 773-935-6100.

~Dyan Flores