The Annoyance has never enjoyed the brand recognition of an iO or a Second City, and its flagship production “Co-Ed Prison Sluts” doesn’t offend the same sensibilities it did two decades ago, but this scrappy Uptown institution can still provide some of the city’s most edgy, unpredictable theatrical experiences. Thursday night’s “Messing With a Friend,” featuring ace physical comedienne Susan Messing and a rotating cast of collaborators, is a particular delight. Classes at the Annoyance (based loosely on the principles in Mick Napier’s gloriously contrarian guidebook “Improvise!”) are arguably Chicago’s best dollar-for-dollar improv-class value, whether you want to master the art or just get your social awkwardness handled.
