Posted by Molly on February 8, 2014
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Barrel of Monkeys is happy to have long-time Company Member Jason Sperling Guest Directing “That’s Weird, Grandma”. Artistic Director Molly Brennan interviewed Jason. Look what he has to say about Barrel of Monkeys, That’s Weird, Grandma and this week’s show!
From your perspective, what is the history of “That’s Weird, Grandma”?
When it started, we just really wanted the chance to share these stories with our friends and the general public. Matt Miller had the idea initially I think, and he and Halena talked with The Neofuturists about using their space on Mondays nights, traditionally a “dark night” for theatre. Originally it was the same group of Monkeys performing every week, for long stretches of time. We also had understudies when we started: Tom and Oona! I think most of us did the show every week for a year when we started. As the company expanded and our lives and careers got busier, we switched to what we do now: “rounds” of 5-6 weeks that the actors commit to be in. It’s great to be able to swap stories in and out depending who’s in the cast, and to revisit old favorite stories from time to time. Here’s a look at one of our earliest casts.
What are some of your most memorable moments as an actor in a school show and/or That’s Weird, Grandma?
Just being around for some jaw-dropping things. Erica breaking her foot during an early TWG performance, throwing up offstage, and finishing the show. Spat proposing to Halena on-stage during our post-show speech. Watching stories over and over and laughing so hard each time at what people are creating. Seeing the kids’ faces during the school shows and hearing their comments, talking back to the characters. Finding just the right costume or prop, usually for no good reason.
As this is your first time as Director of “That’s Weird, Grandma”, can you tell us what that process is like?
Seeing what stories are in the round of TWG prior to the round you’re directing, and choosing which to keep in based on the cast changeover and the pace/tone of the show. Looking for stories to put in to give each actor a chance to shine. Rethinking stories for different people playing the parts or adapting to the Neofuturist space vs. in the school. Trying to get a running order that keeps the energy flowing and separates stories that might have similarities or the same actors while not giving anyone an insane costume change or difficult transition.
What can we look forward to this week in terms of new stories?
This week we’re bringing back The Shopping Habit, a tale of grandma knowing the best way to break an addiction to buying things. For one of the tallest men in our company, Brad Stevens plays an incredible grandma! We’re also featuring the TWG debut of a story from a school show this past year - it’s an untitled piece based on a picture, and is about a very evil scientist. Immanuel Guest took that character and ran with it, making it one of my favorites from performing at that school.
What’s the secret password for discounted tickets?
Dangerous projects!
Posted by Jason on February 1, 2014
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Like a combination of vampires and the Loch Ness Monster, sightings of “That’s Weird, Grandma” during daylight hours are rare indeed! Our matinee series only comes around once a year, and when it does…things happen. That’s right. Things like:
- The appearance of cafeteria-based royalty:
The King of All Lunch by James H., Paderewski
- A golden ghost story:
The Ghost Story of the Old Time Country by Davion and Darrin, Chalmers Elementary
- Dancers in disguise
La Bailaraina del Salon by Kasandra P., Columbia Explorers Academy
- Making your dreams your own
When I was Just a Little Girl by Princess M., New Sullivan Elementary
And our two newest stories joining us this week have unique looks at love:
- An anti-puckering protest:
I Think People Should Not Kiss by Gennie H., 3rd grade, Brenneman Elementary
- And a tale of star-crossed love (literally!)
How the Sun Got to Space by Angela C., 3rd grade, Reilly School
Come join the fun! Use the code-word “NASTY!” at the box office for a discount!
Posted by Bryan on January 30, 2014
School Shows
... a thousand words; but with a well-crafted story, you can get that word count down to an elegant 200-or-so! Just ask Kevin L., who thought up a delightful tale on Picture Day of the Barrel of Monkeys residency when he chose this particular photo:
Well, the residency wrapped up in December, and for the past two weeks, some fifteen of us Monkeys have been hard at work adapting these students’ marvelous stories into plays, including Kevin L.‘s. That’s right: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joins a slew of other amazing creatures and characters (including a tree with leering eyes, a bear in the big city, and the notoriously-mean Rich Lillian) in our show for Avondale-Logandale School! Why, even the students themselves show up in the stories, like in Naidelyn B.‘s A Dance Time: I Remember A Time. Check out Monkeys Zoe, Emily, and Immanuel portraying our own moving-and-grooving students:
And if the whole audience of student-writers is compelled to jump up and dance with us when we perform this show for them, I can’t say I’d blame them. Their stories’ energy is infectious and has kept me high-stepping down the sidewalk for days.. I can’t wait to show Avondale-Logandale School their work!
Until later, this is Monkey Bryan signing out! ((end transmission))
Posted by Molly on January 26, 2014
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Join us for our 2 pm Matinees on Sundays through March 30!
Monday nights start up again March 3.
Today, say “YOW” at the box office for discounted tickets
Posted by Elizabeth on January 25, 2014
Monkey-o-Kee, Barrel of Monkeys’ annual karaoke fundraiser, is tomorrow night! Before you stop what you are doing right this minute and get your tickets, we wanted to let you know that there are so many ways to support Barrel of Monkeys at this event.
1. Buy tickets to the event.
2. Sponsor Barrel of Monkeys company members to perform acts of musical wonder at the event!
While all who attend Monkey-o-Kee have the opportunity to karaoke to their hearts’ content, some of our Barrel of Monkeys company members have prepared something a little special for everyone, and we’re hoping you will sponsor them to do it.
Here is this year’s incredible lineup:
Joseph Schupbach and Kassi Bleifuss will be performing some Pitbull and Ke$ha. I guarantee there will be a lot of this:
Laura McKenzie, Curtis Williams and Jeff Trainor want you to know about the follies associated with writing personal ads, through their song “The Escape”. Boy, they love getting caught in the rain:
Donnell Williams, Ricky Harris, Geoff Rice, Brandon Cloyd and a couple other special guests want to spend a little time with you while performing a classic Broadway showstopper. Our anticipation cannot be contained:
You can sponsor any or all of these talented folks here, and you can buy your tickets online and sponsor them at the event!
Thanks to our sponsored singers, and YOU, for supporting Barrel of Monkeys work in Chicago Public Schools!
