Posts about specific BOM company members.
Posted by Eunice on July 10, 2016
Special Events
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Company Members
With The Ten Diamonds and Sisters by Michelle A. from the Johnson School of Excellence slated to go into TWG on Monday, I sat down with Rawson Vint, the mastermind behind adapting this story into a song. We chatted about his process and special connection to the story. Read an excerpt from the interview below.
What first drew you to The Ten Diamonds and Sisters in the rehearsal room?
I think I gravitate to those types of stories because of the challenge, the originality of the work, and the chance to experiment. Diamonds in particular was a challenge because I set myself a task to do it word for word. There’s maybe two exceptions, but other than that—it’s verbatim what the author wrote.
Not only did you adapt this story into a song, you also originated the role of the mother. If this song were to be performed on Broadway, which celebrity would the producers hire to replace you? (Not that you’re replaceable but let’s face it, it’s a tough business)
I keep thinking “who’d be the most unlikely person to do this song” and it would have to be Alex Trebek from Jeopardy. Wouldn’t that be weird? And great? Can he even sing?
Does Diamonds tell a larger story? What metaphor or real life connections do you hope audience members take away?
There’s definitely some attachment anxiety going on in this family, not to mention they eat dinner at 10pm. But I think the take away is “take care of yourself and your family….and your diaaaaaaamonds”.
Posted by Joe on April 6, 2016
Special Events
That's Weird Grandma
Company Members
The That’s Weird, Grandma 15th Anniversary Show is just around the corner! Here is a wishlist list from company member Tom Malinowski!
That’s Weird Grandma: 15 for 15
Hey! It’s me Tom! And here are my 15 favorite TWG memories! So many great ones, but here you go!
15 Toothless Beaver & Broom - Probably one of the fastest adaptations for a school story I was in
14 Croc & Eggnog - Halena gave us the easy direction of “Do this exactly like Toothless Beaver & Broom.”
13 Funny Bunny - Kristie is my main antagonist who finally gives in to the silliness of the story
12 Superheroes - Only two awesome women have played ?, Lacy and Laura who each bring a similar hilarious yet deliver it differently
11 Magical Place - The only story where I’ve used an annoying high voice over and over and not gotten tired of it
10 The Lobster Factory - The only story when we did it at TWG (5th year anniversary I believe?!) where Beau supplied me a blood packet to burst when the lobster first claws me. I haven’t used a blood packet since. Fake blood.
9 The Meat one (with puppets) - I usually held one end of the curtain the puppets hid behind and I continually, genuinely laughed at the ridiculousness of the reasons why meat is good for you
8 The Raven - The only adaptation of a story into a song about a roller coaster by Geoff Rice which is all full of amazingness
7 The one where I’m in a movie theatre and when it was at TWG Jeff did the voiceover - Whenever he mimicked Carol Channing I lost it
6 The Boat War - This might’ve been the first piece I was in where a non-musician did the music on Garageband (Anthony!)
5 We grouped three stories under the umbrella “A Very Scary Scary Story Minute” We spread this throughout the school show and eventually TWG Green Glob, The Ugly Girl, and one more….. probably one of the first adaptations where we did something like that. We came out singing the jingle, said the title of the story, and then the very short story started
4 The Opening - When we first did the opening for TWG, we would change up the choreography constantly as the schtick
3 Closing Speech - Remember when we did the closing speech and we also did the dance while we did it? That was a first!
2 The basketball one that Jeff and I were in.. - Jeff was the main driving force, and he picked “On to the Next One” song which I hadn’t heard before until he brought the song for rehearsal
1 Old old story I can’t remember the title - But Charlie and I would start on opposite sides, stomp to each other at the center, growl, then I put him over my shoulder and walked off stage. I haven’t put someone over my shoulder ever since.
More information about THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: 15th ANNIVERSARY SHOW directed by Joseph Schupbach and Halena Kays
Company members old and new will reunite as Barrel of Monkeys celebrates 15 years of its hit revue THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA with two special anniversary performances on Sunday April 17 at 2 pm and Monday, April 18 at 8 pm at its long-time home, the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available here!
The special 90-minute production will feature 30 sketches and songs, two from each of the 15 years THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA has been performed at Neo-Futurist theater, including plenty of audience favorites. Directed by current Artistic Director Joseph Schupbach and Founding Artistic Director Halena Kays, the 15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWS will feature long-time company members, as well as out-of-town artists returning to the show they performed in years ago. Back in the booth is Maggie Fullilove-Nugent, who served as the company’s stage manager for ten years. All of the stories are written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members. The 15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW cast includes active members Ashley Bland, Kassi Bleifuss, Brandon Cloyd, Anthony Courser, Lindsey Dorcus, Linsey Falls, Michael Govier, Nick Hart, Mary Winn Heider, Jennifer Johnson, Elizabeth Levy, Laura McKenzie, Spencer Meeks, Matt Miller, Meredith Milliron, Shá Norman, Tai Palmgren, Zoe Schwartz, Jason Sperling, Kate Staiger, Brad Stevens, Rawson Vint, Curtis Williams and Rachel Wilson.
Emeritus and out-of-town members include Brenda Arellano, Lisa Barker, Brennan Buhl, Sarah Garner, Luke Hatton (former Artistic Director), Mike Lubin, Tom Malinowski, Philip Markle, Jonathan Mastro, Lauren Sharpe, Eric Silverberg, Mike Spatafora, Kristie Vuocolo (former Executive Director), Ryan Walters and Donnell Williams.
“I am absolutely thrilled about this celebration! I have the incredible opportunity to co-direct with Founding Artistic Halena Kays, who led the company for ten years – and welcome back alumni into the cast. My relationship with ‘Grandma’ now spans eleven years, so I’m delighted to put some of my favorite stories back on stage. Long-time audience members will enjoy some ‘oldies’ and brand new audience will be delighted to see this mega-sized cast perform the written work of Chicago Public Schools students. There will be song, dance, puppets, short films, surprises, blasts from the past and much more. It will undoubtedly be a magical place to spend 90 minutes.” -Artistic Director Joseph Schupbach
Posted by Joe on April 6, 2016
Special Events
That's Weird Grandma
Company Members
The That’s Weird, Grandma 15th Anniversary Show is just around the corner! Here is a wishlist list from company member Brad!
That’s Weird Grandma: 15 for 15
Hey! It’s me Brad! And here are my 15 favorite TWG adaptations. So many great ones, but here you go!
15. The Haunted Piano: featuring Oona and Luke Hatton. Creepy, yet hilarious!
14. Kool Aid: Matt Miller dressed as a giant Kool Aid man. Need I say more. Mad props to Meredith Ibey Milliron for the
13. Trapped In the Hospital: An oldie but goodie musical number. Saw it for the first time at the TWG 10 Year celebration. Classic!
12. The Ghost Story of the Old Time Country: Immanuel Guest, “I don’t like to be mad in life!” One of the best line readings EVER!!!
11. Ice Cream Man: Laura McKenzie starring down the poor kid with no ice cream. Ha!
10. The Scary Mystery: The first time the Monkey teachers read it in the class room, we knew destined for Grandma.
9. The Long Day: Nick Hart and Curtis Williams were born to play these roles.
8. Magical Place: The song will haunt you in your dreams, but man is it a fun time!!!
7. A Bad Day: Phillip Markle running out in a dress to declare the Cheer Off. Need I say more.
6. The Time I had a Snowball Fight: Curtis Williams does it again with a great adaptation. The Matrix callback…. Classic!!!
5. The Girl Who Had a Monkey: Tim Soszko as the girl, Rawson as the Monkey, and Nick as the poor guy constantly being attacked. Nice.
4. Wanting Meat Loaf: Music by Gwen, Curtis singing, and Miller as Meat Loaf. It Tis Rock Opera Magic I tell you!
3. UNTITLED (Astronauts): This story makes me want to buy a rocket, just to celebrate my birthday in
2. Crying Woman: A tragic, yet beautiful tale told with puppets. Amazing.
1. My Trip To Wisconsin: Curt Chaing combined two fantastic stories to create one of the greatest Barrel of Monkey adaptations ever. Truly a masterpiece!!!
More information about THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: 15th ANNIVERSARY SHOW directed by Joseph Schupbach and Halena Kays
Company members old and new will reunite as Barrel of Monkeys celebrates 15 years of its hit revue THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA with two special anniversary performances on Sunday April 17 at 2 pm and Monday, April 18 at 8 pm at its long-time home, the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available here!
The special 90-minute production will feature 30 sketches and songs, two from each of the 15 years THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA has been performed at Neo-Futurist theater, including plenty of audience favorites. Directed by current Artistic Director Joseph Schupbach and Founding Artistic Director Halena Kays, the 15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWS will feature long-time company members, as well as out-of-town artists returning to the show they performed in years ago. Back in the booth is Maggie Fullilove-Nugent, who served as the company’s stage manager for ten years. All of the stories are written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members. The 15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW cast includes active members Ashley Bland, Kassi Bleifuss, Brandon Cloyd, Anthony Courser, Lindsey Dorcus, Linsey Falls, Michael Govier, Nick Hart, Mary Winn Heider, Jennifer Johnson, Elizabeth Levy, Laura McKenzie, Spencer Meeks, Matt Miller, Meredith Milliron, Shá Norman, Tai Palmgren, Zoe Schwartz, Jason Sperling, Kate Staiger, Brad Stevens, Rawson Vint, Curtis Williams and Rachel Wilson.
Emeritus and out-of-town members include Brenda Arellano, Lisa Barker, Brennan Buhl, Sarah Garner, Luke Hatton (former Artistic Director), Mike Lubin, Tom Malinowski, Philip Markle, Jonathan Mastro, Lauren Sharpe, Eric Silverberg, Mike Spatafora, Kristie Vuocolo (former Executive Director), Ryan Walters and Donnell Williams.
“I am absolutely thrilled about this celebration! I have the incredible opportunity to co-direct with Founding Artistic Halena Kays, who led the company for ten years – and welcome back alumni into the cast. My relationship with ‘Grandma’ now spans eleven years, so I’m delighted to put some of my favorite stories back on stage. Long-time audience members will enjoy some ‘oldies’ and brand new audience will be delighted to see this mega-sized cast perform the written work of Chicago Public Schools students. There will be song, dance, puppets, short films, surprises, blasts from the past and much more. It will undoubtedly be a magical place to spend 90 minutes.” -Artistic Director Joseph Schupbach
Posted by Joe on March 30, 2016
Special Events
That's Weird Grandma
Company Members
The That’s Weird, Grandma 15th Anniversary Show is just around the corner! Here is a wishlist list from company member Meredith!
This is my 10th season with Barrel of Monkeys and I couldn’t be more excited to participate in the 15 year Anniversary of TWG! Picking 15 stories is an impossible task. My original list had over 30 stories, including most from the 10 year anniversary and Loyola Park Live. However, painfully I did it.
Drum Roll Please.
Top 15 TWG stories to hit the Neofuturist Theater stage are:
#15 The Bulls Game, Michael E. & Napoleon N. Paderewski Elementary
I have a video of this on my phone. When I need a good laugh, I watch Tom M. and Jeff T. freak out. I can’t get enough of this play.
#14 Untitled (Horsewolf) Tamarra M., Dewey School of Excellence
If you haven’t seen Horsewolf… you haven’t been to TWG in years. This is a killer adaptation and a killer song. I love horsewolf.
#13 Girl Who Had A Monkey Parianna B., New Sullivan School
Parianna must have watched Dieter’s Dance Party from SNL in the nineties. When I read her journal, it was all I could think about. “Touch my monkey”
#12 Magical Place Dulce H. 4th Grade, CEA
I love nothing more than performing in “magical place”. Really, I could stay there forever.
#11 The Biggest Fight Ever By Richard R., 4th Grade, Cleveland Elementary 2007
My first year in Barrel of Monkey’s, I took home and adapted a fart joke. It ended up on WTTW. Yes, live television. To all Fart Joke writers- keep writing. Boom Ka Boom!
#10 Attack of the Russian Army Jaycee S, Andrew P, Paco O., Jessica V., Jazmin H, Jose G., 4th Grade, Orchard Place
I’ll never forget Brennan plugging the fan into his coffee mug, or Rachel’s seductive Russian accent, or Tai and Curtis’s Russian henchmen. “Mr. fan-tastic”
#9 I am Taylor the Rose Naheige L. 4th Grade Cleveland Elementary 2007
Laura Mac’s character work on Taylor is to die for. I could watch Taylor for hours. I want to meet Taylor.
#8 The Dance of Yousail Marcia, 4th Grade Chalmers School 2008
I think this is one of the most unique adaptations I’ve ever been a part of in Barrel of Monkeys; the costumes, the song, the choreography, the characters. More Joe-Joe please!
#7 My Streets is always Quiet Takayla N. New Sullivan School
Can’t listen to or sing this song without getting a tear in my eye. It is a life changer.
#6 Everyone Get Married Sade T., Brian H., Eva S., Bailey G., and Israel E., Graham Elementary School
The character work on this piece is magic. I had the pleasure of choosing this group story for my cast and then directing its adaptation. I couldn’t stop laughing when i read it at home, and then couldn’t stop laughing when it was performed. Thank goodness Brandon had those snake eyes in his backpack!
#5 Good Days Julian S. & Damarcus G. 4th Grade, Dixon
From the minute this play hit the stage in rehearsal, we all knew it was a hit. The weird hand gestures of Chris Matthews and Ryan Walters were only exaggerated by other cast members in its long TWG run. “gotta get them jordans!”
#4 The Time we had a snowball fight Dionta S. 4th Grade, Kohn
This is mind blowing. Everyone always asked me- “is snowball fight in”. Alas, it’s been over 2 years since we’ve seen it!
#3 Untitled (I remember when my uncle dunked on Mr. Blager) Rael W. 3rd Grade, New Sullivan
Both Matt Miller and Kurt Chang made me cry with laughter as Mr. Blager. “Mr. Blager!!!”
#2 Bunny Madness Roxette, 4th grade Cleveland School
I remember when Laura Mac brought this amazing song into the rehearsal room with a bunch of disclaimers. After she played it, we dismissed them immediately. Everyone should be “free outside the toilet”
#1 The Fight Between Franklin and the Mouse By Mae O, Kai C, Ben W, Molly Jo K, Rashele O, Linda L, Jahnese A, 3rd Grade, Lincolnwood Elementary 2012
I got to direct Lincolnwood (our suburban residency in Evanston) two years in a row. I loved this entire show, especially this amazing adaption by Lindsey Dorcus (the only lady in the cast!) & Brandon Cloyd. I finally got to pick a music track for a story!
See you at the show!
Meredith
More information about THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: 15th ANNIVERSARY SHOW directed by Joseph Schupbach and Halena Kays
Company members old and new will reunite as Barrel of Monkeys celebrates 15 years of its hit revue THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA with two special anniversary performances on Sunday April 17 at 2 pm and Monday, April 18 at 8 pm at its long-time home, the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available here!
The special 90-minute production will feature 30 sketches and songs, two from each of the 15 years THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA has been performed at Neo-Futurist theater, including plenty of audience favorites. Directed by current Artistic Director Joseph Schupbach and Founding Artistic Director Halena Kays, the 15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWS will feature long-time company members, as well as out-of-town artists returning to the show they performed in years ago. Back in the booth is Maggie Fullilove-Nugent, who served as the company’s stage manager for ten years. All of the stories are written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members. The 15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW cast includes active members Ashley Bland, Kassi Bleifuss, Brandon Cloyd, Anthony Courser, Lindsey Dorcus, Linsey Falls, Michael Govier, Nick Hart, Mary Winn Heider, Jennifer Johnson, Elizabeth Levy, Laura McKenzie, Spencer Meeks, Matt Miller, Meredith Milliron, Shá Norman, Tai Palmgren, Zoe Schwartz, Jason Sperling, Kate Staiger, Brad Stevens, Rawson Vint, Curtis Williams and Rachel Wilson.
Emeritus and out-of-town members include Brenda Arellano, Lisa Barker, Brennan Buhl, Sarah Garner, Luke Hatton (former Artistic Director), Mike Lubin, Tom Malinowski, Philip Markle, Jonathan Mastro, Lauren Sharpe, Eric Silverberg, Mike Spatafora, Kristie Vuocolo (former Executive Director), Ryan Walters and Donnell Williams.
“I am absolutely thrilled about this celebration! I have the incredible opportunity to co-direct with Founding Artistic Halena Kays, who led the company for ten years – and welcome back alumni into the cast. My relationship with ‘Grandma’ now spans eleven years, so I’m delighted to put some of my favorite stories back on stage. Long-time audience members will enjoy some ‘oldies’ and brand new audience will be delighted to see this mega-sized cast perform the written work of Chicago Public Schools students. There will be song, dance, puppets, short films, surprises, blasts from the past and much more. It will undoubtedly be a magical place to spend 90 minutes.” -Artistic Director Joseph Schupbach
Posted by Joe on September 14, 2015
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Company Members
Tonight’s show brings you a whole new cast of That’s Weird, Grandma including the return of Brandon Cloyd!
Brandon has been at summer camp for months! But he came back this week and jumped right into That’s Weird, Grandma! He is joined by Kassi, Rawson, Rachel, Nick, and new performing ensemble member Spencer!
You will also enjoy a story that is brand new to Grandma:
Pig Named Jill by Fontayza B., Cather School
Once upon a time there was a little pig named Jill was a kind little pig who had to watch over his family members. He had 5,000 family members they wanted to eat all of his crab legs. They started to eat his crablegs. They started to eat his crablegs and he got mad. Jill pulls a rope and trapped all of his family members and me made them as angels of spider webs and when he were done trapping he started eating the crab legs and said, “ha ha ha ha ha!!” When his family members so that Jill was getting hanged and they sad they songed a song. THE END.
ALSO!
MONKEY-O-KEE is this Thursday!
WHEN: Thursday, September 17 from 7pm-10pm
WHERE: Mary’s Attic at Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N. Clark St. (2nd Floor)
TICKETS: $30
The moment you have all been awaiting is right around the corner! Our annual Monkey-O-Kee karaoke benefit will occur on Thursday, September 17 from 7pm-10pm at Mary’s Attic at Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N. Clark St. “What is it all about?” you may ask. It is all about supporting Barrel of Monkeys’ work in the Chicago Public Schools. Your attendance supports singing, laughing, and amazing stories written by children.
When you purchase a ticket for the extremely fair price of $30, you not only get the chance to support BOM’s work with Chicago’s youth – igniting their imaginations, boosting their self-esteem and improving literacy – but you ALSO get well cocktails, house wine, and domestic beers (including these signature house-brewed ales: “Blonde Bombshell” golden ale, “Mary Hoppins” pale ale, and “Gangster” hopped-up amber ale)... not to mention the karaoke, and therefore, entertainment in abundance.
Various and sundry other fun and fabulous activities will occur at the event, including a prize wheel, sponsored Monkey performances, and maybe a few surprises along the way.
We’re thrilled to announce this year’s Monkey-O-Kee Sponsored Singers! These fabulous folks will each be performing show stopping numbers for you!
Jon Berry of Griffin Theatre
Elise Mayfield of Master Chef
Jessie Fisher of Broadway’s Once
JC Brooks of JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound
If you buy your tickets online now you will receive two, count them TWO, free spins on the prize wheel! Could it get better? Possibly and likely, but you will only know if you show up.
CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS
See you tonight at the show and Thursday at Monkey-O-Kee!
