Posted by Luke on July 17, 2011
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
This round culminates with the addition of a little known story with huge potential called “Show Day.” It’s about Joyce’s experience of putting on a play at camp that Miss Norra made up.
Last I heard, we’re nearly sold out, so if you plan to come tomorrow night, I recommend making reservations by calling 312 409 1954 or by going here.
It’s going to be a lot of fun- not solely because it’s my last show, or because the talent we have in this particular show is a highly concentrated collection of ringers, or because the show is well rehearsed by now and everything is reaching it’s full potential. Well, maybe for all those reasons.
Thanks for reading my oodles of words over the years.
Oh, I almost forgot. $2 off at the box office if you say, “save the wolves.”
Read more
Posted by Luke on July 11, 2011
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
I’ve decided that for my last two weeks of directing TWG, I’m putting in stories I adore that I’ve always meant to put in but never got around to it.
The Trip to Vegas chronicles the story of a couple who’s relationship is on the rocks. Then, after a romantic visit to Sin City, all is righted again.
Then there’s Vampire, Alien and a Super Baby, Bowser. It’s a dialogue between the four characters. Vampire and Bowser’s relationship undergoes a serious test when Bowser swallows Vampire. Will they reconcile their culinary differences????
FIND OUT TONIGHT!
$2 off at the box office if you say “Kassi, enjoy your next trip to Vegas.”
BE AT IT.
Read more
Posted by Luke on June 27, 2011
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
What a joy to announce the two new stories going into ‘That’s Weird, Grandma’ tonight.
1) Penguin and Robot on the Titanic. Adapted by Joe and Laura, this piece ends, predictably, tragically. But your heart will go on yearning to see it again and again.
2) Haunted Boot and Sidewalk. This is an OLDIE that we’re bringing back. It was last performed at Theater on the Lake in 2006. I’m just gonna paste the original below. Upon reading it, Elizabeth had to stop working for a good 15 minutes last week to recover from laughter. Take as much time as you need-
$2 off at the b.o. tonight if you say ‘sidewalk’.
Read more
Posted by Luke on June 24, 2011
Touring Performances
Luke with a pencil and paper: Tell us about the origins and purpose of That’s Weird, Abuelita (TWA).
Luke in a black turtle neck: I’ve been thinking about this show that opens tonight at Little Village High School for quite some time. We have partnered with both Little Village Academy and Columbia Explorers Academy for many years and the students there have written hundreds of hilarious and heartfelt stories which we’ve adapted for the stage. I’m excited for us to share these stories in the community where they originated.
Luke with a pencil and paper: What can people look forward to about this particular show?
Luke in a black turtle neck: The show has a very strong visual aesthetic. Usually this is present in our shows about 20% of the time. In TWA it’s more like 80 or 90%. I would say it is the most physical performance BOM has ever done (as evidenced by how exhausted everyone is after a run). We have some really amazing visual artists in our company and so it’s great to be able to showcase that. It’s been a newer development in our aesthetic and I’m really delighted in how we’ve grown as visual storytellers.
Luke with a pencil and paper: If people—
Luke in a black turtle neck: I also have to say that the work and assistance of the fluent Spanish speakers in the show (Marla, Ricky and Lacy) has been invaluable. We have a handful of others who dabble in the language or have been game to try and that’s made a huge difference in what we’ve been capable of achieving.
Luke with a pencil and paper: Great. If people are worried about getting hungry during the show, what do you suggest?
Luke in a black turtle neck: Deal with it. Ha, J/K. You’re in luck. We are going to have free food available outside of the theater before each of the performances (starting at 6:45).
Luke with a pencil and paper: More deets, please.
Luke in a black turtle neck: “Deets” is not a word. THAT’S WEIRD, ABUELITA OPENS TONIGHT AND RUNS FOUR FRIDAYS ONLY! (THRU JULY 15TH). THE SHOW IS AT 7:30PM AT LITTLE VILLAGE HIGH SCHOOL (3120 S. KOSTNER AVE.) TICKETS ARE $10 AND $5 FOR KIDS. IT IS FREE IF YOU ARE A PAST BOM STUDENT OR AN LVHS STUDENT.
IF YOU SAY “CONEJO”, YOU GET $2 OFF YOUR TICKET PRICE!! TALK ABOUT CHEAP. CALL 312 409-1954 TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION OR GO HERE.
Luke with a pencil and paper: This concludes our interview.
Luke in a black turtle neck: I know.
Posted by Luke on June 19, 2011
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
The Fireworks. The BBQs. The veggie burger glazed with beef juice because a hamburger was cooked in the same spot just before it.
If you’re me, these are the things you associate with the birth of this great, special, superior, love-it-or-leave-it nation.
At TWG, the celebration of our nation’s birth begins this Monday night. We won’t have rehearsal on July 3rd, so we have to put in the story about The Fourth of July now. It is called Fourth of July.
Now sometimes at BOM we get a little carried away and put stories into the show JUST because a holiday is nigh e.g. The Hot Fudge and the Elf.
Fourth of July is not that kind of story.
It is good. I would put it in the show even if it wasn’t the Fourth of July, but since it is (or will be) even better.
In it, actors play fireworks. How often have you seen that? You will.
If you say “piranhas” at the box office, you will save $2 on your admission ticket. I decided to put this information in the middle of the entry, so people don’t just skip to the end of the blog to save money without relishing my words.
Also, we’re putting in a piece called Ducks Follow a Kid. It is weird and funny.
Below is the running order.
You will like it.
Read more
