Posts related to TWG.
Posted by Jason on February 23, 2014
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Wow, these five weeks have flown by! Our annual matinee round is coming to a close…
Show me that smile again
Don’t waste another minute on your crying
We’re nowhere near the end
The best is ready to begin
Wow, Alan Thicke. You knew what you were talking about. 
‘Cause guess what, y’all? We’re coming at you full speed for this last show. Last week we added Mariah Carey’s Dream, by Jujuan D. from Burnham Anthony Elementary
and When I Was Playing With My Toys by Tony O. from Lorca Elementary.
This week we’re adding Vampire or Not? by Ileana H., Tetta D. and Carmen O. from Avondale Elementary
and an untitled piece about an ice cream man by Marcellious G. from Stockton Elementary.
Even though this round is ending, March 2 starts a round of both Sunday matinees AND Monday night shows! Come see us off in style!
We got each other, Sharin’ the laughter and love. (Speaking of sharing: the code word for this week’s discount tickets at the box office is “ICE CREAM!”)
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 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 Amanda Farrar on January 22, 2014
That's Weird Grandma
“That’s Weird, Grandma” offers a limited number of Sunday matinees each year, and they are starting NOW! I can’t tell you how many times we get calls after the matinees are concluded asking when there will be more. Friends, it’s a once in a year opportunity, and your opportunity is now! 
Matinees are especially important to catch if you have youngsters who are in bed by the time we hit the stage at 8pm on Monday nights. “Sketch comedy” is not usually synonymous with “kid friendly”, but here is where Barrel of Monkeys’ performances are unique! Everything we perform is written by 3rd-5th graders from underserved elementary schools in Chicago, and the show is completely appropriate for all ages. Children aged 5 years and above will an extremely rewarding experience. If you are looking for some cutting edge, yet family friendly theater, we have shows all year round!
“Edgy and children’s theatre are terms that do not usually butt up against each other in a review…but [Barrel of Monkeys] is edgy children’s theatre that rivals anything done by and for grown-ups that comes out of those larger purveyors of Chicago-style sketch comedy.”
– Chicago Stage Review
See you on a Sunday at 2pm. Matinees go away after March 30, 3014! Reserve your tickets by calling 312-409-1954 or purchase online now.
