Public performances other than TWG.
Posted by Joe on December 12, 2012
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Touring Performances
CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA on December 17 will feature The Neo-Futurists & About Face Theatre
Here is an interview between you and Barrel of Monkeys’ Artistic Director, Molly Brennan:
You: Tell me about the Neo Futurists
Molly: The Neo Futurists have been performing in Chicago for 24 years, cultivating a loyal audience of returning patrons, hungry for the unique and honest style that this Chicago star provides. In addition to their long-running “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind”, the Neos produce a three-show season featuring all original work created by its daring Ensemble. They also offer classes and workshops in their writing and devising techniques.
The Neo Futurarium has been the home of That’s Weird, Grandma since the beginning, and Barrel of Monkeys is honored to be hosting their hosts on this closing night of Chicago’s Weird, Grandma.
You: What will the Neo Futurists bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: Their signature show, Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind, which had its first performance on December 2, 1988, is now in its twenty fourth year, making it the longest-running show in Chicago today. Too Much Light…, with its ever-changing “menu,” is an attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes. The single unifying element of these plays is that they are performed from a perspective of absolute honesty. Players always appear as themselves on stage, speaking directly from their personal experiences. Each short play is written by a performer, honed by the ensemble, and randomly collaged with twenty-nine other plays through high-energy audience participation. Each week, these plays shift as ensemble members add new plays to the existing body of work. Each night of performance, they create an unreproducable living newspaper collage of the comic and tragic, the political and personal, and the visceral and experimental.
Here’s their story:
SNOW STORM
By Michelle S. Farnsworth Elementary
One day I was in a snow storm. I was by myself. It was very scary. I remember it because I got lost in my own back yard. I tried to get home but it was very hard. My mom was worried. Then I had a hot bath and had hot coco.
You: How else can I experience the Neo Futurists if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind” runs Friday and Saturday nights at 11:30, Sunday nights at 7. For New Year’s this year, they will be hosting a special Monday night performance at 9:30 p.m. on the 31st. For more information, check out the Neos!
You: Tell me about About Face Theatre
Molly: About Face Theatre creates exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity, and to challenge and entertain audiences in Chicago, across the country, and around the world. Additionally, About Face has a well-established Youth Theater that was created as a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning young people and their allies to tell their stories and create community. The exclusion of queer history and dialogue from schools, and the consistent discrimination and violence suffered by queer youth are the most immediate problems About Face Youth Theatre addresses with their multi-tiered programming. This program is empowering at all levels. Not only do participants enjoy the opportunity to express themselves artistically, they are also integrally involved in the program planning. This is a vital part of our community, and I am very proud that About Face offers this to the young people of Chicago.
You: What will About Face bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: We are so happy AFT is bringing back “Monster Mash” by Ethan B. from Paderewski Elementary. It is absolutely hilarious and sweet and polished and has a musical montage.
Fantastic Chicago stage veterans Mitchell Fain and Scott Duff join the young and talented Philip Dawkins in this adaptation. This trio of AFT Associate Artists brings a tight performance that explores the challenges of relationships, and what comes of getting stuck with someone. The even balance of professional chops and unbridled joy is something I have come to enjoy from About Face productions, and I am thrilled they are bringing an encore performance for the closing night of our very successful “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”.
Here’s their story:
THE MONSTER MASH by Ethan B., Paderewski
There was a Monster named Zane and his alien friend Craze. The monsters were weird they eat brains and throw watermelon and knit. One day the monster and alien ran into each other and they were stuck. They were stuck for 10 milleniums but one day an awesome smart wizard named Deeerrrikkkk came and gave them a potion to unstick them. And the wizard charged them 20 million but they couldn’t pay so they were blasted 1, 000, 000 years into the future when they were old smelly and OLLDD and they did not remember anything ever again.
You: How else can I experience About Face Theatre Company if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: This year’s Holiday spectacular is “We Three Lizas”, a surprising holiday musical sure to please! Scott Duff, who plays the Monster in “Monster Mash”, stars in this Jeff-nominated holiday extravaganza! Musically directed by Barrel of Monkeys’ Company Member Alan Schmuckler! Conveniently located at the Steppenwolf Garage Theatre, running through December 23.
For tickets and info check out About Face!
CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA has been selling out! Buy your tickets today!
Posted by Joe on December 4, 2012
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Touring Performances
Chicago’s Weird, Grandma will feature Sideshow Theatre Company on December 10
Here is an interview between you and Barrel of Monkeys’ Artistic Director, Molly Brennan:
You: Tell me about Sideshow Theatre Company.
Molly: “Familiar Stories, Unorthodox Methods, Perpetually Curious” is the motto of this young Chicago Company. It is the mission of Sideshow Theatre Company to mine the collective unconscious of the world with limitless curiosity, drawing inspiration from the familiar stories, memories and images we all share to spark new conversation and bring our audience together as adventurers in a communal experience of exploration. This mighty and amibitious mission has created such works as “Dante Dies (and then things get weird)” “Heddatron” and “The Gacy Play”.
You: What will Sideshow Theatre Company bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: Passion, grittiness, and intensity. Get ready, Grandma…it’s gonna get REALLY weird.
Here’s their story:
I BELIEVE SANTA CLAUSE by Alejovera, Columbia Explorer’s Academy
My first reason is because he is a man and he lives in the North pole, my second reason is I found pieces of white hair in the floor. My third reason is that I found, at night, presents under the tree. In conclusion, I believe in Santa clause. The End
You: How else can I experience Sideshow Theatre Company if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: For future Sideshow events, check out their website.
Get tickets today to join in on the fun!
Posted by Joe on November 27, 2012
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Touring Performances
Chicago’s Weird, Grandma will feature The Factory Theater & Manual Cinema on December 3
Here is an interview between you and Barrel of Monkeys’ Artistic Director, Molly Brennan:
You: Tell me about the Factory Theatre
Molly: Factory Theater is a theater organization dedicated to the writing, directing, performance and production of original works written by ensemble members that are accessible to inexperienced as well as seasoned theatergoers. Since 1992 they have produced 55 productions that have been enjoyed by both critics and audience members. I am an Emeritus Member myself, and Factory produced three plays I wrote during the mid-nineties. Factory’s work is Chicago’s work. Their plays reflect the diversity and determination of this town..
You: What will the Factory Theatre bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: Factory uses a variety of styles including farce, camp, musical comedy, noir, and heightened realism. Their actors come to the stage with explosive energy and joy for storytelling. I am very excited to see how they The Christmas Monster. Here is the original story:
THE CHRISTMAS MONSTER!! By Dinora S, Columbia Explorer’s Academy
One day it was Christmas. I slept in the couch. I was 5 years old. I slept. Then I heard a sound, it was very loud. I got outside. It was an alien. It had a beard. I thought it was fake. I took off the mask, it was a huge gigantic monster and it was ugly too. It smelled very very bad. I ran and he was trying to eat me. But it did. It smelled very bad. The water was very green. I was in the water, my skin was a skeleton! THE END
You: How else can I experience the Factory Theatre if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: “Toast of the Town” is their current production, playing through December 15 at Prop Thtr. Discover Factory!
You: Tell me about Manual Cinema.
Molly: Manual Cinema is a collaboration between puppeteers/graphic artists Julia Miller, Drew Dir and Sarah Fornace, with musician/composers Kyle Vegter and Ben Kauffman. Their process combines handmade shadow puppetry, cinematic motifs, and live sound manipulation to create immersive theatrical stories. Their tools are paper, acetate, ink, light, air pressure, and overhead projectors. They love dreamscapes, landscapes, sound-scapes, feet, hands, space, small delicate sounds, and animating the inanimate.
You: What will Manual Cinema bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: Manual Cinema creates in a way that is very different from Barrel of Monkeys, and I am excited to see their adaptation of “Hair Fear!!!!!” by Sheriff N., Dixon Elementary. It will be lovely to have something so highly technical on our stage!
You: How else can I experience Manual Cinema if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: Manual Cinema will be presenting the World Premiere of Lula Del Ray at the Den Theatre, November 29-December 16. Receive more information!
Discover Manual Cinema
Get tickets today to join in on the fun!
Posted by Joe on November 20, 2012
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Touring Performances
Chicago’s Weird, Grandma will feature Dean Evans on November 26
Here is an interview between you and Barrel of Monkeys’ Artistic Director, Molly Brennan:
You: Tell me about Dean Evans.
Molly: Dean Evans is an extraordinary performance artist, a truly unique and powerful presence in the Chicago Theater Scene. He employs clown and mime in his work, and his quiet and intense presence conjures a gorgeously surreal experience for the audience. His work is fully accessible, and dream-like. He can make every day, mundane acts seem magical. He can physically manifest surprising gifts of insight with simple gesture and expression. In addition to his long-running “Magical Exploding Boy” and his more recent splash “Honeybuns”, Dean has appeared at the Goodman, Second City, ImprovOlympic, 500 Clown, the Hypocrites and Redmoon. I had the pleasure of working with him in Chicago Children’s Theater in “Go, Dog, Go”, where I was able to watch his process. I was fascinated by the strangeness and familiarity and specificity of his choices.
You: What will Dean Evans bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: His arresting performance style. His mesmerizing presence. His fantastical storytelling. We are in for a real treat.
Here is the story he has chosen:
MAGICAL HORSE by Journey B., Dixon Elementary
Once upon a time there was Journey a simple 9 year old then one day she took horse riding lessons. The horse started to gallop it was my first time so I wanted to stop so I said stop. The horse got mad and grew angel black wings an dsaid next time you have lessons with me you should know I’m not going to stop. Then he flew away with me into another galaxy and to his home dumped me into the trash went to go use it and then that’s when I escaped took his car drove myself back home and kept his car. I made an underground machine where my friends and whole family lived forever. I never went back to those lessons again. THE END
You: How else can I experience Dean Evans if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: Visit Dean’s Website!
THIS SHOW HAS BEEN SELLING OUT!
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Posted by Joe on November 13, 2012
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Touring Performances
Chicago’s Weird, Grandma will feature The Lincoln Squares on November 19
Here is an interview between you and Barrel of Monkeys’ Artistic Director, Molly Brennan:
You: Tell me about The Lincoln Squares.
Molly: Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler are critically-acclaimed actors/musicians/singers/songwriters (and Monkeys) who’ve made their mark on the Chicago theatre scene; now, with their band The Lincoln Squares, they’re taking their act on the road. Featuring fellow Monkey Alex Goodrich on banjo/ukelele/harmonica/saw, the Lincoln Squares combine the pop rock of Ben Folds, the poetic folk of Paul Simon, and the churning drive of Mumford and Sons.
You: What will The Lincoln Squares bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: Their original songs bubble with idiosyncratic honesty, and their performances are marked by a charming easy showmanship. They will be sharing this magic on Monday night by performing “This Should Not Happen”, composed by Michael Mahler, words from the “ISAT Argument” story by Tianna J from Columbia Explorer’s Academy.
You: How else can I experience the Lincoln Squares if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: Czech out the websites of these fine gentlemen!
Discover Michael Mahler!
Discover Alan Schmuckler!
THIS SHOW HAS BEEN SELLING OUT!
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
