Posted by Molly on July 25, 2011
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
We had two days to do an almost complete cast changeover from Grandma 8 to Grandma 9. Luckily, Philip Markle and Emjoy Gavino were able to stick with the show, in addition to the irreplaceable Maggie Fullilove-Nugent, and their combined dynamic presence in the room kept us on track. Look for a new man on the keys: Caleb Probst joins Emjoy and Philip on rotating piano duty. His acting chops cannot be denied, and I’m delighted to have him step back into a role he originated: Bowser in “Vampire, Alien, Superbaby, Bowser”. Dynamic duo Matt Miller and Michelle Alba, the former a senior Company Member and the latter one of BOM’s new recruits, will surprise and delight in their Karate Kid/Mr. Miagi take in “Show Day”. The unmistakable voice of Marika Mashburn rings out in a number of singing and narration parts, and her nearly silent “Daisy” in “Daisy Never Learned” is a delightful turn. There’s a new “Sally” in the form of Zoe Schwartz, and Ms. Schwartz sports some sweet action moves in “Stupid”. Tom Malinowski, no stranger to the “Grandma” stage reprises his role as himself in “Hospital for Ninja” as well as interpreting some more eccentric characters including Serial Killer Squirrel and Sebastian. The physical comedy star with the booming voice Tim Soszko’s Duck knocks it out of the park, Tai Palmgren surprises with his 90’s grunge ballad prowess, and Barrel of Monkeys’ Program Director Elizabeth Levy steps out of the office and into the spotlight to bring her spark to “Piranhas Should Not Exist” and others. This cast of extraordinary Chicago Talent will bring the Monkey to Grandma 9 through August 29. We hope you’ll join us!
Take $2 off your Ticket by saying the Secret Password at the Box Office.
The Password is: “Do you have any nachos?”
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.”
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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.
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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’.
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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.
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