CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: House Theatre of Chicago
Posted by Joe on October 1, 2012
That's Weird Grandma Touring Performances
A week from today Chicago’s Weird, Grandma opens with…
A special adaptation by House Theatre of Chicago!
Come see the House celebrate students work.
Here is an interview between you and our artistic director Molly Brennan:
You: Tell me about The House Theatre of Chicago
Molly: The House Theatre of Chicago strives to “unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.” They had a huge impact on the Chicago scene in 2002 with “The Terrible Tragedy of Peter Pan.” They set a precedent for themselves to tell these sweeping epic stories that are familiar and strike the heart and the psyche. Using a variety of storytelling techniques, these guys manage to build these massive-scale productions in intimate spaces. In all the shows I’ve seen there’s this feeling of conjuring. Like they’re making magic. There’s often a danger element, too, which of course I always dig. One of my very favorite experiences as an actor in Chicago was being part of “Curse of the Crying Heart”, in which I got to play a flying Samurai. This is the kind of thing they do: Putting actors on wires with swords in their hands and having them fight a demon, accompanied by a live rock band.
You: What will The House Theatre of Chicago bring to the adaptation process that is unique?
Molly: The House is in the business of epic storytelling. I’m looking forward to an adaptation of a BOM kid’s story that has this massive feel to it. Four House Company Members (Marika Mashburn, Dixie Uffelman, Chris Mathews and Cliff Chamberlain…oh, wait, and me!) also work with Barrel of Monkeys. So I know that this team has what we call “the Monkey Heart”, which is full of respect and celebration for our authors’ work and a drive to work at the top of one’s artistic power.
You: How else can I experience The House Theatre of Chicago if I like what I see or want to know more?
Molly: There are two things you can see right now:
The Beginning of their New Trilogy, The Iron Stag King: Part One, has stampeded on to the Chopin stage. Nathan Allen and Chris Mathews co-wrote it, and it features two Monkeys: Cliff Chamberlain and Ezekiel Sulkes. It runs through October 21. A word of advice: Sit “in the box” (you’ll see what I mean) and go for the front row. Go to their website for showtimes and tickets.
Also, the House’s Dennis Watkins, a Magician literally from generations of Magicians, does his spectacular act in an intimate setting: a secret room at the Palmer House. Friday nights only! Learn more information and get reservations.
Learn more about Chicago’s Weird, Grandma!