CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Strawdog Theatre Company

Posted by Joe on October 11, 2012

That's Weird Grandma TWG Weekly Update Touring Performances

Monday, Oct 15th Strawdog Theatre Company

Come see Strawdog Theatre Company celebrate students’ work.

Here is an interview between you and our artistic director Molly Brennan:

You: Tell me about Strawdog Theatre

Molly: “Strawdog offers Chicago the premiere storefront theatre experience. They develop new work, re-imagine classic plays, explore new fusions of music and theatre, ask provocative questions and deliver the unexpected to their audience. They provide a home for their celebrated ensemble to work and play with the most sought after artists in Chicago theatre along with the best new talents in the city.”
Strawdog is a pillar of Chicago Storefront Theatre.  These guys are producing their 25th Season! They survived the implementation of the PPA license in the 90’s that resulted in a number of storefront shut-downs and throughout the years have grown and changed and adapted and remained a place where many talented Chicago actors, designers, directors and technicians have called home.  They have two spaces, their mainstage, and then a great smaller spot called Hugen Hall that features all manner of music, cabarets, and smaller productions.  There’s always something happening at Strawdog!

Strawdog produced one of my very favorite Chicago productions.  “Red Noses” was a show I went back and saw 5 times.  I found it to be incredibly moving and funny and wonderful, and like it was a play just for me.  Plus, the soundtrack jammed.

Included in the Strawdog ensemble is BOM Company Member Sarah Goeden; and Kyle Hamman, who produced a Barrel of Monkey’s film written and directed by one of our students!

You: What will Strawdog bring to the adaptation process that is unique?

Molly: Strawdog shows a lot of respect for, and attention to, the text.  I suspect their table work on their piece will be extensive, and that they will spend a lot of time and effort in doing the authors’ words justice onstage.  They have an accomplished ensemble of actors, and I’m excited to see what they do with the piece!

Their piece is POEM: FLY LIKE A BIRD by Jalyn H., Dixon Elementary


You: How else can I experience Strawdog Theatre if I like what I see or want to know more?

Molly: “Neighborhood 3:  Requisition of Doom” is their current project.  Another scary show that I got to see on opening night! Fusing slick technology with a solid quartet of exceptional actors, this piece flips between earthly and virtual landscapes to great success.  The social commentary on the decay of true communication with the advance of communication technology has me still thinking and worrying! Great for adults and teens.  I would say it would be great for parents to see WITH their teens.  It runs through November 10.  For more information, learn more.

Learn more about Chicago’s Weird, Grandma!