That’s Weird, Grandma!
"That's Weird, Grandma" will return in December!
THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA
An Original Sketch Show Written by Kids,
Performed by Grownups,
and Enjoyed by Humans
THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: HOLIDAY PARTY!
That’s Weird, Grandma: Holiday Party! features adaptations of stories written during PML’s creative writing residencies in Chicago elementary schools. PML’s ensemble of professional actors, comedians and musicians bring the young authors’ stories to life as raucous sketches, songs and movement pieces, performing first for students in their schools and then for the public. These stories – from hilarious dialogues between unlikely characters to poignant pleas for social change, along with holiday-inspired stories that resonate with adults while celebrating the imaginations of young people.
SHOWS
Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.
CAST AND CREW
The cast includes Company Members Noah Appel, Ruby Gibson, Maddy Grady, Indira Gutiérrez, Barry Irving, Daniela Kreidler, Macaria Chaparro Martinez, Sam Nieves, Brad Stevens and Melanie Vitaterna. The show is directed by Company Member Linnaea Groh.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Linnaea Groh is a company member, teaching artist and Administrative Assistant with PlayMakers Laboratory. They have directed five PlayMakers school shows since joining in 2022, and they are delighted to direct That’s Weird, Grandma! Other directing credits include The Biblioette (Logan Square Improv) and the world premiere of Catalina Sunshine (TYA Musical at Sylvia Center for the Arts in Bellingham, WA.) Assistant Directing credits include That’s Weird, Grandma: Summer Vacation with PlayMakers and Emperor of the Moon (Sylvia Center for the Arts). Linnaea has also worked in theaters across Chicagoland as an actor, musician and improviser including Steppenwolf LookOut Series, Strawdog Theatre, Filament Theatre, Northbrook TYA, Kerfuffle, 2nd Story Theater, iO Theater and Bughouse Theater. They are a former Art & Music Teacher with Bubbles Academy and a former MainStage Improviser & improv teacher at Ryan Stiles’ Improv Theater in Bellingham, WA. Originally from Washington State, Linnaea received a B.A. in Acting and Theater Education from Western Washington University, where they were the Artistic Director of Plays4Us, a quarterly new works festival, and President of Student Theater Productions.
WATCH US ON YOUTUBE
Check out one of our stories online: THE SECRET PILOT by Diamond from Columbia Explorers Academy
Secret Pilot
By Diamond, 5th Grade, Columbia Explorers Academy
Long ago there was a famous singer but they didn’t want to be a singer.The only reason they were one was because they wanted to make their parents proud. So they kept quiet. Their name was Boda Frost. They really liked to go to the beach with friends.They lived in Chicago. They actually really love planes and the sunset. Their dream was to fly a plane and fly into a sunset with their partner. But they were in a secret relationship and they did a lot with each other. Then a few years later they came out to their parents and Boda and their partner got married. The End.
FAQ’s & MORE INFO
What’s all this, then?
That’s Weird, Grandma! is our once-a-year public show and fundraiser! The show features stories written by real PML students from Chicago Public Schools. Come celebrate their words and their imaginations.
Is this show kid and family-friendly?
This show is written by students, performed by adults, and enjoyed by everyone! We recommend elementary school-age and up!
*Children age 3 and under are able to attend free of charge and can sit on your lap. If you are worried about your child being able to sit through the performance, we recommend sitting near the exit in the event that you need to step into the lobby.
How long is the show?
The show runs for approximately one hour.
Are masks required?
Yes, audience members are required to wear a mask in the Neo Furturist Theater for the duration of the show. We have masks available for you!
Is the venue ADA-accessible?
There is a flight of stairs up to the venue. However, please contact us ahead of time and we can make accommodations for anyone in your party to attend, and we can provide elevator access through the apartment building attached to the theatre. Please note that even with elevator access there are still 3 stairs.
I have more questions, who can I contact?
Please email us at bcloyd@playmakerslab.org. Thank you!
Some reviews of the show...
“[PML's performers are] the perfect blend of over the top energy, comedic timing, and wacky facial expressions . . .”
–Bonnie Kenaz-Mara, ChiIL Mama
“[PlayMakers Laboratory] brings its A-game every week. That’s not just devotion to the craft: it’s devotion to the cause.”
–Ian Rigg, Chicagoland Musical Theatre
“[PlayMakers Laboratory] shows, like chocolate chip cookies, are a source of infinite delight.”
–Jessie Bond, Chicago Splash
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