That’s Weird, Grandma!
PlayMakers Laboratory’s critically acclaimed production of That’s Weird, Grandma will return this summer for…!
That’s Weird Grandma’s 25th Birthday!
We are excited to have That’s Weird, Grandma’s 25th Anniversary run return to the stage at The Neo Futurist Theatre for Saturday and Sunday matinees August 23 through September 6.
Scroll down to for more information about our upcoming show.
THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA
An Original Sketch Show Written by Kids,
Performed by Grownups,
and Enjoyed by Humans
THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA’S 25th BIRTHDAY
That’s Weird, Grandma’s 25th Brithday 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.
PLUS! Every performance this run will feature the return of many of PML’s incredible Emeritus Company Members performing a rotating selection of classic stories from the past 25th years! Wether the are new stories or old stories, all of our inspired tales that also resonate with adults while celebrating the imaginations of young people.
CAST AND CREW
The Cast includes current Company Members: Linnaea Groh, Indira Gutiérrez, Barry Irving, Lucas, Johnson, Sam Nieves, Yongwoo Park, Lee Peters, Allison Sokolowski, Brad Stevens, Lex Mann Turner, and Tyara Whitted. The show is Directed by Brandon Cloyd and Stage Managed by Daniel Parsons
SHOWS
Sunday, Aug. 23 at 2 p.m
*Featuring Emeritus Company Members Kate Staiger & Ricky Harris performing the classic My Sister Fell and another surprise story!*
Saturday, Aug. 29 at 2 p.m.
*Featuring Emeritus Company Members soon to be announced!*
Sunday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m.
*Featuring Emeritus Company Member Tom Malinowski*
Saturday, Sept. 5 at 2 p.m.
*Featuring Emeritus Company Member Mary Tilden*
Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m.
*Featuring Emeritus Company Members soon to be announced!*
LOCATION
Neo Futurist Theater
5153 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60640 US
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Brandon Cloyd joined PlayMakers Laboratory in 2007 and has been deeply involved in many facets of the company ever since. Prior to joining PML, Brandon graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a minor in Business Institutions. Brandon has held many roles in PlayMakers Laboratory before becoming the company’s Artistic & Program Director in September 2017. He served with PML as an actor, teaching artist, lead teacher, a member of Teacher Corps, as well as directing shows for schools and public performances of That’s Weird, Grandma. Outside of PML, he worked as the Associate Director of Camp Echo, where he has spent 13 summers managing campers and staff at a co-ed sleep away camp in Upstate New York. Brandon has worked with other theatre companies including Urban Theatre Company, American Theater Company, Filament Theatre, InGen Productions, ACLE’s Teatrino in Italy and a founding director with Purple Crayon Players at Northwestern University. Brandon is also a former board member for the League of Chicago Theatres.
READ OUR RECENT REVIEW
Caroline from BUSKING AT THE SEAMS came to our summer 2025 run of That’s Weird, Grandma: Summer Vacation and wrote a wonderful review titled: PlayMakers Laboratory Hands Megaphone to Kids.
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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