Review: Chicago’s Weird, Grandma (Barrel of Monkeys)

High energy story-telling for kids and young-at-heart

Ever wondered what goes on inside a child’s mind? What do they make of this sometimes good, sometimes bad and always strange world? Look no further than theBarrel of Monkeys’ production Chicago’s Weird, Grandma. Full of innocence and insight, this is a show that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Barrel of Monkeys works with under-served children (3rd and 5th graders) in Chicago Public Schools. They help the kids hone their creative writing skills; then collect the stories that they write and string them together in one hilarious show. They perform the show in the schools and then open it to the public. Their well-known production That’s Weird, Grandma comes back this fall for its 15th season with the same idea but with one difference: This time around there are also guest adaptations by House Theatre of Chicago and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

When a production is based on a child’s imagination, there is no telling what will happen. The show on Oct. 8 featured Barbie’s coming to life, Nilsa and Nilsa (twin girls who win the ugliest twin girls contest) and an evil villain called Stinky Stone. There are songs, dances and crazy costumes to go with whacky storylines.

The show is high-energy, from the moment the members of Barrel of Monkeys take the audience into the theater right up until the curtain call. This is a wonderful show for kids as it is certainly geared towards them. The actors use more or less the same language as the original stories and, hence, it is simple and direct. The show moves quickly from one story to the next and is visually interesting with a great deal of slapstick comedy. The performers from Barrel of Monkeys and House Theater Chicago have an infectious enthusiasm for the stories they are adapting. They engage with the kids in the audience, as do the guest adaptors. Steppenwolf ensemble member Ora Jones began her section of stories with a hilarious word of warning about older siblings.

Having said that, I would highly recommend this show for adults as well. Not only does it allow you to sink into a world where anything is possible, even a kid playing in the NFL. But some of the stories will surprise you with their insight and even advice. One story particularly impactful is about a boy taking the ISAT. Every time he gets nervous he turns into a werewolf, and then those around him turn into werewolves. His mother advises him to just breathe the next time he starts feeling nervous. He tries it, and it works. Other stories even have cultural observations. One girl wrote a story about an obsessive “Twilight” fan who “loves diet blood” and dresses up as Bella every Halloween. Barrel of Monkeys also inserts jokes that younger children may not understand. For example, in the “Twilight” fan story, the “Twilight” books are in the “questionable role models for young women” section.

If you are looking for a way to introduce your child to the delights of theater (and have some fun along the way yourself) this is a great production to start with. If you are looking for a fun night and a production that is truly unique, then too, this is the show to see.

Rating: ★★★★

Chicago’s Weird, Grandma continues through December 17th at The Neo-Futurarium5153 N. Ashland (map), with performances Mondays at 8pm.  Tickets are $6-$12, and are available by phone (312-409-1954) or online through PrintTixUSA.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at BarrelOfMonkeys.com. (Running time: 1 hour, no intermission)

Photos by Maggie Fullilove-Nugent

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artists

cast

Michelle Alba, Molly Brennan, Erick Deshaun Dorris, Linsey Falls, Maggie Fullilove-Nugent, Nick Hart, Diana Lawrence, Elizabeth Levy, Dan Rumney, Zoe Schwartz, Jeff Trainor, Dixie Belinda Uffelman, Rachel Wilson

behind the scenes

Molly Brennan (director, artistic director); Ricky Harris (musical director); Maggie Fullilove-Nugent(stage manager, merchandise coordinator, photos); Mike Tutaj (sound design); Kassi Bleifuss (house manager); Tai Palmgren (graphics); Sarah Goeden (curtain); Laura McKenzie, Curtis Williams, Erick Deshaun Dorris (Opening and closing numbers); Mary Jane Maharry (media relations)