Chicago’s Weird, Grandma
Short stories written by CPS students
Adapted by Jessica Hudson
Directed by Molly Brennan
at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland (map)
thru Dec 2 | tickets: $6-$12 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
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An ever-changing potpourri of exuberant, energetic fun
Barrel of Monkeys presents
Chicago’s Weird, Grandma
Review by Lawrence Bommer
The edition that I saw is already history. Such is the transience of this Monday night showcase, a collaboration between the 13-year-old Barrel of Monkeys ensemble and Chicago artistic collectives (The Hypocrites, Manual Cinema, Bailiwick Chicago, The Neo-Futurists and others). Chicago’s Weird, Grandma is an ever-changing potpourri of energetic entertainment from a large, exuberant ensemble.
No question, however nonsensical (as in dream-like) the kids’ tales may seem, the Barrel of Monkeys zanies and their guest artists–here the adaptor was Jessica Hudson–treat them as faithfully as gospel and make them merry where they might otherwise seem macabre.
So we were regaled with hit-and-run, prop-laden, often through-sung vignettes about a battle between the forces of light and darkness, a bubble gum party, a crocodile named Wonderland who could spit out delicious food and who is falsely imprisoned until happily released, a bully whom a retributive robot transforms into a hamburger, and elephants who visit “my house” and break my bed.
Additionally, a presumably failed ninja explains why he doesn’t wear all black (he doesn’t like to blend in). An ant bullies a lady bug who then drops a weight on him, breaking his leg for reasons that escape me. A cat enjoys a lovely excursion to Six Flags and another gives his owner a heart attack when it runs away (not that amusing except to the kid who wrote it), while a dog helps his fellow mutts to escape from an oppressive pet owner. “Pee Boy” rejoiced in his free-flowing output but vows to not do it in bed, while a visiting alien learns to offer Valentines treats without destroying them in advance. The most memorable bit is “Big Hipped Martha,” a hymn to big-boned ladies who can only afford to buy one dress for $100,000,000. Her wardrobe, it seems, is worth it.
Based on audience feedback, some of the more successful (as in less arbitrary) stories may resurface in later editions of this unstoppable Monday night series. They’ll be worth the wait.
Rating: ★★★
That’s Weird, Chicago continues through December 2nd at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 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.org. (Running time: one hour, no intermission)
Photos by Beth Bullock
artists
cast
The ensemble, which varies each performance, includes Linsey Falls, Eunice Woods, Emjoy Gavino, Erick Deshaun Dorris, Laura McKenzie, Lindsey Dorcus, Rachel Wilson and Gwen Tulin
behind the scenes
Molly Brenna (director, artistic director), Jessica Hudson (adaptor), Elizabeth Levy (program director), Maggie Fullilove-Nugent (company manager), Gwen Tulin (music director), Kassi Bleifuss (box office, house manager), Beth Bullock (photos)
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