That’s Weird, Grandma:
The Holiday Special
Written by CPS Students
Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland (map)
thru Dec 28 | tix: $6-$12 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
Holiday fun for the whole family
Barrel of Monkeys presents
That’s Weird, Grandma: The Holiday Special
Review by Lauren Whalen
Barrel of Monkeys loves kids and isn’t afraid to show it. Since 2001, this Chicago theater troupe has taken its love of writing and performance to the places that need it most. The passionate ensemble of actor-educators go into underserved Chicago Public Schools, facilitate creative writing workshops and then perform the students’ stories for the school. The troupe’s weekly show, That’s Weird, Grandma, takes select stories from over the years – the happy, the sad, and the hilariously funny – and shares them with the theatergoing public. That’s Weird, Grandma: The Holiday Special adds a seasonal
According to its fact sheet, Barrel of Monkeys primarily works with students on Chicago’s South and West Sides, conducting in-school residencies and after-school programs for youth who have little to no other arts opportunities. Their work with Chicago Public Schools yields 5,500 original stories over the course of the school year, and the weekly That’s Weird, Grandma show shares the love with an additional 3,500 audience members. Anything goes in That’s Weird, Grandma, and the stories vary based on audience feedback. Monday’s press opening saw a persuasive argument about why parents should buy their children more Buffalo Joe’s chicken (don’t forget the seasoned fries!), a love letter to candy, a narrative of a marshmallow and his exploding marshmallow girlfriend, and a poignant exploration of a young girl’s dreams of her late father. The show’s holiday edition also incorporates tales of missed Christmas parties and a bizarre surprise gift from Santa.
The Barrel of Monkeys ensemble is multitalented and endlessly energetic. They sing, they dance, they rap and they radiate positive enthusiasm without any of the icky-sweetness that’s sometimes an unfortunate side effect of children’s theater. The actors tell stories of lonely dolls, polar bears and geographically challenged first-graders named Monica with only a handful of costumes, props, and a healthy dose of oomph. That’s Weird, Grandma is a physically taxing show for all involved: actors run, dance, play keyboard and portray multiple characters – sometimes in the same story – with nary a chance to catch their collective breath. The Neo-Futurist Theater, home of the city’s most creative and innovative group of performers, is an apt venue for such an undertaking. Barrel of Monkeys’ deep respect and understanding for the voices of children is commendable and inspiring. Of course the audience isn’t privy to their creative writing workshops or school performances, but it’s easy to see that they take students’ perspectives seriously, while showing them how fun language arts can be.
Both arts education and children’s theater present unique challenges. It’s a delicate balance to educate and encourage, while also presenting family-friendly fare that isn’t too dumbed-down for kids or too saccharine for adults. Barrel of Monkeys has located the sweet spot: That’s Weird, Grandma: The Holiday Special elicits giggles from the little ones and knowing chuckles from the grown-ups. The Neo-Futurist Theater has hosted many distinctive, intriguing productions, and Barrel of Monkeys’ work is a perfect fit.
Rating: ★★★½
That’s Weird, Grandma: The Christmas Special continues through December 28th at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland (map), with performances Mondays at 8pm. Tickets are $6 for children under 12, $12 for all others, and are available online through PrintTixUSA.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at BarrelOfMonkeys.org. (Running time: 1 hour without intermission)
Photos by Evan Hanover
artists
cast
Ashley Bland, Elisa Carlson, Brandon Cloyd, Linsey Falls, Nick Hart, Mary Winn Heider, Spencer Meeks, Krista Mickelson, Tai Palmgren, Joseph Schupbach, Ambar Torres, Rachel Wilson
behind the scenes
Joseph Schupbach (director, artistic director), Gwen Tulin (musical director), Krista Mickelson (stage manager), Ambar Torres (house manager), Maggie Fullilove-Nugent (merchandise coordinator), Tai Palmgren (graphic design, webmaster), Kassi Bleifuss, Sarah Goeden (curtain design), Hailey Palmer (development and marketing assistant), Evan Hanover (photos)
15-1154
