Halloween Edition! Barrel of Monkeys Presents THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Ghosts, Ghouls and Talking Potatoes

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Halloween Edition!

Barrel of Monkeys Presents

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Ghosts, Ghouls and Talking Potatoes

Directed by Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd

October 7 – November 4, 2018 at the Neo-Futurist Theater

An Original Sketch Show that is Written by Kids, 

Performed by Grownups, and Enjoyed by Humans

PHOTO CREDIT: Barrel of Monkeys company members perform THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA. Photo by Evan Hanover.

Just in time for Halloween, Barrel of Monkeys is pleased to present the newest revue of its much lauded sketch show: THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Ghosts, Ghouls and Talking Potatoes, directed by Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd. The Halloween edition plays Sundays at 3 pm from October 7 – November 4, 2018 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140. The press opening is Sunday, October 14 at 3 pm.



Gather ye ‘round for a line-up of scary (and silly) stories featuring talking potatoes getting lost in the woods, Malcolm X fighting zombies, creepy slideshows that haunt old houses, and other spooky scenarios imagined by Chicago elementary school students.

The cast to date includes Jennifer Allman, Noah Appelbaum, Isabella Gerasole and Tom Malinowski. Additional casting to be announced.



Now in its eighteenth year, THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA features adaptations of stories written during Barrel of Monkeys’ creative writing residencies in Chicago elementary schools. BOM teaching artists guide 3rd through 5th graders through a six-week curriculum that uses theater to bring out the storyteller in every child. Afterward, BOM’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. 

The stories in THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA resonate with adults while celebrating the imaginations of young people. Rotating themes highlight the diversity of stories BOM students concoct, from hilarious dialogues between unlikely characters to poignant pleas for social change. Every week brings a new line-up of stories, and BOM invites audiences to vote on their favorites at each performance.



Location: Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago
Dates: Preview: Sunday, October 7 at 3 pm
Press performance: Sunday, October 14 at 3 pm
Regular run: Sunday, October 14 – Sunday, November 4, 2018
Curtain Times: Sundays at 3 pm 
Tickets: Previews: $10 for adults, $5 children 12 and under, $8 groups of 10 or more. Regular run: $20 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under. Discounts: $12 for students with ID, seniors, veterans and groups of 10 or more people. Teen Arts Pass (TAP) members: $5 with ID. Tickets are currently available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140.

About the Director
Brandon Cloyd joined Barrel of Monkeys in 2007 and has been deeply involved in many facets of the company ever since. Prior to joining BOM, Brandon graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a minor in Business Institutions. Within BOM, Brandon has served 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. Before becoming the company’s Artistic Director in September 2017, Brandon served as BOM After-School Program Coordinator at Loyola Park from 2014-2016 and Program Director from 2016-2017. Outside of Barrel of Monkeys, 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 Purple Crayon Players at Northwestern University.



About Barrel of Monkeys

Since Barrel of Monkeys’ inception in 1997, its teaching artists have served more than 60 Chicago Public Schools. Over 15,000 elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs, which aim to build students' writing skills, improve self-esteem, and instill confidence in their ideas and abilities.

Barrel of Monkeys is sponsored in part by Wintrust Financial, Allscripts, Inc., Ernst and Young and Punchkick Interactive. It receives generous support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency; the National Endowment for the Arts; a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; the Chicago Community Trust; Crown Family Philanthropies; Alphawood Foundation of Chicago; the Maurice R. and Meta G. Gross Foundation; Polk Bros Foundation; the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation; the Robert and Isabelle Bass Foundation, Inc.; The Saints; The Topfer Family Foundation, and many other generous individuals and foundations. 

REVIEW: CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA October 28 – December 2, 2013

BOM is truly the bomb!   Barrel of Monkeys killed it last Monday.   Chicago's Weird Grandma... and proud of it!  If you haven't seen this show, or haven't gone in a while what are you waiting for?!

Last Monday night the kids and I were stoked to see the first in a series of annual collaborations between some of Chi-town's Best and Brightest Performing Arts Companies & Artists and our long time favs, Barrel of Monkeys!   

Come on out and see just how weird and wonderful it is when the unbridled creativity of kids' stories is given a voice, costumes, and a platform!   These guys are some of our favs and Monday night was a hoot.   The tweens (10 & 12) both dug it, but I think I laughed even harder than they did!

Every week the audience votes on their top 2 keepers and 2 to let go.   The kids and I had different opinions but we all adored The Elephants Come To My House sketch.   Catch it before the pachyderms pack it up!

Click here to check out the show details in our prior coverage.

Still hesitating?   

Have you SEEN the complete schedule of guest artists and companies for CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA:

Monday, October 28 – Manual Cinema (tooo much fun with shadow puppets, a wig & 3 overhead projectors)

Monday, November 4 – Jessica Hudson

Monday, November 11 – The Neo-Futurists and Bailiwick Chicago Theater

Monday, November 18 – Jyldo

Monday, November 25 – The Hypocrites

Monday, December 2 – About Face Theatre and Noah Ginex Puppet Company

Check 'em out LIVE the next 6 weeks, for their annual Chicagocentric version.  Then check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.  We have an original video interview with Barrel of Monkeys coming soon.

ACT OUT HOLIDAY: Barrel of Monkeys Celebrates the Season with THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Written by Chicago Public School Students

Adapted for the Stage & Performed by

Barrel of Monkeys Company Members

Directed by Artistic Director Molly Brennan

December 9, 2013 - January 13, 2014

Barrel of Monkeys invites you to join them by the imaginary hearth and celebrate the warmth of the holiday season with THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL, featuring a festive array of holiday-themed favorites like Santa and Taco Bell, The Crazy Reindeer, Snowmen From Pluto, Santa’s Mean Day and many more – all conceived and written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members. 

Directed by Artistic Director Molly Brennan, THAT’S WEIRD GRANDMA: THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL plays Mondays at 8 pm from December 9, 2013 – January 13, 2014 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago.  Clever and funny – touching and poignant – the weekly collection of short sketches are equally entertaining for both adults and children. The line-up changes each week by audience vote – so no two shows are ever the same.  For tickets, reservations and information visit www.barrelofmonkeys.org or call (312) 409-1954.

Barrel of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble now in its 16^th season, conducts creative writing workshops with 3^rd through 5^th grade students in underserved Chicago Public Schools. The ensemble of actor-educators then turns their stories and words into professionally-performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues. Barrel of Monkeys annually performs more than 300 student-written stories for the students in their schools and 175 stories on the stage for the general public.

Barrel of Monkeys’ regular edition of THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA plays September 9 – October 2013, followed by a CHICAGO’S WEIRDO, GRANDMA featuring weekly guest artists and companies from October 28 – December 2, 2013.

 PRODUCTION DEAILS:

Title:  THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Written by:  Chicago Public School Students

Adapted for the stage by:  Barrel of Monkeys Company Members

Director:  Artistic Director Molly Brennan

Featuring:  Barrel of Monkeys Company Members

Location:  Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago

Dates:  December 9, 2013 – January 13, 2014

Curtain Times:  Mondays at 8 pm

Tickets:  $12 for adults; $6 for children under 12. Tickets are available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (312) 409-1954.

About the Director

Molly Brennan, a Barrel of Monkeys company member since 1999, has held a variety of positions in the company, including actor, teacher, lead teacher, director and artistic associate. She was named Artistic Director in 2011. Brennan is also a Company Member of 500 Clown, and has performed in Chicagoland toured all over the country. Her acting credits include: Lookingglass Theatre's Peter Pan, A Play and Lookingglass Alice; and Harpo Marx in Goodman Theatre's Animal Crackers. She has also performed with About Face Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Second City, The House Theatre of Chicago, Lifeline Theatre and Factory Theater.

About Barrel of Monkeys

Since Barrel of Monkeys’ inception in 1997 it has worked in 57 Chicago Public Schools. More than 7,000 lower-income elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs that provide a rare opportunity for creative expression and build literacy skills, self-esteem and confidence in student ideas and abilities.

ACT OUT: Sunday Matinees Return - Barrel of Monkeys Warms Up Winter With THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA

Kids Write It. We Do It. World Saved!

Sunday Matinees Return January 26 – March 30, 2014

Monday Night Performances Resume March 2 – 31, 2014

Barrel of Monkeys' long running (12 years and counting...) weekly production THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA is a pure delight.   The kids and I have gone several times over the years, most recently last Monday, and I don't know who laughed harder.   These witty actors truly are the BOM and the scripts taken from actual Chi-town school kids are hilarious.

If you've got littles with school or an early day job and the usual 9pm end time on a Monday is a deal breaker, you're in luck.   Winter Sunday matinees are back!   This show is generally aimed at adults/written by kids --truly "must see" theatre for all ages.   So go already.

Barrel of Monkeys is pleased to bring back the popular Sunday matinees series of its long-running, critically acclaimed revue THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA playing January 26 – March 30, 2014 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago.  Then, it’s “March Monkey Madness” with two weekly performances from March 2 – 31, 2013 when Monday evening performances resume!  THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA is conceived and written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members.  Clever and funny – touching and poignant – the collection of short sketches are equally entertaining for both adults and children. The line-up changes each week by audience vote – so no two shows are ever the same.  For tickets, reservations and information visit www.barrelofmonkeys.org or call (312) 409-1954.

Barrel of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble now in its 16^th season, conducts creative writing workshops with 3^rd through 5^th grade students in underserved Chicago Public Schools. The ensemble of actor-educators then turns their stories and words into professionally-performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues. Barrel of Monkeys annually performs more than 300 student-written stories for the students in their schools and 175 stories on the stage for the general public.

Barrel of Monkeys’ CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA (featuring weekly guest artists and companies) plays from October 28 – December 2, 2013 and THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL (featuring an array of holiday themed favorites) plays December 9, 2013 – January 13, 2014.

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title:  THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Winter 2014

Written by:  Chicago Public School Students

Adapted for the stage by:  Barrel of Monkeys Company Members

Featuring:  Barrel of Monkeys Company Members

Location:  Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago

Dates: Sundays at 2 pm January 26 – March 30, 2014.  Mondays at 8 pm March 2 – 31, 2014.

Tickets:  $12 for adults; $6 for children under 12. Tickets are available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (312) 409-1954.

About Barrel of Monkeys

Since Barrel of Monkeys’ inception in 1997 it has worked in 57 Chicago Public Schools. More than 7,000 lower-income elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs that provide a rare opportunity for creative expression and build literacy skills, self-esteem and confidence in student ideas and abilities.

ACT OUT OPENING: CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA October 28 – December 2, 2013

We can't wait to monkey around tonight with some of Chi-town's Best and Brightest Performing Arts Companies & Artists and our long time favs, Barrel of Monkeys!   As in "more fun than..."

Chicago's Weird Grandma... and proud of it!   

Come on out and see just how weird and wonderful it is when the unbridled creativity of kids' stories is given a voice, costumes, and a platform!   These guys are some of our favs and it's been too long since we've made it out on a Monday to give them props (...of the word variety... not actual props.   Those they have a treasure trove of).   We'll be there tonight and have a full review up shortly.

All New CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA

October 28 – December 2, 2013

The Hypocrites, Manual Cinema, Bailiwick Chicago, The Neo-Futurists and others Transform Stories by Chicago Public School Students 

It's easy to get complacent about long running shows, and Barrel of Monkeys has been at it for over 12 years with their popular Monday night pastime, That's Weird Grandma.  Don't!  If you haven't been or haven't been lately, go already!

Check 'em out LIVE the next 6 weeks, for their annual Chicagocentric version.  Then check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.  We have an original video interview with Barrel of Monkeys coming soon.

The complete schedule of guest artists and companies for CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA:

Monday, October 28 – Manual Cinema

Monday, November 4 – Jessica Hudson

Monday, November 11 – The Neo-Futurists and Bailiwick Chicago Theater

Monday, November 18 – Jyldo

Monday, November 25 – The Hypocrites

Monday, December 2 – About Face Theatre and Noah Ginex Puppet Company

Heck yeah... that's really reasonable:

WHEN: Mondays at 8pm

WHERE: The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland (directions)
TICKETS: $5 for kids, $10 for adults

Just when you thought Monday nights couldn’t get any better, Barrel of Monkeys is partnering with some of Chicago’s best performing arts companies and artists for the second iteration of CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA, directed by Artistic Director Molly Brennan, playing Mondays at 8 pm from October 28 – December 2, 2013 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago.  Each guest artist or company will bring their unique talents to transform stories written by Chicago Public School students into entertaining sketches incorporating puppetry, sketch comedy, clowning, music, dance and other disciplines. 

This year’s guest line-up includes: About Face Theatre, Bailiwick Chicago Theater, Jessica Hudson, The Hypocrites, Jyldo, Manual Cinema, The Neo-Futurists and Noah Ginex Puppet Company.  Each guest artist or company will choose from original stories from Barrel of Monkeys’ in-school residencies and adapt them into unique performances. Barrel of Monkeys ensemble members will round out each performance with a rotating line-up of sketches from their long-running revue, THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA. The weekly collection of short sketches is equally entertaining for both adults and children. The line-up changes each week by audience vote – so no two shows are ever the same.  

For tickets, reservations and information visit www.barrelofmonkeys.org  or call (312) 409-1954.

*Too late for the littles?!   Don't despair.  After the Chicago shows & holiday special, fam friendly Sunday matinees return Jan 26th -March 30th!

Kids Write It. We Do It. World Saved!

Barrel of Monkeys Warms Up Winter With

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA

Sunday Matinees Return January 26 – March 30, 2014

Monday Night Performances Resume March 2 – 31, 2014

The 8pm start time on a school night was cooked up for the industry peeps, because most shows run through the weekends and many actors have Monday nights off to go see That's Weird Grandma and laugh their booties off.   This winter, though, even the school kids and 9-5ers can sleep in on Sundays and still make it to the matinees.   Be there.

“Every story that you see was written by a child (uh huh). And every child was taught by the Barrel of Monkeys (well well). First we take the stories and perform them in the schools. Afterwards we share them with the world (you are the world).”

So sings the opening song of “That’s Weird, Grandma”—our Monday night public performance where we showcase the amazing talents of our student authors and our company of performers. After teaching creative writing residencies at Chicago Public Schools and working with students to generate literally thousands of creative stories, we have a gigantic repertoire of material to share with you!

Barrel of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble now in its 16th season, conducts creative writing workshops with 3rd through 5th grade students in underserved Chicago Public Schools. The ensemble of actor-educators then turns their stories and words into professionally-performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues. Barrel of Monkeys annually performs more than 300 student-written stories for the students in their schools and 175 stories on the stage for the general public.

ACT OUT: Chicago's Weird Grandma

Do NOT miss this highly recommended twist on a long running fav of ours.   Check out Barrel of Monkeys That's Weird Grandma--Chi-town version!!



Barrel of Monkeys presents “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”

Monday, October 8 through December 17 at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland.
Tickets for all performances are $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12.

For tickets, reservations or information call 312-409-1954 or visit www.barrelofmonkeys.org.
buy tickets

Schedule of Guest Artists for “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”
Mondays at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave.

WORLDS COLLIDE ALERT:

Here's the remaining guest performer list and there are a bunch of our favorites in here.

November 19 BONEdanse & The Lincoln Squares
November 26 Dean Evans
December 3 The Factory Theater & Manual Cinema
December 10 Sideshow Theatre Company & Manual Cinema
December 17 The Neo-Futurists & About Face Theatre
Schedule subject to change.

THIS SHOW HAS BEEN SELLING OUT!
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

BARREL OF MONKEYS JOINS FORCES WITH CHICAGO ARTISTIC HEAVY HITTERS FOR ALL NEW “CHICAGO'S WEIRD, GRANDMA”

Company Members From Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, House Theatre of Chicago, The Hypocrites, Factory Theater, and Many More Present Their Take on Kids’ Stories From BOM Residencies

Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) kicks off its 15th season with an all new, cross-disciplinary extravaganza titled “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”. 

From the House Theatre of Chicago to the experimental dance of BONEdanse to the quirky stylings of Noah Ginex Puppet Company, BOM brings children’s stories to life in an innovative way. “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma” is a new spin on the BOM classic “That’s Weird, Grandma” on Mondays, October 8 through December 17 at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. BOM Artistic Director Molly Brennan directs.


Click here for tickets.    This show has been selling out!!