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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Behind The Scenes Exclusive At Redmoon Theatre's Boneshaker & Skelebration 2013 #ChiILPicksList #theatre #OriginalPhotos

"Boneshaker is just like Skelebration only it's 21+ and there's booze and fire!" Frank Maugeri


ChiIL Mama was super stoked to be invited to a small press walk through during the build for this show, earlier in October.  







Check out our full set of shots in the slide show below & a recap of our favorites at the end of this feature.  Then get your tickets NOW before they sell out!   Boneshaker is this Friday, Nov 1 only.   Skelebration is 4 shows this Saturday and Sunday.   We'll have a full photo recap after, but there's nothing like being there!




Boneshaker and Skelebration make our ChiIL Picks List for must see events!






We've been huge fans of Redmoon's work since their humble Humboldt beginnings.   As much as we adore seeing their spectacles come to fruition, we also love to see the back story--the engineering that goes into their tag line "engineering wonder".   





We geek out on the process as much as the productions and want to bring you... our readers, along for the ride.   




Come take a sneak peek behind the curtain and see what the wizards at Redmoon have concocted.   When Producing Artistic Director, Frank Maugeri, led our tour, his enthusiasm was infectious.   


"Why Skelebration?  I wanted something for my kids to do that wasn't another pumpkin patch or hay ride... Here's an alternative Halloween experience." Frank Maugeri


Are you jazzed yet for Redmoon's annual Boneshaker extravaganza and their new fam friendly Skelebration the following day?!   These guys have moved to new digs in Pilsen and do they ever know how to throw a party.   





Come break in their new space right!   Boneshaker is truly the place to see and be seen.   Get one more go out of your Halloween costumes and come out to play in this stellar space.   Boneshaker 2013 is ONE night only, this Friday Nov 1st.

Chicago's taste makers will mingle with inner city musicians & artists with raw talent to spare.   A cast of 100+ costumed actors will facilitate your hands on experience.  





The past few years, Boneshaker was crazy crowded, a victim of it's own success.  Thankfully, Redmoon's space has expanded exponentially.  Their new home is 7 times the size of their old 7,000 sq foot space.   This year there's room to spread your wings!   Party goers can mingle freely, take time to explore, and enjoy both the large scale spectacle and the tiny suitcase style minutia that Redmoon is infamous for.










We asked Frank in particular, how Boneshaker compares with Redmoon's All Hallows Eve Ritual celebrations that used to be a free, highlight of Halloween, outdoors in Logan Square.   Frank said, "They were both interactive and both involve spectacle experience.   More importantly though, next year, October 4th we'll begin the Great Chicago Fire Festival, which is the amplification of what All Hallows was.   Really in depth, committed work, with community members in 15 neighborhoods, to create massive effigies that are placed on the river & then burned."   

This is an exciting shift in Redmoon's overarching plan.   They'll now have an annual series of reoccurring seasonal events, people can count on, more akin to a "season", like traditional theatre spaces.   And the new space ensures that Redmoon can do indoor works on a giant scale, like the 70' wide by 20' tall shadow puppet screen!



What's in store:
Wooden monkey masks with jaws that move when the actors speak! (modeled by Frank himself)




Recycle/Re-appropriate:
The infamous cabinet from The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari will be serving brews from inverted acrobats!


Worlds Collide: 
Mucca Pazza and Redmoon!!   Love it when our friends & favorites collaborate.

Favs:
"spinning motorcycle thrill ride"   I got to try this one out and it's Great America FUN without the long lines!   There's also an element of danger since there's no seat belt or locking bar on this ride. 




All Ages Fun at Skelebration:




Costumed frivolity and merriment doesn’t end with Halloween.  Right after All Hallow’s Eve, November 1-3, Redmoon opens the doors of its cavernous new Pilsen home for a weekend of festivity and interactive art & Spectacle where Chicagoans can let their imaginations run wild.

Friday, November 1, Redmoon presents Boneshaker, a 21-and-up evening of revelry, music, dancing, food and drink, all on an epic scale.  So everyone can cut loose responsibly, Redmoon has arranged free shuttle service from downtown to Boneshaker via Chicago Classic Coach.

The next days, Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3, Redmoon presents the family-friendly Skelebration, a new event for parents and children to explore, discover and connect with their community.

COOL FALL REVELRY HEATS UP AT REDMOON:
Chicago’s Spectacle Experts Open New “INDOORS” Season with
BONESHAKER, November 1 (21+)
and SKELEBRATION, November 2 & 3 (Family-friendly)

Indoor Roller Skating Rink, Signature “Fire Organ” and Mobile DJs all part of the fun!


At Redmoon’s new Pilsen home, 2120 S. Jefferson St.


Chicago’s acclaimed Spectacle company Redmoon kicks off its new “Redmoon INDOORS” Spectacle Series this November with two multimedia events celebrating the ritual of Halloween in fresh, alternative ways, both under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Frank Maugeri and the event direction of Artistic Associate Will Bishop.  

On Friday, November 1 (All Saints Day), the 3rdannual Boneshaker returns for a 21-and-over night of costumed fun that combines interactive site-specific design and unique contraptions with hours of unexpected entertainment. Immediately following Boneshaker,Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3, Redmoon opens its mammoth 57,000-square-foot Pilsen headquarters for Skelebration, a new event for parents and children to celebrate the fall season and adventure together in Redmoon’s exploratory Spectacle playground.  Both Boneshaker and Skelebration take place in Redmoon’s home at 2120 S. Jefferson Street.


“At Redmoon, we’re opening our ‘INDOORS’ season with something for everyone.  First, a 21-and-over happening that Chicagoans have begun to look forward to each year, and then something for families,” said Maugeri.  “Boneshaker is a contemporary, wild, outrageous experience for the 21st-century adventurer.  We will wholly transform our new home into an immersive, interactive Spectacle universe.  Skelebration is a similar event but altered for kids of all ages.  As the father of seven-year-old twins, I wanted a sophisticated, unusual, exploratory event that would absolutely amaze kids and be a ton of fun for parents, too.  That’s what we’re creating here: an event full of eclectic hands-on activities and Spectacle wonder that will be unforgettable for both its sheer scale and imagination.” 

Boneshaker
Friday, November 1, 2013
9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Boneshaker is coordinated and produced by the Youth Engineering Spectacle (Y.E.S.) Committee, Redmoon’s young professionals board.  It’s an interactive night of revelry, music, dancing, food and drink, all on an epic scale.  Among the many offerings of this festive world of Spectacle are:

·        **Performances by the 30-person punk rock marching band Mucca Pazza
·        A chance to be in a two-minute, live-feed movie, complete with director, actors and green screen elements, projected upon a giant screen for all guests to view
·        An interactive, underwater-themed shadow world
·        An indoor roller skate rink – roller skates provided – complete with a roller skating bear
·        The “Breakin’ the Law” motorcycle carousel
·        An indoor swing park
·        Beat-box artist Jam One
·        Several mobile DJ contraptions, including Redmoon’s massive “Sonic Boom” mobile device capable of 12,000 watts of sound
·        Outdoor performances by a Redmoon signature, the “Fire Organ,” a dual forklift with 12 organ pipes which shoot bursts of fire synchronized with music
·        Various food and drink contraptions, including the “Kegway,” a new Redmoon invention which combines a Segway with tap service, plus classic Redmoon service devices: “Wine Bikes,” “The Teapot Libation Machine” and more 



·        An opportunity to roast hot dogs outdoors on Redmoon’s massive “Fire Candelabras”
·        Additional food and beverages provided by Bacci Pizza, Skinny Pop, NYC Bagel Deli, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Lagunitas Brewing Company and Pabst Blue Ribbon

Free shuttle service during Boneshaker is provided by Chicago Classic Coach, running from 10 p.m. onward between Redmoon and 77 W. Wacker Drive downtown.

Tickets to Boneshaker are on sale now and are priced at $75, which include food and drinks throughout the evening.  Boneshaker is a 21+ event.  Tickets are available by calling the Redmoon Box Office at 312-850-8440 x123 or online at www.redmoon.org.  Special group rates are available.

Skelebration
Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3, 2013
Times:  11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Saturday and Sunday following Boneshaker, Redmoon presents Skelebration, a brand new family-friendly event for parents and children to explore, discover and connect with their community.  For two-hour blocks, families have a chance to:
·        Build shadow puppets and perform in Redmoon’s giant shadow world shows
·        Build masks to wear in a parade alongside Redmoon performers and massive mobile DJ devices
·        Play in Redmoon’s indoor park of swings and roller skates – roller skates provided
·        Bicycle around the space – bicycles provided or families may bring their own
·        Watch Laika’s Coffin, a four-person puppet opera created by Maugeri and directed by Alex Balestrieri, Redmoon Director of Events
·        Enjoy folk and rock music by various family acts and musical schools from across the city
·        Enjoy snacks provided by Whole Foods Market and Cabot Creamery Cooperative

Tickets for Skelebration are on sale now and are priced at $20 for adults, $12 for kids age 3+ and free for kids under 3.  Skelebration is for all ages.  Tickets include two-hour entrance, food and activities.  Tickets are available by calling the Redmoon Box Office at 312-850-8440 x123 or online at www.redmoon.org.

About Redmoon
Redmoon's mission is to transform the experience of our city through free large-scale theatrical events that promote community, creativity and an empowered democracy.  Redmoon burst into Chicago’s cultural consciousness with its award-winning production of Moby Dick in 1995. Commended for its unique aesthetic, the production boasted a unique blend of puppetry, pageantry, gadgetry and robust physical performance that became Redmoon’s signature.  While the indoor productions continued to receive critical acclaim and popular support, Executive Artistic Director Jim Lasko chose to focus the theater’s energy outdoors, where Redmoon sought to deploy spectacle to bridge difference and transform the ways that people see and understand public spaces.  Over the past 23 years, Redmoon has become a valued Chicago institution with its high-profile collaborations, vibrant outdoor performances and genuine community partnerships.  Site-specific performances opened in Millennium Park, animated the façade of the Museum of Contemporary Art and commemorated the groundbreaking for the Modern Wing for the Art Institute.  At the same time, Redmoon brought its work to the parks and streets of Chicago’s neighborhoods.  Redmoon has performed for more than 250,000 people in 30 different neighborhoods.  In 2009, Lasko joined forces with longtime collaborator Frank Maugeri to co-lead Redmoon as it garnered international attention for its unique productions, site-specific performances and participatory events.  Most recently, this included Redmoon’s Summer Park Series – a Mayor’s Night Out in the Parks event.  Under the design and directorial leadership of Maugeri and Artistic Associate Will Bishop, the series brought community celebrations to a lineup of 10 public parks on the South and West Sides of the city.  From July through September, Redmoon and its team of collaborators – Young Chicago Authors and The Bucket Boys – presented free drum and poetry workshops, community meals and open performances to more than 10,000 community members.

Upcoming
Winter Pageant
Directed by John Musial with Frank Maugeri
Dec 13 – 15, Dec 20 – 22, 2013
Times: Fridays – 7 p.m.
Saturdays – 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sundays – 1:30 p.m. & 4 p.m.

In December, the 15th Annual Winter Pageant features collaborators Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts and punk rock surf band San Andreas Fault.  The approximately 50-minute-long production is directed by John Musial with Frank Maugeri.  The 2013 Winter Pageant presents a new original myth inspired by the poem “The Conference of the Birds” by Farid ud-Din Atta and tells the story of a flock of birds who journey to find their lost king.  The production evokes themes of hope and community.  Audiences at this nontraditional family production can expect Redmoon’s intricate mechanics, inventive puppetry, expressive dance and unique style of visual wonder.

On the Saturdays leading up to Winter Pageant, November 9 – December 7, Redmoon will open its doors for Open Access Builds, where community members of all ages can help Redmoon artists create art and objects for the Winter Pageant production.

Winter Pageant tickets: Adults $25, Kids $15, Kids under 3 FREE

For more information on Redmoon and its programs, visit www.redmoon.org.



More of ChiIL Mama's Favorites:
















Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Misfits at Concord - Chicago October 2013 #OriginalPhotos #punk #hardrock


Every day is Halloween for The Misfits.   Still it was a treat to see them earlier this October at one of Chicago's newest music venues, Concord Music Hall. These guys have one of the most recognizable band logos out there, and they know how to rock a theme!   Of course they played all their own hits, and we even got to hear 'em cover Black Flag.   








Check out our full set of live show shots below.


The Concord's a pretty sweet space, close to The Congress, yet much more intimate.  There are plentiful bars and rumor is they'll be greatly expanding their presently meager beer choices next month.   At the moment they offer flaming bottles of booze, a fair selection of mixed drinks, and a few beers.

The main venue is up a bunch of stairs, so don't get too drunk to get back down them.  Balconies provide sweet sight lines (& refuge for younger kids at all ages shows) and there's a bit of seating around the edges of the back two levels. Watch your shins, though.  The black trunk like tables blend in to the dark and are bruisers.

A few lucky punk kin scored pit seating and more young kids were lining the balcony rails where they we're out of the crushing zone and had a great view of the mosh pit.



We're hoping Concord Music Hall improve the audio a bit along with the already slated improvements to the beers on tap.   The sound's loud enough but thin and weak on the bass end of things.   Otherwise, Concords a great addition to the mid sized club scene and to Logan Square in particular.   They've got an interesting and varied line up slated through fall.   Check 'em out here!

Here's a few of our favorites:
















Photo Filled Recap CircEsteem Circus Soiree 2013 #OriginalPhotos #CircEsteem

It was my pleasure to attend the 2nd annual CircEsteem Circus Soiree 2013. Although my kids are on hiatus from circus to settle into an intense selective enrollment gifted jr high and rigorously train for competitive gymnastics, CircEsteem holds a special place in our hearts.   That's why I was happy to donate my time and gear to shoot stills and video that evening.   We're in the process of editing and will have the whole fabulous show from that evening on line for you next month.



In the mean time, check out our sneak peek behind the scenes as this talented troupe of kids prepared to perform & a mini montage from the event itself.   Recognize WXRT's own celeb, Terri Hemmert as MC/ringmaster?







ChiIL Mama's full set of Soiree Shots:

Photo credit Bonnie Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Want more?   Click here to check out our full photo feature from Circus Soiree last year when both of my kids were in the show and my husband ran video, freeing me to shoot the whole show/event.   Enjoy!

Here are a few of our favorite shots from that night:


Wheelin' n dealin' Circus Siblings...






Hair!





Colorful Decor...


 Tasty eats & Jo Snow Cones (though sadly not boozy this year)



Awesome auction goodies ranging from affordable (where did you get those cool Chi-town flag coffee mugs?!) to amazing--think Cirque du Soleil Dream Weekend in Vegas package...




Benefactors braving up to try circus arts...



Hot Salsa Dancing...



"Photo Booth" Dress Up Fun... 


There was even a Mark Messing sighting! (of Mucca Pazza fame and numerous theatrical endeavors)  Click here for our 2 prior video interviews with Mark & our photo filled Mucca Pazza features & CD review.



Flaming crepes capped off the evening with panache.



Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.   We'll have a full video of the Circus Soiree Shows, including the private VIP show, in the very near future. To donate to CircEsteem or enquire about winter classes for kids and/or adults, click here.

ACT OUT HOLIDAY THEATRE: The Hypocrites Mikado at Steppenwolf - ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List #ChiILPicksList

The Hypocrites is proud to announce the return production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado adapted and directed by Founding Artistic Director Sean Graney. The Mikado will be remounted at the Steppenwolf Garage (1624 N Halsted St) this coming winter.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows we dig Sean Graney's vision and have long enjoyed and respected his direction.   With Graney and Halena Kays at the helm, they've steered The Hypocrites right, and this troupe has become a top favorite of ours... and of the Jeff committee too.



The Mikado will open on November 17, 2013 at 4pm. Previews will take place on November 14, 15 & 16 at 8pm. There are 40 performances scheduled with evening performances at 8pm and matinees at 4pm. The Mikado will close on December 29, 2013. Ticket prices are $36 and can be purchased by visiting steppenwolf.org or by calling 312-335-1650. Running 80 minutes with no intermission, The Mikado is appropriate for audiences of all ages.

It is that time of year again for the return of The Hypocrites’ critically acclaimed Gilbert and Sullivan canon. After performing Pirates of Penzance for enthusiastic audiences both at the American Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.) in Boston the past two summers and at the Chopin Theatre for three years straight, The Hypocrites are excited to bring back Mikado, a beloved re-imagining of Gilbert & Sullivan’s famous operetta this winter. In January 2014, Pirates of Penzance will go on to perform at Actors Theatre of Louisville, home of the Humana Festival.

The Mikado features a talented cast of ten who act as their own orchestra. This production will feature unfathomable amounts of operetta hits and is intended to provide a summer-like secular experience for fun-loving Yule time ticket buyers.

The Hypocrites’ Mikado remount stars company members Robert McLean, Matt Kahler, Christine Stulik and Zeke Sulikes. They are joined by returning Mikado cast members: Shawn Pfautsch, Emily Casey, Erik Schroeder and Dana Omar as well as newcomers Jim DeSelm and Kate Carson-Groner. Matt Holzfeind and Lauren Vogel will be understudying multiple parts for this production.

Sean Graney has directed over 30 productions for The Hypocrites since 1997. He was a participant in the NEA/TCG Career Development Program for Directors. He has won three Joseph Jefferson Citation awards for the Direction of Sophocles: Seven Sicknesses, Equus and Machinal. He has directed Edward II (Chicago Shakespeare), The Hairy Ape (Eugene O’Neill Festival at Goodman Theatre), The Comedy of Errors, The Mystery of Irma Vep and What the Butler Saw (Court Theatre),Yankee Tavern (Milwaukee Rep), The Elephant Man (Steppenwolf for Young Audiences) and is currently on fellowship at Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University
The creative team also includes Scenic Designer Michael Smallwood*, Properties Designer Maria DeFabo*, Lighting Designer Heather Gilbert, Choreographer Katie Spelman, Costume Designer Alison Siple* and Music Director Andra Velis Simon.

Founding Artistic Director Sean Graney* created The Hypocrites in 1997 and is currently run by Artistic Director Halena Kays* and Managing Director Megan Wildebour*. The Hypocrites are recognized as groundbreakers that defy the audience’s expectations. The company has grown significantly in the past few years, receiving acclaim for productions at Steppenwolf Garage (ThreePenny Opera and 4:48 Psychosis), Goodman Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, DCA Storefront and Chopin Theater. The company’s smash-hit production of Our Town, directed by David Cromer, transferred in 2009 to Off-Broadway, Los Angeles and Boston. 

Pirates of Penzance has appeared at American Repertory Theatre twice and will enjoy another run at Actors Theatre of Louisville in 2014. American Theatre Wing, best known as the creator of the Tony Awards, presented The Hypocrites with one of the 2013 National Theatre Company awards this year. Upcoming shows in the 17th season include The Tennessee Williams Project at Chopin Theatre and Into the Woods, a co-production at Mercury Theater Chicago.

The Steppenwolf Garage is dedicated to new plays, emerging artists and millennial audiences for the American theater. It offers artists the opportunity to present their work with the scale, space and resources it merits. For audiences, it provides opportunities to engage in multigenerational conversation about the new, provocative work emerging from Chicago’s diverse and vibrant theater scene.

The Hypocrites’ 17th season is supported in part by American Theater Wing, The Alphawood Foundation, The Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council, The Jordan & Jean Nerenberg Fund for the Future, Peoples Gas and a grant from the WPB, the Special Service Area for the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods.


*=denotes company member

ACT OUT: Lord of the Flies Steppenwolf for Young Adults Now Playing (age 12+/7th grade & up)

This show is high on our must see list.   Steppenwolf does a stellar job of bringing theatre to the schools and to the public and engaging tweens & teens.  And we've long admired director Halena Kays' work!  Lord of the Flies is one of those books/plays/movies that everyone should know. Come see it done well.






All production photos via Steppenwolf

A plane wreck strands a group of English boys on a deserted island during wartime. As they slowly explore their new-found freedom, what starts out as fun and games turns into a vicious battle for power when the boys split into two opposing tribes: one that strives for civility and another that delights in savage violence. The competition escalates into a dangerous, frightening climax, as this thrilling classic looks into the darker parts of human nature where it’s civilization vs. savagery and the mob vs. morality.


Please join us for Steppenwolf for Young Adult's 2013/14 season: Two plays, one new and one classic, where young people navigate tricky moral landscapes—and must confront personal accountability for their choices—in games both virtual and real.

Lord of the Flies
Adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams
Directed by Halena Kays

Now through November 15, 2013 in the Upstairs Theatre


Public Performances
For tickets to our public performances, please click the "buy tickets" link  or call Audience Services at 312-335-1650.

Student Performances
For school group tickets to weekday 10am matinee performances, contact Steppenwolf for Young Adults’ Education and Community Programs Coordinator Lauren Sivak at 312.654.5643 or by email at lsivak@steppenwolf.org.

Target 2-for-1 Sunday Matinees
Tickets for Sunday matinees are 2-for-1

American Sign Language-Interpreted
Saturday, November 2 at 3pm

Open Captioning
Saturday, November 9 at 3pm





THE ARTISTS
  • Adapted by: Nigel Williams
  • Directed by: Halena Kays
  • Scenic Design: Lizzie Bracken
  • Costume Design: Alison Siple
  • Lighting Design: J.R. Lederle
  • Sound and Projection Design: Mike Tutaj

    Dramaturg: Frances Limoncelli

    Fight Coordinator: Ryan Bourque

    Movement: Leah Urzendowski

    Dialect: Eva Breneman

    Understudies: Brendan Meyer, Christopher Borek, Rashaad Hall, Kevin Matthew Reyes, Eric Staves and Theo Tougne
THE CAST


  • William Burke
  • Spencer Curnutt
  • Lane Flores
  • Rudy Galvan
  • Ryan Heindl
  • Cale Manning
  • Brendan Meyer
  • Lance Newton
  • Ty Olwin
  • Kevin Quinn
  • Adam Shalzi
  • Dan Smeriglio
Save the Dates: 
Leveling Up
By Deborah Zoe Laufer
Directed by Hallie Gordon
February 26 – March 15, 2014 in the Downstairs Theatre

Three twenty-something roommates are glued to their video games. They are masters of the virtual worlds behind the computer screens in their Las Vegas basement. Unwilling to face the real world, one of them uses his gaming skills to land a job with the National Security Agency launching actual drones and missiles, and online battles begin to have real consequences. Leveling Up is a fresh, contemporary look at how we navigate the blurry line between worlds both virtual and real and what it means to grow up./p>

ACT OUT OPENING: Hypocrites Smash Hit Mikado Back at Steppenwolf's Garage Theater



THE MIKADO 
IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND--
this time at Steppenwolf's 
awesome Garage theater


There's too much flirting going on in the town of Titipu- and it's against the law! So the Mikado (emperor of all) decrees that heads must roll. But what can you do when love is in the air?

The Hypocrites' smash hit Mikado is back. This re-imagination of beloved Gilbert and Sullivan will feature unfathomable amounts of operetta hits and is intended to provide a summer-like secular experience for fun-loving Yule time ticket buyers of all ages.



"★★★★" Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
Don't wait. Book your tickets now and come join us! 
Matinees at 4pm
Evenings at 8pm  
Running time is 80min, no intermission
Buy your tickets here

Select performance discounts:
Book your night with us at Mikado for a performance between November 14-22nd and you'll only pay $15 for the ticket. Use this linkhere or enter promo code 15013. You can also call 312-335-1650 to do it over the phone. Hurry. Limited quantities for a limited time.


Reviews from 2012's first production of  our "Supremely joyous" Mikado:


"★★★★"(out of four stars) 
"glorious...outrageously enjoyable" 

"One of the most enjoyable, creative pieces of theater I've seen all year! People: go see The Mikado!!!!" 
Rick Bayless (via Twitter), Top Chef Masters winner

"joyously daft...bright and evocative" TimeOut Chicago 

"Sean Graney and Kevin O'Donnell made it much shorter and they also made the songs more funny. It was funny to begin with, but they made it even more funny, which is the best of all things you can do with a play."  Ada Grey, Age 9

"intoxicating, exhilarating, unexpected production that is sure to be on my list of the ten best productions of the year (yep, it's that good). " Francis Sadac, From the Ledge






We make theatre. You help. Donate today!

Please consider a donation to The Hypocrites to further support our productions.
  
Donate today and we will promptly send you a tax letter for your records. 

Prefer to know where your money is going? Consider picking out something from our Amazon wishlist 

Thank you. Your support means a lot to us!

Monday, October 28, 2013

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.

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