February 2010 Theatre Review by Chris Arnold
That's Weird, Grandma
It does not take a comic genius to realize Saturday Night Live has been in a slump for quite some time. I think the solution would be to fire the current staff of writers, and replace them with grade school children. Barrel of Monkeys, the Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble, has been running their hit show "That's Weird, Grandma"on Monday nights; and now are doing a 9-week run of Sunday matinees. Seeing "That's Weird, Grandma" has been on my To Do List, and I am kicking myself for going this long without seeing this gem of a production.
Barrel
of Monkeys conducts writing workshops in the Chicago Public School
system, and adapts the material for stage presentation in a sketch
comedy format. The plays are performed with energy and
conviction by a troupe of adult actors (although they were clearly
still kids at heart). I was pleasantly surprised at the depth
and variety of storytelling provided by school-aged writers.
The program consists of 16 sketches ranging from a true story about a father upset by the incompetency of Panda Express, to a musical number featuring the Kool-Aid Man. I began to wonder if it was going to be all comedy, and then they threw in a touching piece about the negative effects of graffiti. However, do not let these specific pieces drive you to attend, because a ballot was passed out for the audience to vote on two pieces to be put on the shelf to make way for new sketches.
What I truly respected about "That's Weird, Grandma" is there is something for everyone. The programming is geared towards children, but provided valuable entertainment for adults as well. Whether you have access to a child, or are a child at heart, "That's Weird, Grandma" is worth your time and money.
"That's Weird, Grandma" will have matinee performances through April 4, 2010 at The Neo-Futurarium, 5133 N. Ashland Ave (at the corner of Ashland and Foster) in Chicago. Performances are Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under) and can be purchased at 312.409.1954 or BarrelofMonkeys.org. For more information on this show, please visit the Theatre In Chicago That's Weird, Grandma page.
About Chris Arnold
Chris
Arnold has been in Chicago for seven years where he has directed for
Act One Studios, the side project, Bailiwick, Illinois Theatre
Center, LiveWire Theater, and Diamante Productions, amongst
others. For three years he was a company member with Circle
Theatre, and directed the Jeff Recommended productions "Escanaba
in Love" and "Boy". He also directed "A
Midsummer Night's Dream" with Circle Theatre Youth
Ensemble. He is the former Associate Artistic Director for
Thunder & Lightning Ensemble where he directed "Jack Goes
Boating," "Red Light Winter" (Named one of the top
five memorable productions by a smaller troupe: New City 2008), and
"Earl the Vampire".
Chris has interned at Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre. While at the Goodman he had the opportunity to serve as the Script Manager for the world premiere of "Blue Surge" by Rebecca Gilman. When not directing Chris teaches in the Literature & Theatre Department(s) at The Chicago Academy for the Arts, where he has directed "Doubt" and "The Pillowman". He writes for Chicagocritic.com, and is a member of the Artistic/Technical Team for the Jeff Committee. Spring 2010 Chris will be a Teaching Artists with American Theatre Company as part of their American Mosaic Program. He holds an MFA in Directing (with a focus in Critical Studies) from The University of Memphis.