Every winter, a barrage of Christmas classics inundates the stages of Chicago. Some of these performances are magical and some are tired. This year, though, the city is alive with alternative holiday productions. Though tradition holds a special place in the heart of the theater community, innovation drives it. The DePaulia had the opportunity to explore some of these unique shows and speak with artists who are a part of them. If you are willing to travel off the beaten path this winter, here are some productions that you won’t want to miss.
“That’s Weird, Grandma: Holiday Special”
Barrel of Monkeys, an incredible program founded in the 1990s, enables students to watch stories that they have written come to life onstage. This winter, a holiday rendition of the program is lighting up Neo-Futurist Theater. The DePauliahad the opportunity to speak with Bradford Stevens, who has long been involved in the program, to learn more about the show. Stevens takes part in both school and public performances.
“I love them both,” Stevens said. “In schools we get to do six-week writing workshops and each week we focus on a different style of writing. After the six weeks are over, we have a reading meeting where all of the teachers read the stories and then we go through a rehearsal process.”
While the program is a part of many Chicago schools, “That’s Weird, Grandma” refers to the rendition of the performances that the public has the opportunity to experience.
“That’s Weird, Grandma is an ongoing show every Monday at the Neo-Futurist Theater,” Stevens said. “Basically, ‘That’s Weird, Grandma’ is the best of the stories that have been written since the group was founded in the