Photo Flash: Barrel of Monkeys' Presents THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Stories That Groove

Barrel of Monkeys is pleased to present THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Stories That Groove, the company's annual all-musical revue, directed by Eunice Woods, with music direction by Jon Schneidman, playing Mondays at 8 pm from March 12 - April 9, 2018 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140.

THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Stories That Groove features an eclectic mix of hilarious songs, heartfelt ballads and high-intensity dance numbers. Barrel of Monkeys company members use the work of young authors to explore the evolution of musical styles throughout the ages. The stories are created during Barrel of Monkeys' creative writing residencies in Chicago elementary schools.

Clever and funny - touching and poignant - the collection of songs featured in THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA is equally entertaining for adults and children. The line-up of the long-running, critically-acclaimed revue changes each week by audience vote, so no two shows are ever the same.

THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Stories That Groove will feature Juanita Andersen, Jen Allman, Barry Irving, Jennifer Johnson, Devin Middleton, Jon Schneidman and Rachel Wilson.

Barrel of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble now in its 21st season, conducts creative writing workshops with 2nd through 7th grade students in underserved Chicago Public Schools and in its own after-school program. The ensemble of actor-educators then turns their stories and poems into professionally performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues. Barrel of Monkeys annually performs more than 300 stories for the students in their schools and 175 stories on the stage for the general public.

Photos by Evan Hanover.

Barry Irving and Jen Allman

Barry Irving, Rachel Wilson, Jen Allman and Juanita Andersen

Jennifer Johnson, Juanita Andersen, Devin Middleton, Jen Allman, Rachel Wilsonand Barry Irving

Juanita Andersen and Jennifer Johnson

Jen Allman, Barry Irving and Devin Middleton

Barry Irving and Jennifer Johnson

Jen Allman and Juanita Andersen

Juanita Andersen, Jon Schneidman and Jennifer Johnson

Barry Irving (with back l to r) Devin Middleton and Krista Mickelson