Written By Kids, Enjoyed By All

PlayMakers Laboratory Presents That’s Weird, Grandma: Travels Through Time

That’s Weird, Grandma: Travels Through Time is a hilarious and ingenious show brings the light from Chicago’s public schools to life. Currently in its 18th year, That’s Weird Grandma features 17 stories from creative writing students in the greater Chicago area.

Each week different stories are featured for an evolving theatrical experience. These sketches are written by kids, performed by adults, and enjoyed by all in attendance. 

In this particular week’s plays featured a number of versatile stories all connected with a loving grandma that starts the show in the audience. Grandma gets brought on stage and instantly we are greeted by Barack Obama and travel back in time together to meet presidents of the past. Obama wasn’t the only President featured, another story-turned punk jam had the cast in full George Washington gear: powdered wigs and all. The theme of this story was just because you are the president doesn’t mean we have to listen to you, and how can “wash” be in your name when you don’t wash! 

Each unique sketch was a delight to watch, bringing grandma along the way made the bits relatable and irresistibly funny. 

The direction of this production was outstanding. Accompanied with an amazing cast of teaching artists, musicians, and comedians it was very clear that this team had the same vision for the show with the children’s stories, creativity and spirit leading the way. 

Between sketches, the actors would introduce the student who wrote the piece, and they buttoned a “The End” at the end of each sketch which made us all nostalgic about our school days. 

There is nothing quite like the mind of a child.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Samantha Behen

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

Dates: Preview: Sunday, January 19, 2020 at 3 pm

Regular run: Sunday, February 2 – Sunday, February 16, 2020

Curtain Times: Sundays at 3 pm

Tickets: Preview: $10 for adults, $5 children 12 and under, $8 groups of 10 or more. Regular run: $20 for adults, $10 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 at www.playmakerslab.org or by calling (773) 506-7140.