Chicago’s PlayMaker’s Laboratory Presents ‘That’s Weird, Grandma: Summer Vacation!’

Chicago’s PlayMakers Laboratory (PML) is pleased to welcome back its original sketch show That’s Weird, Grandma: Summer Vacation!  This family-friendly comedy extravaganza returns for six performances from July 26 – August 10, 2025, at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago.

Directed by Executive Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd, That’s Weird, Grandma: Summer Vacation! features adaptations of stories written during PML’s creative writing residencies in Chicago elementary schools. PML’s ensemble of professional actors, comedians and musicians bring the young authors’ stories to life as raucous sketches, songs and movement pieces, performing first for students in their schools and then for the public. These stories – from hilarious dialogues between unlikely characters to poignant pleas for social change, along with perfect summertime stories – that resonate with adults while celebrating the imaginations of young people. The production  cast includes PML company members Nick Crothers, Maddy Grady, Indira Gutiérrez Marerro, Barry Irving, Lucas Johnson, Samantha Nieves, Lee Peters, Jacqui Touchet, Allison Sokolowski and Allison Zanolli.

 For 28 years, PlayMaker’s Laboratory has served Chicago Public School students by providing a creative writing residency program aimed primarily at elementary schools. Our company of over 60 teaching artists utilize creative drama and storytelling to promote literacy and self-esteem during our in-school residencies and park district programming. Each year, their programs serve more than 4,000 young people across Chicago

For performance times and Tickets ($27.50* adults, $17.50* youth under 17) please visit playmakerslab.org. The press opening is Saturday, July 26 at 2:00 p.m.