The Uncanny Attic is an absurdist dark comedy brought to life through puppetry, clowning, dance, live music, and a macabre fascination with death. Co-created and co-produced by Bazuka Joe and The Bunny Royale (Jennifer Friedrich), this twisted tale unfolds in a world where catastrophe strikes with unsettling regularity, and the youngest among us are constantly at risk.
The production features a stellar cast of rotating multidisciplinary performers, including co-creators Bazuka Joe (Poonie’s Cabaret, Newport Theater Camp) and Jennifer Friedrich (Incurable Theater, Redmoon Theater).
Photograph by Lydon French
The Uncanny Attic: Chapters E-H, RETURNS to Steppenwolf Theatre January 15-17 2026
The camp macabre world of Edward Gorey returns to Steppenwolf in the second installment of this absurdist dark comedy anthology told through puppetry, clowning, dance, live music, song, animation and an unhealthy dose of death.
Co-creators Jennifer Friedrich aka The Bunny Royale (Incurable Theater, Redmoon Theater) and Bazuka Joe (Poonie’s Cabaret, Newport Theater Camp) pay homage to Gorey’s legendary style of satire and non-sequitur storytelling with an original script inspired by moments from the artist's life. Taking place in a mysterious attic of an abandoned Colonial house on the cape, the story follows a cast of doomed characters through a series of not-so-random circumstances.
Performed by ensemble members Monsieur Bombastic, Derry-Éire, Lady Ve’Lush and Marla Wyrd, this performance also features Evan Richter and Sam Hammer (Hot Clown Company), singer Harlie Hellfire, poet Kost, contortionist Dahlia Fatale and performance artist Harley Go'Lightly. Narration and live viola accompaniment by Jill Summers, original stop motion animation by Susie Kirkwood and accompanying score by Liam Davis. Illustration and fanny puppet by Ken Gerleve.
The Uncanny Attic has been featured at events through Artist Book House and has performed at the Newport Theater, Chicago's home for fringe, experimental theater.
Photo of Harley Go'Lightly by Jess Genito