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. 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
Give the Gift of Gorey!
The Uncanny Attic makes a perfectly dreadful holiday gift for your enemies and foes alike! Whether it’s a clandestine evening for you and your paramour or a whimsical family outing for relations both ordinary and peculiar- grab your tix and invite your people to this absurdist dark comedy! Tickets non-transferrable
The Uncanny Attic: Chapters A-D
Cast and Crew
Featuring Meaghan Morris and Tyler Garamella (Hot Clown Company), Connor Konz (LegLand), Eva la Feva (Performer and Artistic Curator at Newport Theater), Sunny Haelstorm (Performer/Teaching Artist), and Jill Summers, who provides both narration and live music (Ordinary Houses). Rounding out the ensemble are Mr. B, Derry-Éire, Lady Ve’Lush, and Marla Wyrd. Lights and sound are masterfully handled by ThomAss Edison, with original stop-motion animation by Susie Kirkwood (and foley!) and animation soundtrack by Liam Davis. Make-up design is by the ever-talented Harley Go'Lightly, and the poster art is illustrated by Ken Gerleve. Vixen Violencia stage manages and Mae Chest supports guest services.
The Uncanny Attic: Chapters A-D- Official Poster by Ken Gerleve! Available at the box office for $20
The Uncanny Attic: Chapters A-D
.jpg/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.jpg/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
-b9daa63.jpg/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:370,cg:true)
.jpg/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)