Meet Actor Meg Grunewald: The Bubbe on the Right!
Creator of Home for Hanukkah with Bubbe: An Interactive Holiday Experience
We were so excited to chat with Meg Grunewald about her new project, Home for Hanukkah with Bubbe: An Interactive Holiday Experience. Read about her formative years growing up in Chicago, her experiences at camp and her tips of where to laugh in Chicago – enjoy! Where did you grow up?Chicago!! I grew up in Chicago and went to Bell Elementary and then Lincoln Park High School.
What did you do Jewish growing up?
I grew up going to my cousins house to celebrate Chanukah but never belonged to a congregation. In third grade, I asked my mom if I could go to Sunday school (I know…the only person to ever ask to go to Sunday school). After some classic “Synagogue Shopping,” we ended up choosing Temple Sholom, a reform congregation in East Lakeview, and I was introduced to OSRUI, a URJ camp. I was also very involved in NFTY, the reform youth movement, and served as president of NFTY CAR my senior year of high school.
Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Scripps College in Claremont, California. Majored in Theatre. Interesting OSRUI/college connection: my best camp friend, since age 11, was going to Claremont McKenna at the the time and I went to visit her and decided to apply to the sister school, Scripps College. I would have never went there if it hadn’t been for my camp friend, Sam.
What do you do for work? I do many things! I am an actor and comedian by trade but also a “fun facilitator.” I perform at ComedySportz, as well as Laugh at Loud, regularly. I also work in print advertising and commercials as a kid wrangler on set. Basically, I am the person on the other side with the photographer making the kids laugh. Additionally, I use my improv skills for communication workshops and trainings for SP (standardized patient) work at University of Illinois – Chicago. As an SP, I assist medical students by portraying different medical cases in order for them to cultivate their bedside manner and over-all “doctor-ing” in a safe learning environment. AND fun facilitation! I host at Game Night Out at Landmark/Century on Clark. I would say it is the best game night because you don’t have to host or clean up! I also work at AceBounce and Flight Club, both on Clark and Wacker. What do you do for fun?
I like to do things that are active, cultural, off the beaten path, etc. But also, I love a great Korean Spa (shout out to King Spa in Niles). I went on Christmas a few ago. It was PACKED with Jews. I guess they just swapped Chinese Food for Korean. King Spa reminds me of the times my friends and I would shower together. Not together-together. Just, like, in the same room. I know that may sound strange….. It’s a camp thing. Definitely check it out! (Discounts online!)
What do you do Jewish now?
During the holidays, I go to Mishkan and I preach this organization to everyone I know. I do Passover with my family. I staffed Ta’am Yisrael in 2015 (the Chicago area eighth grade trip to Israel). Last year, I taught at Anshe Emet. And this show!
In your opinion, what is the greatest hidden comedy gem in Chicago? The Paper Machete at the Green Mill on Saturdays from 3:00-5:00 pm. It is by far the best free show in this city. It is weekly so it stays current and is like a live magazine. They have comedians and bands, character bits, and I always see something new and original. Truly, the smartest stuff you will see in this city. A “not theatre” theatre experience. You have to get there by 2:00 pm to get a seat! Do you consider yourself a “Jewish Comedian” or a “Comedian that is Jewish?” I consider myself a comedian who is Jewish. Judaism is definitely a filter that I see things through, but I probably wouldn’t bring down the house at a Yeshiva. If an audience expects me to do Jewish humor and bits, I can most definitely deliver, but it is not really what I generally talk about. Except for this show! In this show, I am a Jewish comedian.Who do you want to shoutout?
My old camper Solly Kane who is now the Director of Camp OSRUI!
Now finish this statement, When the tribe gathers …They can be a lot of fun!
More about Home for the Holidays Don’t miss out on this hilarious Chicago comedy Hanukkah classic. Bubbe and Zayde are having a Hanukkah open house, along with their family and special visits from friends, featuring stories, songs and good old fashioned schmaltz! Come share the laughs and maybe a few latkes.
November 28th 2018 Opening night! (with Meg’s entire family in the audience!) December 5th 2018 (Fourth Night of Hanukkah!) December 12th 2018 Join Old Town Moishe House! RSVP to Carly Nashban. Learn more here December 19th 2018 Last show of the season…do not miss out Find more events like this on ChiTribe’s Event Calendar.
