About

A prison of assumptions has overwhelmed the Asian race, and Stir Friday Night is breaking out!  In their newest sketch revue, “The Shrimpshack Redemption,” the 22-year-old Asian-American comedy troupe has diligently chipped away through stereotypes and social norms to escape the “Shrimpshack”, and find their true selves.  Born into what society thinks they know about Asians, the escaped convicts can now tell people the real truth about Asian-Americans, like how it’s okay to be infatuated with bubble tea, or that we might have serious issues with sharing our emotions.  Other prison stories describe the dangers of growing up in an Asian household, the love and loss of being a street food vendor, and the liberation of the female breast.  

Stir Friday Night, now in its 22nd year as a Chicago comedy staple, continues to explore Asian-American identity through laughter.  With a cast featuring Filipino, Pakistani, and Chinese writer-performers, their shows are always unique, and present an underrepresented voice in comedy.  “The Shrimpshack Redemption” delivers theatrical sketch comedy with Asian hilarity, featuring scenes that range from helping your ignorant friend in an Asian restaurant, to seeing what life is like with hooks for hands.  Stir Friday Night is tunneling their way to freedom from society’s assumptions, and getting busy making everyone laugh along the way.  
 

“The Shrimpshack Redemption” is written & performed by Claudia Iao, Javid Iqbal, TJ Medel, Brooke Montoya & Loreen Targos.  Understudy Rammel Chan & Louise Loeb.

Directed by Jonald Jude Reyes

Music Direction by Gail Gallagher
Assistant Director: Louise Loeb
Stage Manager: Abby Beggs