Posted by Kurt on November 4, 2010
School Shows
The 2nd school show of the year begins!
Ah, Avondale—that ol’ chestnut. We’ve been to Avondale a few times and the journals are always teeming with possibilities. The brilliant young minds of the Avondale School are responsible for stories such as the epic and transcendental “It Was a Cold Day,” an untitled story regarding puppies and Michael Jordan, and a tale that every American can relate to, “In Love With a Grill.” (Isn’t that a Roy Orbison song?)
The cast for the Avondale show is this, listed in order of height, from shortest to tallest, as my memory serves me: Emjoy, Tom, Anthony, Zoe, Brandon, Annie, Rachel, Ricky H., Philip, Luke (directing), Matt Miller, and Kurt.
Reading the journals, we found the students were particularly interested in the genre of “scary story” (Bonus points for any kids reading this: look up the definition of “genre” and put it in the comments section- always learning!). Some of the scary stories we’re adapting include a skull who is missing the bones of his body and a witch that flies to the top of the “Sears” Tower. One student described in grave detail a massive disease outbreak. And of course we have “demons and witches and vampires and werewolves, and ghosts.”
And judging from the first two rehearsals, this cast is really into props, mostly hand-crafted. Pens and paper and poster-board are going to be flying across the room. Puppets will represent mud, water, and farts. We will all win various theater awards for our efforts.
One last very special thing about this show: this is Zoe Schwartz’s very first school show as an official member of our Performing Ensemble! Zoe’s been teaching and performing with us a ton, but now she’s got the green light to call herself a Monkey. Three cheers for Zoe!
More later, and hopefully with more pictures of us in the action.
—Kurt
Posted by Lacy on October 30, 2010
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
One of my favorite stories in “That’s Weird, Grandma” right now is the killer rap from Loyola Park, “Grannies Lean Like a Cholo.” Last week, someone brought up: exactly what is a cholo?
Well, no one knows the answers to my pop culture questions like good old Wikipedia.
Fashion stereotypes
A cholo is stereotypically male, depicted as wearing loose fitting khaki pants or shorts, with white knee-high socks, creased jeans, so-called “wifebeater” white tee shirts, and button-front shirts, commonly plaid and flannel. Cholos are known for starching and pressing their pants and shirts.[citation needed] Cholos often wear military-style web belts.[citation needed] Cholos in the 1990s and 2000s frequently have their hair buzzed very short, though some continue to have the more traditional slicked-back hair, sometimes held in place by a hair net or a bandana. Footwear may include traditional athletic shoes, such as Converse, Nike Cortez, Stan Smith brand Adidas, slip-on house shoes or Huarache sandals.
So you wanna rock this look? We at Barrel of Cholos can hook you up.
First of all, get yourself some cholo kicks:
Accessorize with this absolutely amazing ring:
Then, basically, just put the rest of this ensemble together:
Me, I’ll probably just take a shortcut and get this printed on a t-shirt. Look for me Monday night.
Come see Grannies leaning like a cholo AND the super low down dirty groove of “The Garden Lady”!
Stories and runlist happen now, ese:
I Hope I See Him Again
Daisy & Jimmy
The Shark that Chops
The Day I Found Out I Had Ghost
I Remember
The Badest Day Ever
DOG
Untitled (Garden Lady)
Dialogue - Suspense Thriller
Chair Argument (untitled)
Grannies lean like a cholo
Magical Place
Untitled (I am normal too)
Where I’m From (Underwater)
Cheerleaders
The Dog Was Dead
Batman Saves the World
Posted by Carly on October 28, 2010
School Shows
Greetings Monkey Blog Readers!!!!!!
This is Monkey Carly here, bringing you the LATEST and GREATEST from the FIRST SCHOOL SHOW OF THE YEAR!!!!!
This is my third year doing the New Sullivan show, and these kids have done it AGAIN! People, this show is about to ROCK. Tomorrow morning we will descend upon the New Sullivan student body (just in time for Halloween!) with tricks, treats and tales of crazy ninjas, terrifyingly hideous bat babies, gluttonous sharks and MORE. But it’s not all sillies and willies - Emjoy, Donnell, Ricky and Diana have put together an incredibly poignant song about caring for family members that honestly had me tearing up in rehearsal. Wait. Hold the phone. Do you guys know Diana? She’s a brand spankin’ new musician - fresh out da barrel - and she’s KIND OF amazing. Listen for the hit single “The Day Grandma Gradel Robbed a Bank”, based on the epic tale by Kwinton Berry (and Donnell may or may not be starring as Grandma Gradel. Don’t even worry about it).
Here’s a sneak peek of a story that takes place in a hair salon. AMAZING.
This is Donnell matching his vest to his drink (hot).
Finally, here’s a shot from a great story about a ride at a carnival…you can’t hear it, but this story has a pretty hoppin’ soundtrack.
That’s just a teeny tiny bit of what we’ve been working on. I’ll take some more photos tonight.
OH!!!!! AND WE ARE DEBUTING THE NEW CLOSER TOMORROW!!!!!! It’s so good! The music! High-five Philip! (and Luke for the staging and choreo!!)
TTYL, LYLAS, LOL, OMG, BFF,
CARLY!
Posted by Lacy on October 25, 2010
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Greetings, friends.
There was a long*-promised titans-clash. There was also a huge gala benefit Friday night. And, I totally won my NFL pool for the weekend. We have not only survived, friends. WE. ARE. CHAMPIONS.
Let us rest our weary selves. Let us repair to That’s Weird, Grandma for a show that just gets better and better and better. Let us laugh ourselves silly and have a darned good time at a darned good show.
This week? Spectacle gets kicked up a notch and takes us to the moment of man’s evolution from the sea. A daughter intervenes when her father’s sitcom watching habits become too much to deal with. And a girl tells her new boyfriend she’s a year older than she actually is.
It’s a good show. You deserve a good show. Come see the show. Code phrase for the special insider price: I’m From The Sea.
*where “long” equals “a day or so”
Stories and runlist, yo:
I Hope I See Him Again
Daisy & Jimmy
The Reporter and the Crazy Vets
The Shark that Chops
The Day I Found Out I Had Ghost
I Remember
The Badest Day Ever
DOG
Dialogue - Suspense Thriller
Chair Argument (untitled)
Grannies lean like a cholo
Magical Place
Untitled (I am normal too)
Where I’m From (Underwater)
Cheerleaders
The Dog Was Dead
Batman Saves the World
Posted by Amanda Farrar on October 21, 2010
Touring Performances
The Fancy Schmancy benefit is TOMORROW! Do you have your tickets? I hope so, because this event is magical. One of the most magical parts – besides the crazy hats, the amazing “Clash of the Titans” performance, and the antique car collection (yes – also cars) – is the auction. There is absolutely something for everyone. There are purses, and Baconfest tickets. There are spa packages, and booze packages. There are classes and there are amazing sports tickets. Buy your tickets, if you haven’t already, HERE!
Below are all the items and their descriptions, but I have highlighted a couple for you here that are my personal favorites:
Cheryl “Nookie” Jackson’s YouTube Makeover
Oh, and this one comes with a video commercial:
Win a makeover with Cheryl at Fancy Schmancy from Barrel of Monkeys on Vimeo.
From: Christina Anthony, Lather Salon, and Clothes Optional
Actual Value: $200.00
This auction item is high concept; so read carefully. Monkey Christina Anthony* is Cheryl “Nookie” Jackson. Cheryl “Nookie” Jackson is an internet sensation, relationship guru and former JET magazine beauty of the week. Ms. Jackson will take you to Lather Salon in Ravenswood. At Lather Salon, you will receive a make-over from master cosmetologist and super BOM fan Kassi Bleifuss. For Free. This makeover will include: Cut and Style, Color or Highlights, Eyebrow Waxing, and Makeup. If this wasn’t enough, Ms Jackson will also get a makeover, right by your side, holding your hand. After Lather, Ms. Jackson will whisk you to her favorite shop, Clothes Optional in Lakeview. There she’ll help you select your very own JUMPSUIT to complete your look. AND it will all be recorded for YouTube. You will be incorporated into one of Ms. Jackson’s webisodes.
*Christina Anthony is a Monkey and Jeff-Nominated Second City performer.
Restrictions: Event must occur on a Sunday prior to February 2011. Must be 18 or older, or have an adults permission to participate.
Monkey Mike Govier’s Night to Remember
From: Mike Govier, Aileen Wright Bacon
Actual Value: Priceless
Hello, World. Michael Govier is auctioning off the privilege of taking him to a magical place - Medieval Times. YES, YOU HEARD HIM RIGHT! You can buy the opportunity to experience this experience he hasn’t experienced since childhood. Sure; some of you might not want to go to dinner with him, that’s fine, perhaps an arrangement can be made. But it will cost you.
Restrictions: Date must be mutually agreed upon between winner and Michael.
NY Trip
From: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Gerald Rosenfeld, Sara Braun, and David Saunders
Actual Value: $1,000 (Priceless items included)
Your big trip to the Big Apple is pre-planned! This package includes roundtrip air miles for 2, 2 nights at a Midtown national chain hotel, 2 VIP tickets to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and Yankees tickets in section 311, where New York Daily News beat writer Mark Feinsand takes you and your guest on a tour of the press box. Hear war stories from someone who’s been on the road with the Yankees for over 5 years.
Restrictions: Jimmy Fallon tickets expire 8/2011 and guests must be over 17. Yankees ticket dates must be arranged with donor for 2011 regular season. Some flight restrictions for Holiday travel may apply. All subject to availability.
Barrel of Monkeys’ Instant Booze Cellar
From: Barrel of Monkeys’ board, staff, and company members
Actual Value: $270.00
Imagine having a party with Barrel of Monkeys company and board members. At this party, your monkey friends would bring their favorite alcoholic beverages and share stories about why they love them so. Now imagine this party without the physical people, but replaced by the stories themselves pasted across the bottles of booze. Well, that’s what we have done! With this package you will receive a pile of adult beverages, each paired with a short narrative from a member of the BOM family.
Chef at Home
From: The Rabbit Hole Chicago
Actual Value: $900.00
The Cheshire Chef and Queen of Tarts come to you! Have your in-home dinner party for six prepared by the Cheshire Chef and the Queen of Tarts, producers of Chicago’s underground supper club. Includes food and preparation (alcohol not included). Minimum of 3 courses.
Restrictions: Dinner must take place at location within the city of Chicago. Chef is not available before January 2011. Must provide 2 months notice of date.
Monkey Joe’s Lincoln Park Zoo Experience
From: Joseph Schupbach
Actual Value: Priceless
Animal lover and amateur zoologist Joseph Schupbach takes you to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Joseph will give you a comprehensive tour that includes standard animal facts and insights gathered from Mr. Schupbach’s four year tenure teaching at Lookingglass Theatre’s Zoo Camp. The tour can be kid friendly including animal mask making and fact scavenger hunt or adult friendly including details regarding animal reproduction and a bar stop before or after [BuyYOB]. Or, if you are a big kid who likes to party we can do it all. It may or may not change your life. Consider it. Bid on it. Live it.
Restrictions: Based upon availability of Mr. Schupbach.
Baconfest: This Event Sizzles
From: Baconfest Chicago, LLC
Actual Value: $160.00
Get a hold of these two extremely coveted tickets to the second annual Baconfest Chicago 2011 (Saturday, April 9, 2011 at UIC Forum, 725 West Roosevelt). Baconfest’s roster of bacon-foods, bacon-inspired crafts, and bacon-spirits comprises the greatest single culinary and cultural festival ever dedicated to Bacon and Bacon only.
Also includes two t-shirts and two stickers.
Restrictions: Winner should contact donor no later than February 1, 2011.
Chicago Crosstown Classic
From: Mizwicki Family
Actual Value: $400.00
See the city come together in the best way possible. Watch a Crosstown Classic match between the Cubs and Sox as they play side by side in peace and harmony. You can be there with 4 premium lower level tickets (tentatively July 1-3, 2011) at Wrigley Field.
Restrictions: Cubs tickets to be arranged in advance with donor. Subject to availability.
Monkey Rani’s Pie Magic
From: Rani Waterman
Actual Value: $180.00
Rani Waterman is a former non-cook/vegan cupcake baker/reborn pie maker. She hails from a long line of pie makers and eaters based in the land of enchantment. In her short history of pie making, Rani has received two (yes, two!) marriage proposals simply due to the deliciousness of her pies. If you are the lucky winner of this prize you will receive 6 months of pie (each will be a seasonal flavor or flavors can be requested) with a tasty topping delivered to your door on a date convenient for you. Pie delivery will be available starting November 1. Her current pie favorite is bourbon peach with lemon zest….just so you know.
Restrictions: Delivery coordinated with winner and Ms. Waterman. Expires 10/22/11.
The GTL Package
From: A Better Tan and Amanda Farrar
Actual Value: $220.00
The most consistent threesome on the Jersey Shore: Gym, tan, laundry. “It’s a Jersey thing,” but you too can live the dream! This package keeps you slightly bronzed with one month free of L2 tanning from A Better Tan, bronzer and eye protection. This package also keeps you in shape with the conversation starter and great home gym item, a man’s Shake Weight. Finally, keep all your club clothes smelling fresh with laundry essentials.
Restrictions: A Better Tan expires 10/22/11.
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