Posted by Caleb on February 10, 2011
School Shows
In keeping with the recent tradition of rehearsing shows during historic, winter weather, the cast of the Loyola Park show has begun rehearsing during the week of single-digit temperatures. The snow that fell during the first rehearsal set a new record for total snowfall in Chicago during the month of February – 26 inches. (It should be noted that the vast majority of that fell during the CEA rehearsal process, but the record is cumulative.) All of this weather led director, Lacy Campbell, to establish a new Monkey agreement: “No making fun of other people’s winter gear.” The cast has done a nice job of following this, and all the other agreements, and deserves some Monkey-Bucks… Joe…?
After two days of excruciating labor, nearly every story has been adapted. We’ll finish tonight, and then begin the difficult task of polishing each performance so that it does each writer’s work justice. The level of awesomeness in each journal is magnificent, and the cast is doing its best to match it. Loyola Park authors, you’ve set the bar quite high!
Posted by Elizabeth on February 8, 2011
After School Program
When last I wrote you about Loyola Park, the students had earned about 200 Monkey Bucks which earned them a parade. This week, THIS week, each group earned a total of 500 Monkey Bucks and we thought, well, we GOTTA celebrate! So what do we do? Have a soda pop toast, of course!
Here is Tim, Toastmaster Extraordinaire, teaching us the proper toasting etiquette:
After we learned toasting etiquette, the soda was poured and we formed a great big circle. Anyone could raise their glass to the group and toast something that they thought was really great about the work we had done today. Here were some things that the students toasted to:
“I want to toast to all the great performances by the groups today.”
“Cheers to all the groups that were so funny.”
“Cheers to this toast!”
Here’s Brandon raising his glass to the group:
At Loyola Park After-School Program, we find things to celebrate every Monday afternoon. Here’s to that!
Posted by Oona on February 5, 2011
That's Weird Grandma
TWG Weekly Update
Friends, as I was just telling the cast, I am inappropriately excited for this matinee round of TWG.
Why? I’m glad you asked?
1. I’ve managed to wrest the directing baton from Luke’s iron grip. Ha HA! Soon the world will be mine, all MINE! At least for the month of February.
2. We have a small but mighty cast of ringers.
3. The matinees always bring in a ton of kids, and we love kids! And their parents! And their uncles and aunts, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and strange awkward cousins.
The matinee round is, famously, always a bit of a scramble. Basically our actors are asked to show up at the theatre, learn a story, and then perform it about an hour later. It takes hard work and a healthy dose of optimism, both of which our company members have in spades- thank goodness, or we’d be up a creek. Or should I say up one of the many streets that have yet to be plowed? From the snowstorm. Remember when there was that snowstorm?
ANYHOO, some gems staying in from last round, and a great mix of stories joining the runlist, including some oldies but goodies and some new classics. Come check it out!
Say “Monkeys eating Maggots” at the door for $2 off your ticket. Running order after the jump!
Read more
Posted by Bradford on February 2, 2011
School Shows
Well my friends, as they say on the streets; “Old man winter was straight trippin’ yesterday.” One of the worse blizzards in Chicago’s history, resulted in the cancellation of rehearsal for Columbia Explorers. Lake Shore drive was shut down, The CTA Redline came to a stand still, and flight after flight at O’Hare’s International Airport were grounded because of hazardous conditions. Yes sir, the windy city took it on the chin last night.
Never the less, in a fit of instant cabin fever or maybe just an incredible desire to see the mammoth storm up close and personal, many a monkey (myself included) dared to venture into the frightful night. Just a few minutes at least, before returning back home, for hot chocolate, scary movies, and of course high lights on Sports Center.
But not even a monster blizzard can stop this intrepid band of actors. The ensemble’s resolve was stronger than ever, as we quickly made plans for an early rehearsal the next day. So IN YOUR FACE OLD MAN WINTER, da show must go on. Be safe out there yall, see ya tonight, and gooooo Monkeys!!!
Posted by Maggie on January 29, 2011
Touring Performances
MONKEY-O-KEE 2011 is almost here?
SUNDAY… tomorrow! January 30th @ 8pm-11pm
Mad River Bar & Grille
2909 N. Sheffield Ave.
Get your tickets now!
Are you ready? Have you bought your tickets? You DO NOT want to miss:
—Monkeys and YOU singing the most hilarious karaoke
—All you can drink domestic drafts, house wine and well drinks.
—As much pizza and pasta as your stomach can handle
—Special Monkey performances featuring Michael Govier, Elizabeth Levy, Philip Markle, Donnell Williams and other talented company members.
Here are a few of the awesome items on the Prize Wheel.
ONLY $2 a spin. TWO FREE SPINS if you buy your tickets online.
Company Member, Brennan Buhl’s DVD Collection
Cookies RIGHT NOW !!! made by Company Manager, Maggie Fullilove-Nugent
Of course the Chili Trays, perfect for every party!
And stuffed Dolphins…?
Not to mention: Monkey Merchandise, Gift Cards (including Chili’s, Starbucks and The Home Depot), Bottles of Wine, Free Shots, Pirate Booty and so much more!!!!
Buy your tickets online and get two chances at all this great swag.
A $25 ticket provides support of Barrel of Monkeys’ work with Chicago’s youth – igniting their imaginations, boosting their self-esteem, and improving literacy – but also includes food, drink, and karaoke.
Tickets are available now!
