Posted by Mike M on March 13, 2012
School Shows
Today was day one of rehearsals for the Paderewski school show, which will take place next Monday. For me, it was a special day for two reasons. One, it’s my very first time going through the adaptation and rehearsal process with Barrel of Monkeys. Also, because I worked in the classroom before working on the show, I know the kids whose work I’m adapting. It’s just awesome to see their ideas come to life.
Working through the adaptation process today was more like being a student than an adult. At the beginning of the day, I was assigned a monkey buddy to answer any questions I might have. We did warm-ups just like we do in the classroom. Then, we read through the stories as a group and enjoyed their creativity together. We giggled about elderly cheerleaders, guffawed at an elephant who wouldn’t get out of a car, and gasped to learn about a librarian who is secretly a warlock. These are only a few of the stories we’re working on this week. There will be about twenty in the show.
A final note:
One thing I appreciated about Barrel of Monkeys from the moment I first saw “That’s Weird, Grandma,” is the respect the adults have for their students’ writing. Students of Paderewski, I am happy to report that your writing is in good hands! Not only are the adaptations looking great on stage, they are staying true to the authors’ intents. Congratulations, young authors: your work is getting a good production! As a playwright myself, I can assure you that this isn’t always the case. We’ll do our best to make it the case for you, and I think you’ll be happy with what you see.
More as the week progresses.
Until then,
Mike
Posted by Halena on March 9, 2012
School Shows
After School Program
The highlight of my week is teaching every Monday at our Loyola Park After School Program.
Here are some rules at Loyola Park.
Imagine my excitement when it was time to start rehearsing for our winter show. Even though I’m not moving very fast these days (I’m 8 months pregnant), I decided to perform in the show anyway because I just couldn’t keep away. The stories are awesome and my “slow moving bear” character is probably the best choice I make in the show.
Here are some favorite moments so far:
Joe in the fish windbreaker backing up smooth rap by Jenny:
Nick and Jill (the two volunteer teachers for the red group) doing a Ninja Story, holy cow:
while Jeff and Anthony voice their characters from the keyboard, it is hilarious.
The show is Monday at 4pm at Loyola Park.
You should come.
It is awesome.
Posted by Nick H on February 25, 2012
School Shows
The Lincolnwood show was yesterday and it was a great and incredible experience with an awesome and hilarious group of folks. But mostly the show was awesome because the students of Lincolnwood wrote some crazy awesome stories for us! And because I ate a whole plate of silver dollar pancakes beforehand. Those things give you power.
What was in the show you ask?
Oh I’ll tell you.
Pink Floyd Inspired Rock Operas!
Eric flipping over Steve!
Kitchens of fire!
Did I mention Eric FLIPS over Steve?
EPIC Irish dancing battle!
A lip-less monster singing Adele!
7000 year old sword fighting a 9 yeah old!
Olympic Fish with fire breath!
Pigeons in an unhappy marriage!
Well, that’s what you all missed.
Show’s over folks. See you later.
Thanks Lincolnwood!
As predicted, Shirley Bobalina Fancy Diva Pig did not make it through the whole show. A moment of silence for her
Posted by Nick H on February 24, 2012
School Shows
Our last rehearsal for the Lincolnwood show was last night, and everything went smoothly except… my dress costume kept following off, and I lost my bird beak, and I couldn’t stop laughing at Brandon in “Shirley Bobalina Fancy Diva Pig.” If there’s anything I’m going to miss after the show it will be getting to know Ms. Shirley Bobalina, fancy diva pig. What a wonderful pig woman. You will be missed. RIP 2012.
quote of the week-
“This is quite possibly the weirdest thing I have ever done. Ever.” -Jeff commenting on his role in “Not A Good Fencing Life”
Weird Challenge accepted Jeff.
Later in the show I am an amorphous and viral blob of fat.
The show is gonna be awesome, I’ve found a dress that fits and my bird beak is no longer lost, and my Justin Bieber character study is complete.
I gotta go now. Its snowing and we have a show to do! AND THERE ARE PRE SHOW PANCAKES TO BE DEVOURED. Good morning Chicago!
Lincolnwood get ready!
Posted by Nick H on February 19, 2012
School Shows
The week in review!
We started rehearsals for the Lincolnwood school show earlier this week, and these are some things that happened:
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