KARAOKE SAVES THE WORLD: MONKEY SING, MONKEY DO

Posted by Joe on February 3, 2012 at 03:50 PM
General Other Performances Company Members

Think singing can’t change the world? Just ask these ladies:

The moment you have all been awaiting is right around the corner!  Our annual Monkey-O-Kee karaoke benefit will occur on Sunday, February 12 from 8pm-11pm at Mad River Bar & Grille, 2909 N. Sheffield Ave.  “What is it all about?” you may ask.  It is all about supporting Barrel of Monkeys’ work in the Chicago Public Schools.  Without you attending, singing, and laughing, the amazing stories written by children are at risk.

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY

You know who loves Monkey-o-kee? The unnamed old lady from The Cowboys Who Fighted

When you purchase a ticket for the extremely fair price of $25, you not only get the chance to support BOM’s work with Chicago’s youth – igniting their imaginations, boosting their self-esteem and improving literacy – but you ALSO get well drinks, beer and wine, pizza AND pasta, not to mention the karaoke, and therefore, entertainment in abundance.

You know who loves Monkey-o-kee? The unnamed old lady from Grannies Lean Like a Cholo

Various and sundry other fun and fabulous activities will occur at the event, including a prize wheel, sponsored Monkey performances, and maybe a few surprises along the way.

You know who loves Monkey-o-kee? The unnamed old lady from Marshmelow

Ok. actually, that is Kayla from Cheerleaders.  But you get the point.

If you buy your tickets online now you will receive two, count them TWO, free spins on the prize wheel!  Could it get better?  Possibly and likely, but you will only know if you show up.

Buy dem tickets.

Also, look out for a blog detailing the sponsored monkey line-up.

These two are so excited about Monkey-O-Kee, they are dancing:

 

 

 

That’s Weird, Abuelita - A Director Converses with Himself

Posted by Luke on June 24, 2011 at 12:51 PM
General Other Performances

Luke with a pencil and paper: Tell us about the origins and purpose of That’s Weird, Abuelita (TWA).

Luke in a black turtle neck: I’ve been thinking about this show that opens tonight at Little Village High School for quite some time. We have partnered with both Little Village Academy and Columbia Explorers Academy for many years and the students there have written hundreds of hilarious and heartfelt stories which we’ve adapted for the stage. I’m excited for us to share these stories in the community where they originated.

Luke with a pencil and paper: What can people look forward to about this particular show?

Luke in a black turtle neck: The show has a very strong visual aesthetic. Usually this is present in our shows about 20% of the time. In TWA it’s more like 80 or 90%. I would say it is the most physical performance BOM has ever done (as evidenced by how exhausted everyone is after a run). We have some really amazing visual artists in our company and so it’s great to be able to showcase that. It’s been a newer development in our aesthetic and I’m really delighted in how we’ve grown as visual storytellers.

Luke with a pencil and paper: If people—

Luke in a black turtle neck: I also have to say that the work and assistance of the fluent Spanish speakers in the show (Marla, Ricky and Lacy) has been invaluable. We have a handful of others who dabble in the language or have been game to try and that’s made a huge difference in what we’ve been capable of achieving.

Luke with a pencil and paper: Great. If people are worried about getting hungry during the show, what do you suggest?

Luke in a black turtle neck: Deal with it. Ha, J/K. You’re in luck. We are going to have free food available outside of the theater before each of the performances (starting at 6:45).

Luke with a pencil and paper: More deets, please.

Luke in a black turtle neck: “Deets” is not a word. THAT’S WEIRD, ABUELITA OPENS TONIGHT AND RUNS FOUR FRIDAYS ONLY! (THRU JULY 15TH). THE SHOW IS AT 7:30PM AT LITTLE VILLAGE HIGH SCHOOL (3120 S. KOSTNER AVE.) TICKETS ARE $10 AND $5 FOR KIDS. IT IS FREE IF YOU ARE A PAST BOM STUDENT OR AN LVHS STUDENT.

IF YOU SAY “CONEJO”, YOU GET $2 OFF YOUR TICKET PRICE!!  TALK ABOUT CHEAP. CALL 312 409-1954 TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION OR GO HERE.

Luke with a pencil and paper: This concludes our interview.

Luke in a black turtle neck: I know.

June Performances

Posted by Amanda Farrar on June 6, 2011 at 09:29 AM
General That's Weird Grandma Celebration of Authors Other Performances

Monkey Friends!

June is here - and it is packed full of Monkey madness! 

1) “Celebration of Authors” is TOMORROW! Call Steppenwolf and make your reservations for this free event!

2) “That’s Weird, Grandma” is OFF tonight, but returns on Monday, June 13 and runs every Monday through the end of August NON-STOP!

3) Our newest production, “That’s Weird, Abuelita” opens in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago on Friday, June 24 and runs Fridays through July 15!  Don’t miss this very special performance featuring the stories of Little Village Elementary School.

Tickets for “Celebration of Authors” can be reserved by calling 312-335-1650!

Tickets for “That’s Weird, Grandma” and “That’s Weird, Abuelita” can be purchased here!

See you soon!

Celebration of Authors! (NO “That’s Weird, Grandma” on Monday, June 6)

Posted by Amanda Farrar on June 3, 2011 at 09:15 AM
That's Weird Grandma TWG Weekly Update Celebration of Authors Other Performances

Hello BOMers!

Please note that there is NO “That’s Weird, Grandma” performance on Monday, June 6 due to preperations for our “Celebration of Authors” performance on Tuesday, June 7!  I hope you can join us at Steppenwolf at 7pm on Tuesday for our favorite performance of the year where we present 2 stories from each peformance for every school in which we worked in the 2010-2011 year.  More info can be found HERE , HERE, and below! 

Yes - there will be multiple stories about robots.  Robots in a sack race.  Robots made by a witch.  Robots on the Titanic.  Who would want to miss that?  If you must miss it, “That’s Weird, Grandma” returns on June 13, and “That’s Weird, Abuelita”, our new performance in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, begins June 24!  Tickets for these shows can be purchased here. 

That’s Weird, Abuelita

Posted by Amanda Farrar on May 31, 2011 at 12:56 PM
General That's Weird Grandma Other Performances

Please join us for our first performance run of “That’s Weird, Abuelita” this summer! 

What: “That’s Weird, Abuelita” features stories by students from Little Village Elementary School as well as other Chicago Public School students.  Stories will be performed in English, Spanish, and the universal language of dance.
When: 7:30pm on Fridays from June 24-July 15.
Where: Little Village High School Auditorium, 3120 S. Kostner Ave.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids, and FREE for past BOM students and LVHS students!  Call 312-409-1954 or click here for tickets.