Friday, May 23, 2008

Loyola Park Takes The Stage

Thursday was a huge day in Barrel of Monkeys history.  We’ve been getting kids to write stories then performing them ourselves for nigh on 10 years now, young whippersnapper.  That’s old hat.

We took on a new challenge this year.  These kids wrote the show as usual, then, wait for it,

(you are waiting)

PERFORMED IT THEMSELVES, Monkeys-style. 

WHUT.
We were all pleased as punch and proud as peacocks and other similes relying heavily on the letter P of these guys.

There were silly hats, tutus, and memorable lines (I give you, “What’s up, my apple?” Use it. For your life.). There was drama, silly dancing, and a fat suit that disintegrated throughout the scene.  And after THAT there was pizza, cake, and Capri Sun. I know, I nearly exploded with joy myself. Good thing there were no Lil Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies there.

“But, Lacy,” you are wondering, “Barrel of Monkeys is comprised of some of the city’s finest actors. How could mere children capture the subtlety and emotional depth that you seasoned professionals do?”

Well, friend, I don’t really know.  But I CAN tell you that there was some serious character work between Sassy Apple, Spaghetti #1, and Judge of Pie Eating Contest.

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Monday, May 19, 2008

The Phone Call Heard Round the Room.

We (the teachers of the Loyola Park Monday class) were watching the kids run through the stories that they are performing for their big show on May 22, 2008 at 3:30pm. Then we heard a ringing. It’s a cell phone. I looked around the room at the other teachers and they all looked shocked. Lauren was about to say something to the extent of, “Hey you need to put your phone away,” but before she could say anything, the girl answered her phone. She is in the middle of a scene on stage and now she is on the phone. It gets better, my friend. Once she answers this is what she says:

Girl: “Hello. Do you realize I am at Barrel of Monkeys right now?! I am in the middle of a scene! Why would you call me?! I have to go.”

Then the girl hung up and said sorry to us, and went back to the scene. 

I thought that was so great.  She picked up the phone to tell the caller what a bad time it was for them to call. That rocks. So if any of you call me and I pick up, there is a chance that I might tell you that this is a bad time and why would you call me now.

govier

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Friday, May 16, 2008

Loyola Park, we heart you.

Hello everyone!  Lauren here, writing to you from our beautiful Loyola Park After School Program!  I’m here to impart to you some very important and exciting information regarding the upcoming Loyola Park show.  Now, I know what you’re thinking.  You’re thinking, “Oh sure, a Barrel of Monkeys’ school show.  I understand.  That’s when those crazy Monkeys perform brilliant stories that the brilliant children have written...brilliantly.” Well, blog reader, you are right to think those things.  However, I must tell you, the tables have turned.  The tide has changed.  The roles have been reversed. 

Allow me to explain (as if I’m a Medieval town crier).

“Hear ye, hear ye!  For the first time in Barrel of Monkeys’ history, the students of the Loyola Park After School Program are performing in their very own Monkey-style show!”

Good people, your ears do not deceive you!  These fabulously creative authors have written an array of monologues, dialogues and group stories that they will perform this week for an audience of family, friends and fellow Monkeys.  The teachers have become the directors, the students have become the actors and we’ve all become a little bit crazy with the excitement of this landmark event.  Both our Monday and Thursday groups have been busy rehearsing their stories and as a little preview, I’ll leave you with a few lines of dialogue from “Hot, Cold News” penned by Jackson and Lucy.

Chico:  Did you see the news?
Samantha:  It’s too hot to see the news.
Chico:  Well anyways, there was this guy who was congo dancing with a platypus.

Oh.  Did I forget to mention that “Chico” is a meerkat and “Samantha” is a moose?

See? 

Brilliant.

We the teachers of Loyola Park (Sarah, Tai, Michael, Maggie, Dixie, Lacy, Lauren, Jen and Joe) are thrilled to bring you the first ever B.O.M. Loyola Park After School Program Show written and performed entirely by the kids.  Hooray!

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