“So respectful of how kids think, it sidesteps 'Kids-Say-the-Darndest-Things' syndrome, veering into lunacy, social criticism, even poignancy.”
–Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune
WHEN: Monday nights at 8pm
WHERE: The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland (directions)
TICKETS: $5 for kids, $10 for adults
Reservations may also be made by calling our reservation line: 312-409-1954.
Join us for our 10th year of Barrel of Monkeys’ critically acclaimed smashing hit.
“Every story that you see as written by a child (uh huh). And every child was taught by the Barrel of Monkeys (well well). First we take the stories and perform them in the schools. Afterwards we share them with the world (you are the world).”
So sings the opening song of “That’s Weird, Grandma”—our Monday night public performance where we showcase the amazing talents of our student authors and our company of performers. After teaching creative writing residencies at Chicago Public Schools and working with students to generate literally thousands of creative stories, we have a gigantic repertoire of material to share with you!
Our show changes each week as audience votes tell us which two stories to cut from the show to be replaced by two new stories. SO, you can come see the show again and again. It’s different every time!
Some reviews of the show...
“...the class-clown performers boast talent matched only by their altruism, and abandon matched only by their expertise. This group is funnier than anything at Second City, more genuinely creative than anything at Lookingglass, and does more good than all the other nonprofit theaters in town put together. If you don't have a good time, there's something wrong with you.”
–Christopher Piatt, Chicago Reader
“The only disappointing part of this hour-long show is hearing the words 'the end.' These are some of the funniest nonfamous people in the city, every time I see them they exceed my expectations.”
–Jenn Goddu, Chicago Reader
From the Blog: Performances
Round 5 Sakes Alive
Posted by Molly on February 05
Five leave 4, Four join 5 Meredith Milliron, Joseph Schupbach, Jen Johnson, Ricky Harris and Geoff Rice are off to new adventures, and Round 5 brings us 3 Monkeys who will make their TWG debut… Jenny Weiner reprises her role… more »
KARAOKE SAVES THE WORLD: MONKEY SING, MONKEY DO
Posted by Joe on February 03
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 &… more »
Cowkids and Zombies
Posted by Molly on January 30
What more could you want from a Monday night? One hour of entertainment written by Chicago’s finest authors and delivered by Chicago’s finest actors. New stories tonight include: Cowboy and Cowgirl Fighting in the Barn, by Alex and Maria from… more »