Barrel of Monkeys' THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA Launches Summer 2015 Neighborhood Tour Today

Barrel of Monkeys is bringing its hit revue THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA to audiences across the city this summer -- including select FREE performances. In addition its long-running, weekly production at the Neo-Futurist Theater, the Monkeys are partnering with the Chicago Park District's "Night Out In The Parks" initiative, Stage 773 in the Belmont Theater District and the Chicago Fringe Festival in Jefferson Park for performances all summer long!

THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA is conceived and written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members. Clever and funny - touching and poignant - the collection of short sketches are equally entertaining for adults and children. The line-up changes each week by audience vote, so no two shows are ever the same.

Barrel of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble now in its 18th season, conducts creative writing workshops with 3rd through 5th grade students in underserved Chicago Public Schools. The ensemble of actor-educators then turns their stories and words into professionally performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues.

For the complete schedule of summer performances, tickets and additional information, visit www.barrelofmonkeys.org.

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NIGHT OUT IN THE PARKS

Tonight, June 19 at 6:15 pm

Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago.

Friday, July 17 at 6:15 pm

Nichols Park, 1355 E. 53rd St., Chicago

Thursday, August 6 at 6:15 pm

Gladstone Park, 5421 N. Menard Ave., Chicago

Tickets: Free. No reservations necessary.

This program is presented as part of the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks series, supported by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Arts programming in neighborhoods across the city advances the goals of the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Cultural Plan. Now in its third year, the 2015 Night Out in the Parks series will host over 1,000 events and programs at more than 250 neighborhood parks throughout the city, making community parks a safe haven and hubs of activity. Projects will vary from traditional performances and concerts, to movies, peace rallies, community workshops, nature based programs, dance pieces, festivals, and more. The Chicago Park District has partnered with more than 80 arts and community organizations to expand and produce this successful initiative.

STAGE 773

Saturdays at 2 pm, June 27, August 1, August 29 and September 26, 2015

Stage 773 (Box Theater), 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

Tickets: $12 for adults; $6 for children under 12. Tickets are available at www.stage773.com, by calling (773) 327-5252 or in person at the Stage 773 Box Office.

CHICAGO FRINGE FESTIVAL

September 3 - 13, 2015 in Jefferson Park (performance times to be announced).

Tickets: $10. Specific performance times, locations and ticketing information will be available shortly at www.chicagofringe.org.

NEO-FUTURIST THEATER

Monday at 8 pm, Through September 7, 2015

Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago

Tickets: $12 for adults; $6 for children under 12. Tickets are available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (312) 409-1954.

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Since Barrel of Monkeys' inception in 1997 it has worked in 60 Chicago Public Schools. More than 8,000 lower-income elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs that provide a rare opportunity for creative expression and build literacy skills, self-esteem and confidence in student ideas and abilities. Barrel of Monkeys annually performs more than 300 student-written stories for the students in their schools and 175 stories on the stage for the general public.

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