Barrel of Monkeys Hosts FANCY SCHMANCY: THE TRIP TO VEGAS Gala Tonight

Barrel of Monkeys is pleased to present its annual fundraising soiree, FANCY SCHMANCY: THE TRIP TO VEGAS tonight, April 2, 2016 at The Drucker Center, 1535 N. Dayton Ave. in Chicago from 7 to 11 p.m.

This year's theme, "The Trip to Vegas," is inspired by a student-written story of the same name that will be performed at the event. Embracing the playful theme, the fancy schmancy affair will include casino-inspired games, a DJ and dancing, delectable hors d'oeuvres and an open bar, a photo booth and much more. Dozens of great gift packages, including a trip for two to Las Vegas, will be up for bids in the live and silent auctions - plus a raffle for tickets to Saturday Night Live. Tickets are currently available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org/fancy.

FANCY SCHMANCY: THE TRIP TO VEGAS supports Barrel of Monkeys' creative writing residencies and performances in Chicago Public Elementary Schools and their after school program at Loyola Park.

Tickets: $65 general admission ($70 at the door); $95 for VIP ticket ($100 at the door). VIP tickets include: exclusive access to the VIP lounge with champagne bar and additional game tokens. A table of 8 VIP tickets with reserved seating is available for $760. Tickets are available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org/fancy. Early bird pricing is available for tickets purchased on or before March 4.

Barrel of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble now in its 19th 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 theatre, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues. 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.

Since Barrel of Monkeys' inception in 1997, it has worked in more than 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.

Pictured: Barrel of Monkeys company members perform the long-runnning revue THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA. Photo by Evan Hanover.

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