As an actor, I’ve been warned to never work with animals or children. The subject of sock monkeys, however, never came up. And I must say, I kind of wish it had. I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into with my choice of a cast. But in this tell-all post, I am ready to reveal everything–both debunking old myths and sharing new secrets.
First of all, they do not eat bananas. I know! Surprising! I am still making banana bread and smoothies from the surplus (an early failed attempt to placate them). Also, they absolutely see, hear, and do evil. I don’t care what anyone else says. And trying to get them into their barrel at the end of rehearsals was never what I would describe as “fun.”
They’re very good at listening, but their reaction time is pretty slow. When I first had the idea of working with this particular cast, I confess that it was because they were so darn cute. But I have certainly learned my lesson and will never cast anything again based solely on image. They have clearly gotten used to getting by on looks alone and feel they don’t need to do anything but “sit and look pretty.” They wouldn’t lift a finger. And at the risk of sounding bitter, I’d like to go on record as saying that I feel like I do all the work.
The most shocking thing for me is their willingness to perform naked. This has definitely been a good thing, as I’m not willing to do so. But I can still advertise that the show contains nudity. Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. Rent’s not cheap and in this economy I need all the ticket sales I can get. For this, I heartily thank them.
All in all, I have no regrets. A seven-week run really does bring cast mates together, and already with just opening night (and those west coast previews under our belts) I feel that we’ve all bonded through this experience and shared something really special. Sure, we may not be close friends a year from now–or even six months from now. But I already know that the stories I’ll get from the after-show trips to the bars alone, will be worth it. They are party animals!
Find out how you can see these naked monkeys in action! (The emphasis is on naked–not on action).
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The Good, The Bad, and The Monkey
The Good, The Bad, and The Monkey