7 Comments

1. Mike Rice on July 23, 2023 at 3:39 pm

   No one in Kansas City writes comedies as well as Pete Bakely. His latest, “One Million Monkeys” is not as raunchy as his previous works but is still a hoot.

   “One Million Monkeys” is about an ethically challenged scientist Gail McDermott, played superbly by De De DeVille, who goads her assistant (Brie Henderson) into spending her family’s large fortune to steal one million monkeys and put them in a warehouse with 1 million typewriters. There, those monkeys will write the works of Shakespeare.

   Yes, the monkeys do type a ton of nothing_ and toss a lot of monkey dung at the assistants. But just as McDermott is about to burn down the warehouse with the monkeys inside, they start producing stories that end up in The National Enquirer and other tabloid rags. Soon they’re writing screenplays and McDermott is getting richer than God.

   What ensues is an allegory for the low-quality work that dominates the entertainment world. But eventually, the monkeys have their revenge and the scientist McDermott and her team of dim-witted assistants (played by Briana Van Deusen and Bill Pelletier) get their just desserts.

   DeVille hits it out of the park, especially during the frequent scenes where her character records the monkeys’ exploits in her diary. The way she says “Dear Diary” is worth the price of admission.

   Located in the heart of Northeast Kansas City, Whim Theater is off the beaten Fringe path. But do yourselves a favor, and head over there to see the remaining performances.

   Reply
2. Jessica Whitfield on July 23, 2023 at 11:15 pm

   A clever and witty play with some very funny actors. Plus, there are monkeys 🙂

   Reply
3. Shawn Murphy on July 25, 2023 at 10:50 pm

   I always try to see shows that feature puppets! One Million Monkeys was pure dumb fun, and I had a great time. The lead, De De DeVille, was a great. Her performance was full of gravitas and a true command over the stage. So Funny! Everybody left the theatre saying “Dear Diary, How are you?”

   Well done to all performers who had fun character choices and played off each other well!

   If you are looking for a silly good time with lots of poo flinging, clever jokes, and three stooges-like slapstick, this is my recommendation for you!

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   • Pete Bakely on July 28, 2023 at 8:15 pm

     About Be My Guest
     Is this it?
     https://powerrangers.fandom.com/wiki/S.W.A.T._Megazord#S.W.A.T._Flyer_3

     Reply
4. Dave Black on July 27, 2023 at 2:58 am

   Heard the expression that a million monkeys given enough time could type Shakespeare’s works? Well, this VERY fun production answers the question of if a mad scientist managed to prove that theory and got monkeys to become celebrities writing Hollywood blockbusters.

   Monkeys experiencing Hollywood stardom, what could go wrong?

   From the other reviews, you can see that a poop or two might be involved, but wait til you see what these talented monkeys do next. Would love to share more, but for now just imagine what a Monkey Star would want on their contract rider.

   The closing lines are brilliant.

   This is what fun Fringe is all about.
   Treat yourself to this.

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5. Ellen Sheridan on July 28, 2023 at 2:40 pm

   The comedic timing of DeDe Deville is absolutely brillant.

   PLEASE see this show and be prepared to slap your thighs.

   Loved it!

   Reply
6. KE on July 29, 2023 at 11:16 pm

   Dear Dairy, Monkeys Love Jazz
   I enjoyed the show, thank you for the opportunity to grace the stage with you all .

   Reply