Caution: Monkeys throw poop.

It turns out all the folks in my dressing room love monkeys. What's not to love really? We have started pulling our monkey collection together and they keep us company. We have even started saying "Monkeys throw poop" instead of saying "break-a-leg" - I'm sure it will catch on in no time.
Some of us have a lot of time back there.
My love of monkeys goes back to when I was a child and my father would plead to my mother for a monkey. He would say "But, it will tip it's own hat." - like that was the thing that would break her down.

During Syringa Tree I received monkeys as presents from people and still have folks call me Monkey every now and again.
I was in Ukrops about a year ago - just shopping and minding my own business when I heard a voice behind me say "Mooonnkkeeeyyyy - oh muunnkeey." It turned out to be someone who had seen Syringa and that was their way of saying hi and bye. Seriously, that is all they said to me.

There is a random line in The Member of the Wedding when Frankie is telling Berenice that she was running all over town telling everyone her plans. She even told "The monkey and the monkey man." This line always intrigued me. Does every city have a monkey and a monkey man? She says it so matter of fact, are we not supposed to hear that and say to ourselves "what?" - I mean she could say "I told Joe, the butcher"....or "Sally the street magician" and it would sound more realistic. Every night when she says that line I try to picture the scene in my head.
Here is how I suspect it would go down:

Monkey Man: Hi Frankie. What has you all in a tizzy?

(The monkey tips it's hat to her and scurries to the monkey man's shoulder.)

Frankie: Why, I am going away. far, far away with my brother and his beautiful bride when they get married on Sunday. You see, I am going to Hollywood to become a movie star. Yep - my smart, gorgeous, (almost too young to be playing my Aunt) Aunt Pet even suggested it. She says I have talent and grace and ought to go be famous in Hollywoodland and that is what I am going to do.

Monkey Man: Well, little Lady, have you discussed this with the bride and Groom?

(The monkey looks worried and rings his little hands, maybe gives off a small monkey sigh.)

Frankie: Well that is the best part, you see. I have decided to make that their special wedding surprise. I am sick unto death of this little town. I must get away, you see. They will be so excited. I can see it now. Man oh boy!

She runs off and leaves them in the smoke of her soon to be broken dreams.

(The monkey shakes his head.)

and scene.