Of Masks and Monkeys

[oakenguy]

Q: So, you were a monster last night?
A: That's right, I was Frankenstein's Monster, paired with my friend empheliath who played The Bride. Though for some strange reason the guy on the mike kept calling us "Mr. and Mrs. Claus".

Q: What sort of gig was this?
A: This was a holiday party at the Marlowe Hotel for the Bristol-Meyers people, who were operating on the assumption that nothing is more fun for 95 people packed into a tight space than to have thirteen performers, some nearly blind, moving among them.

Q: Thirteen?
A: Well, lessee. The five folks from Pastimes--the two I've mentioned, a Grim Reaper on stilts, an animated corpse and a gravedigger/necromancer; a five-person a capella group; a magician with a really bad head cold; Coco the Monkey; Coco's trainer. Yup, thirteen.

Q: Coco the Monkey?
A: I already said that. Have I mentioned the costume included platform shoes and a two-foot-high fake head? Walking was so diff--

Q: A REAL monkey?
A: Yes, a Capuchin. Really cute. The hotel actually has this sweet policy where any animals who come to visit get a little sign out front welcoming them, and a food dish. So the first thing we saw as we unloaded the van was a sign reading "Welcome Jasmine and Coco the Monkey".

Q: Nothing about the other performers?
A: I'm told that sign was on a dumpster out back.

Q: So what sort of tricks did Coco do?
A: Well, freeze in terror, mostly. She was GOOD at that. Her pupils swell so her eyes are all black, and her little mouth hangs open.

Q: What was she afraid of?
A: Um.....well, us. empheliath and I.

Q: Oooo, awkward. So your gig consisted of shuffling around trying not to bump into anything or anyone, with a big head strapped under your armpits...
A: Unable to talk, did I mention that? Communicating through grunts.
...all the while trying to avoid a Frankensteinophobic monkey so that she and her trainer could do their act in piece.
A: Yeah.

Q: Wow. So....would you do it again?
A: Hmm. *thinks about this* Well, working with empheliath is always a joy. Hearing the gossip and stories in the break room was fascinating. I DID manage to make folks laugh a few times, and we were a great photo op. Oh, who am I kidding? I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Q: With a monkey?
A: No comment.