Abby Bentley
Savannah, Ga, USA
In this show, Abby wrestles with the big questions: Can I trust authority? Is evolution real? And... will this coconut hatch? Packed with sharp humor and the surreal logic of seven-year olds, Monkey in the Coconut is a playful, thought-provoking story that might leave audiences side-eyeing the nearest coconut.
Swearing Fog or Special EffectsThe Buzz Intro Interview
Abby Bentley- Writer and Performer
1. Why should people see your show?
You must see this show ! Your life will immediately improve once you’ve witnessed the actual true story of a second grader confidently explaining that a monkey embryo is about to hatch out of a coconut under a desk-lamp incubator. Monkey in the Coconut is a fast, funny one-woman show packed with big laughs and rollicking songs that turn playground philosophy and childhood certainty into a full-blown musical adventure. You’ll leave the theater laughing, humming the music, and possibly reconsidering what, exactly, might be going on inside the nearest coconut.
2. What about festivals intrigues you? And why the Atlanta Fringe?
Fringe Festivals! These are my people. The people who live and breathe performance. Fringe creates a community full of vulnerability, courage, and scrappiness in the best way.
Atlanta! This is my place. I'm a Georgia girl, so where else would I Fringe? Georgia is Better than other places- see Gladys Knight.
3. What inspired you to create this?
The Monkey in the Coconut came out of a true story. It really happened. I've never forgotten it. The people need to know!
My partner, Vikram, and I turn everything into music, so this show came out of silly days at the keyboard in our living room and late nights dreaming up antics at our home theater- Front Porch Improv in Savannah.
I also had some lovely guidance from Chase Brantley of DON TOBERMAN: PINGPONG CHAMP who talked with me about how to get people to leave a show feeling like they've just come out of a beautiful dream.
