Balagan Theatre: The Jammer

Photo by Andrea Huysing

The new play at Balagan is called "The Jammer". This play offers up an inside look on what really goes on at these derby games when derby was first introduced to the public. Written by Rolin Jones and directed by the amazing Terri Weagant weren't the only elements making this play a hit, insiders information is that the actual Rat City Roller Girls gave a hand in personally showing the actors how to be a true roller derby player. It was great to see the Rat City Roller Girls also show their love opening week by promoting this play at their own events that are being held all around Seattle. The play is about an average Joe named Jack Lovington (played by Nick Edwards) who believes that instead of working his taxi job and tending to his girlfriend, he should be a roller derby star. Lovington soon joins with The New York Bombers, regardless of what his priest has to say, and meets some crazy characters but what is derby without a couple of loony people.

I thought that this play was just a hilariously crazy trip through the even crazier lives of roller derby people. What I really dug about this play was that they turned the small theatre into half a rink, so to speak, and really did a good job with making me believe that people were on invisible roller skates. I loved the Chuck Taylors they were wearing and the less than holy speech they were screaming at each other. Just a word to the wise, this is not a play for kids who still put quarters in the swear jar. I was a little cheesed out by the semi-love story that got played out during the story but I suppose you can't just have an hour and a half of people pretending to skate and close-line each other. This play is going on till April 3rd so go out there and get your tickets as soon as you can!

Photo by Andrea Huysing