Pokémon is not the only beloved franchise that concerns training pets to engage in gladiatorial duels for their masters. Although that sounds bad, that’s because of how that society developed, and there are other games like Yu-gi-oh and Digimon that are variations on a theme. To see that passion for this world in live-action, fans should check out BALLS: The Monster-Catchin’ Musical Comedy.
It’s back by popular demand for a summer residency at Caveat. This theatre house in lower Manhattan is the hub for many home brew shows! However, it should be noted that they are better known for hosting independently produced acts. This show is called “equal parts satire, chaos, and heart, starring Broadway talent and Pokémon legend Stuart Zagnit (Professor Oak!), with 8-bit bops, improvised battles, surprise guests, and a splash of interactive madness. Think Pokémon meets UCB meets a very weird fever dream!”
It’s safe to say the original talents who voiced Ash, Misty, Brock, Jessie or James may well make an appearance. I’d be beside myself if Nathan Price or Maddie Blaustein appear. To her either perform Meowth live, with that Brooklyn accent, is an original fan’s dream to see in person!
The following dates are when it will play next, and the show creators will be there too. For anyone who has not planned where to go for their summer vacation, perhaps a trip out East will be perfect!
- Fri. July 18 – 6:30 PM
- Sat. July 19 – 9:30 PM
- Tue. Aug. 5 – 6:30 PM
Created by Brandon Zelman (Who’s That Monster?) and Harrison Bryan (A Hanukkah Carol, NYIT Award winner), BALLS is ultimately a play about the way we play. It’s for anyone who remembers collecting monster cards they never learned how to use or who misses the magic of trading and battling IRL. Each performance is a new adventure!
- Book & Lyrics & Created by Brandon Zelman & Harrison Bryan
- Music by Lena Gabrielle. Pippa Cleary, Joriah Kwamé, Aaron Kenny, Grace Yurchuk, and Brandon Zelman & Harrison Bryan
- Additional Music by Allan Nalven and Matthew Ryan Hunter
- Orchestrations & Arrangements by Lena Gabrielle
Balls Teaser Trailer
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