Pine Box Theater Company really hits the funny bone hard with their latest production, “The Jammer”, currently playing at the Athenaeum Theatre (2936 N Southport). In this hilarious play by Rolin Jones, the audience is blasted with funny from the beginning and the laughs never let up. Relying partly on the inspired direction of Vincent Tentinty, the show also comes with a strong script, but really makes it mark with its very talented cast.
The story revolves around “Jack Lovington”, who leaves his home in New York to join a traveling roller derby team. At home “Jack” has a close relationship with “Father Kosciusko” whom he seeks advice and counsel, while the love of his life, “Aurora” has just left him. Once “Jack” hits the road with his new teammates, it’s nothing but uproarious adventure and uncomfortable situations, as his dream turns out to be not so much what he had expected.
In “The Jammer” we are treated to imaginative set use that brings alive a roller coaster ride with all its twists and turns and takes the audience to several bloodthirsty, knock ‘em sock ‘em roller derby matches. Acting performances by Josh Oder (“Jack Lovington”) and Sara Gorsky as the foul-mouthed “Lindy Batello” are extremely fun to watch while Bill Bannon (“Father Kosciusko”, Jerry “Three Nuts” Kiger) is wonderful in each of his two roles. I really have to mention the entire cast as Kersten Haile, Miguel Nunez, Eliza Shin, Greg Rothman, Amy Johnson, Levenix Riddle and Michael Kevin Martin are just about as fantastic as it gets and do great jobs as multiple characters.
If you want fast action, blood, sex accompanied with side-splitting laughs, then the “The Jammer” is your show. Playing at the Athenaeum Theater through July 1st, shows are performed on Thursdays and Fridays at 8:15pm, Saturdays at 5pm and 8:15pm and Sundays at 7pm. Tickets are $28 and are available at www.pineboxtheatre.org and by calling the box office at (773) 935-6875.
This derby is on!
