Stepping in from 1117 East Pike St. and down a chilly cement staircase, an industrial hallway leads into a bright and warm space. An old piano, complete with a fashion mannequin sitting atop, welcomes theatergoers and lushes alike as they stand in line for PBR- the finest- and other quick fixes before the show starts. The experience is everything dirty, fantastic and real- it is Capitol Hill.

 

I attended The Balagan just as they were wrapping up another successful showing of Death, Sex, The Holiday Show, a play that is quickly finding itself a staple in the Seattle arts scene and for those seeking much needed holiday refuge.  A laugh-out-loud riot, writers and actors from the Seattle area came together to create 10 minute comedies about the things most commonly taboo in society. After sprinkling a little holiday cheer on it, the people behind Death, Sex, The Holiday Show delivered a brilliantly promiscuous performance yet again. Visits from the ghosts of orgasms past and a lethal affair with Santa were just a couple of the notable performances on stage this season. The play ran December 5 through 19. A few names worth mentioning are director Annie Jantzer, actor and writer Nik Perleros, director Ryan Higgins and producer M. Elizabeth Eller, and of course, the rest of the rousing cast.

 

For those unfortunates who missed Death, Sex, visit The Balagan for any of their other late-night mashups and keep an eye on this little theatre as they do big things. For a full list of performances, visit their website www.balagantheatre.org.