The show "is to sports what Forbidden Broadway is to theatre and The Capitol Steps are to politics," according to the announcement. The non-Equity staging plays July 6-Aug. 8 with a hope for a longer life in New York and on tour. Opening is July 8.
"Geared toward both sports and theatre fans, the show lampoons and celebrates the craziness of current sports news by creating original song parodies about both regional headlines and national stories," according to the announcement from producer Jason Goldstein. "The performers do impressions and parody songs about baseball, football, basketball, hockey, professional wrestling and more."
The show was tested in performances at Rutgers University in October 2003.
"Don't worry, we've got the A-Rod trade in there and the Kobe Bryant trial," Goldstein said in a statement. "The summer show will be a portfolio of our best parodies. I'm hoping something crazy happens at the end of June, so we can get a really topical opening number!"
Said Goldstein, "Even though I'm a New York Yankees and New York Giants fan, both teams are roasted. We get everyone!" Chuckleball is the brainchild of Goldstein, who has produced over 50 plays and musicals in the commercial, not-for-profit and educational sectors. He holds a BA degree in Theatrical Business and Communication from Rutgers University where he is currently completing his Masters of Business Administration.
His professional background is in managing and marketing entertainment and service organizations. Chuckleball marks Goldstein's Off-Broadway debut.
The summer non-Equity run is a test toward a larger fall Equity sitdown run if there is enough audience interest. A tour for college towns is being prepared to launch, and corporate dates are being explored.
Tickets are $45. The show plays Monday-Thursday at 8 PM, Friday at 8 and 10:15 PM, Saturday at 2, 8 & 10:15 PM and Sunday at 4 & 7 PM through Aug. 8 at The Producer's Club Theatre, 358 West 44th Street, New York City.
Tickets are available by calling (212) 352-0255. For more information, visit www.chuckleball.com.
