Madison College Performing Arts season kicks off with For the Love of (Or the Roller Derby Play)

Madison College Performing Arts presents Gina Femia’s play “For the Love of (Or the Roller Derby Play)” in the Studio Theater, Oct. 18-27.

The play, directed by Erica Berman, takes place around Coney Island and New Jersey and centers players on the Brooklyn Scallywags roller derby team. 

When Joy Ride joins the team and meets the star, Lizzie Lightning, Joy and her long-term partner Michelle find their lives turned upside down. This funny, moving, and fast-paced play asks how much you’re willing to sacrifice—or lose—to follow your heart. Joy’s teammates bring a range of perspective and humor to the derby track. They do roller derby for the thrill and release it brings them. 

Part of “For the Love of …”  appeal is its diverse, all-female-identifying cast. Audiences also appreciate the queer love triangle Joy lands herself in. 

There is no actual roller skating in the play. Playwright Gina Femia provides this production note in the script: “This is a Dance-ical. Dances move the story forward and invoke the movement of roller derby.” 

Berman is Children’s Theater of Madison’s director of education and community engagement. This is her first time directing at Madison College. The cast and production crew includes Madison College students, employees, alumni, and guest artists. Local roller derby players are part of the cast and serve as consultants.

The Studio Theater is at Madison College Truax Campus, 1701 Wright St. Performances Oct. 18 and 27 (Fridays 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays 7:30 p.m.; Sundays 2 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.). Reservations are strongly recommended. The Saturday, Oct. 19 performance will include an ASL interpreter for deaf/HH audiences. 

Tickets are $15 (general admission), $13 (youth and seniors), and free to Madison College students. Reserve tickets.