Some people would say that going to church is no laughing matter. But for one night earlier this month, a local theater group begged to differ.
The Donovan Ensemble, a theater company based in Union City, is housed as the theater-in-residence at St. John’s Episcopal Church. But they also perform outdoor shows around the area and at theater festivals around the world, with a mission to create “fun, joy and mischief.”
On June 10, the Donovan Ensemble held a circus-themed benefit performance and gala at St. John’s that attracted nearly 100 people and raised over $2,000 for the church.
Recent cuts in state and local grant money have put some of St. John’s outreach programs (such as the free after-school program, “Puerta Abierta,” and the “Celebrate Art” festival) in jeopardy.
Artistic Co-directors Joe Kolbow and Jonathan Niel said that the fundraiser was a unique opportunity to help the church, which they called a “community stalwart,” during its hour of need.
The evening featured performances by aerialist Guinevere DiPiazza, juggler Josh Edelman, stiltwalker Billy Bedlam, singer Alexander Diaz, clown Deanna Fleysher, and Kolbow and Niel themselves as Union City’s own comedy duo “Merril and Emmet.”
“It’s great to be able to show people there’s another way to have a theatrical experience.” – Joe Kolbow
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“We try to make all of our shows really magical,” said Koblow. “Johnny spends most of his time at thrift shops buying random stuff [for shows].”
Upcoming local performances
Although they haven’t set up a season schedule for next year yet, the Donovan Ensemble does host monthly “jam sessions” open to the public.
The sessions feature theatrical games, improv, and performance exercises. At the end of each session, there’s an “open mic” portion where performers have the chance to try out new material and get feedback from the crowd.
From mid to late July, the Donovan Ensemble will be taking their show to Winnipeg, Canada. But before they hit the road, they will be doing a couple of local shows too.
The duo worked in conjunction with the city of Union City to plan a free performance of “Super Spectacular!” at Ellsworth Park on June 17, which Kolbow said would mark the first time their show was done in a completely outdoor space.
On June 29 at 7 p.m. they are planning to do another free performance of “Super Spectacular!” at Juan Pablo Duarte Park, New York Avenue and 33rd Street.
Cast of characters
The Donovan Ensemble revolves around its two core members, Kolbow and Niel, but also features a rotating cast of characters which join in for various performances.
The group started in Jersey City in 2005. But when Kolbow began to pass St. John’s in Union City every day on the bus to work, he thought it could be the new home for their group.
“It always looked like a really inviting place,” said Kolbow. “They were looking for something to bring excitement, we were looking for a space to rehearse freely.”
The ensemble began rehearsing and performing at the church in August 2008 honing their physical, comedic theater. It comes alive in improvisation between the actors and the audience during the show.
“It’s not the typical, traditional idea of theater,” said Kolbow. “We’re excited to bring unique stuff. We write all of our material; parts of the show are improvised.”
In their “Super Spectacular” two-person comedy show, Kolbow and Niel play two clown-like characters in Marx Brothers style.
“Birthday clowns have given clowns a bad rap,” said Kolbow. “[Our show] uses the European sensibility of clowns; very noble, dignified.”
Kolbow said they hope to continue building the theater community and awareness of a unique kind of theatre.
“It’s very entertaining,” he said. “It’s great to be able to show people there’s another way to have a theatrical experience.”
The next jam session will be held on June 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.donovanensemble.com or email thedonovanensemble@gmail.com.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.