Madison Reporter

Madison College Performing Arts will present Gina Femia’s play “For the Love of (Or the Roller Derby Play)” in the Studio Theater from October 18 to 27.

The play, directed by Erica Berman, is set around Coney Island and New Jersey. It focuses on players from the Brooklyn Scallywags roller derby team. The story unfolds as Joy Ride joins the team and meets star player Lizzie Lightning, leading to significant changes in Joy's life and her relationship with long-term partner Michelle. The play explores themes of sacrifice and following one's heart, with humor and various perspectives provided by Joy's teammates who enjoy roller derby for its thrill.

The cast features an all-female-identifying group, adding to the appeal of “For the Love of …” Audiences are also drawn to the queer love triangle involving Joy. Notably, there is no actual roller skating in the production. Playwright Gina Femia clarifies in a production note: “This is a Dance-ical. Dances move the story forward and invoke the movement of roller derby.”

Erica Berman, Children’s Theater of Madison’s director of education and community engagement, makes her debut as a director at Madison College with this play. The cast includes Madison College students, employees, alumni, guest artists, and local roller derby players who serve as consultants.

Performances will be held at Madison College Truax Campus Studio Theater located at 1701 Wright St., with showtimes on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., and Thursday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. An ASL interpreter will be available for deaf/HH audiences during the Saturday, October 19 performance.

Ticket prices are $15 for general admission, $13 for youth and seniors, and free for Madison College students.