The show began in 2009 as a sort of potluck-meets-variety-show, with Mare Trevathan, Melanie Owen “and all their friends” dishing out stories and songs in both homage and parody to the fervor of the holiday season. After ditching the crockpot and adding GerRee Hinshaw and Jim Ruberto in 2010, the show has become a holiday tradition for Denverites that has found its home downtown at the cushy Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret.
Guest stars include musicians John Common and Jess DeNicola, Lannie’s emcee Naughty Pierre, comedian Matt Monroe, comedienne/songstress Shayna Ferm and juggler Reid, Belstock.
“The real stars, though, are the sock puppets,” says Owen. “We’ve made one for every member of the audience to adopt during the show. It’s amazing how willing people are to belt out ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ with us if they can do it via their sock puppet!”
Proceeds from “BALLS!” go to a different non profit every year. Past recipients include Project Angel Heart, Concert for Cash, Fresh City Life, Platte Forum, Slow Food Denver and Dani’s Foundation. The 2013 beneficiary is the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, a non profit promoting safety, justice, and healing for survivors while working toward the elimination of sexual violence.
