More than just a balancing act: Juggling Reloaded

With a combination of martial arts-inspired moves and acts that seem to defy the laws of physics, the Princeton Juggling Club will present their annual show, "Juggling Reloaded," from Thursday to Saturday at the Frist Film and Performance Theater. The show, based on "The Matrix," promises an entertaining mix of juggling styles and visually exciting concepts.

Elements of "The Matrix," including appearances by the film's principal characters — Neo, Trinity and Morpheus — connect the show's various acts. It opens with a video of a Matrix-like computer projected on a screen, and much of the music, lighting and costumes produce a sci-fi atmosphere. While, not every act in the show is dedicated to "The Matrix," many of the combinations are based on the theme, said Darren Geist '05, a member of the Juggling Club.

Some members expressed hesitation about using "The Matrix" as the show's theme because of the movie's popularity.

"It's a fragile theme to parody "The Matrix" because it's never been done well," Don Sheehy '05 said. "Until now," he added.

The show, according to Sheehy, provides much more than a successful parody of "The Matrix." Many of the acts are purely or partly comedic.

The Juggling Club has also improved the program by creating more unity between acts.

Ryan Peterson '06, the director and technical coordinator, said that in past years, audiences have noted the lack of fluidity in the show.

"We've heard people complain about the 10-20 seconds of blackness between acts," he said.

To remedy this problem, the club altered the structure from last year's show: all the acts stay close to "The Matrix" theme and use reoccurring elements and characters. For example, the character of the Count from Sesame Street pops up a few times, as well as a magician wearing a tuxedo. As a result, the acts are highly interconnected and flow in a logical progression.

"We're trying to make it flow from one act to another," Peterson said. "Like, just as one act ends, a gymnast will leap onto the stage for a transition, so the lights never go black."

Despite the unity provided by "The Matrix" theme, the show contains many diverse acts. One parodies a Nike basketball commercial, another involves a cappella singing, while yet another is performed in the style of a Super Mario Brothers video game.

The juggling club will also add acrobatic acts to their lineup, with performances inspired by Cirque de Soleil.

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Julia Manasson '06, a rhythmic gymnast and Juggling Club member, will perform a ribbon dancing routine in a number of scenes between juggling numbers.

Juggling styles also vary throughout the show, ranging from the basic three-ball toss to a two-person exchange of clubs, and from devil sticks to hackysack tricks.

With 22 members, this is the Juggling Club's largest cast yet. Most of these members who display versatile and advanced juggling skills, could not juggle before joing the club. Even Crawford Hampson '06, the president of the group, had tried and failed at juggling before he joined the group sophomore year.

"The vast majority had either never learned juggling or maybe learned how to juggle three balls in high school. Only occasionally do we get someone who's experienced," Hampson said. He said this is positive because it brings new perspectives to the group, and it is exciting to watch others learn and grow as jugglers.

The club welcomes all who are interested in juggling. In their first two-hour meeting held in the fall, they teach the basic three-ball move. After that, optional practices continue every Sunday in Dillon Gym.

"It's hard to learn but it's cool enough that it's worth it," said member Gus Tate '08. "They continuously teach you new tricks. In the first two hour meeting, I basically learned how to juggle. Then, I got two tennis balls and just practiced."

The first few club meetings are dedicated to teaching beginners. At later ones, members teach each other tricks, swap advice about juggling or just socialize. The weekly practices are laid back; only about 35-40 of the 100 club members are present at each one on average, Sheehy estimated.

"For almost the entire year, we are probably one of the most low-key clubs on campus," Hampson said. "Around this time of year though, we become very focused on the show."

"It's a big time commitment, but it's worth it," Lenny Shulgin '08 said.

Tickets for "Juggling Reloaded" are currently available for $2 at the Frist Box Office. The show runs on Feb. 17 and 18 at 2 p.m. and on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Frist Film and Performance Theater.