MEATBALL SÉANCE - An Interactive Comedy By John Michael

After touring six countries and 13 cities, internationally acclaimed trauma clown and public health educator John Michael brings his cult-hit interactive experience Meatball Séance to The White Lilac in Kenosha—a space perfectly built for the kind of up-close, anything-can-happen performance this show thrives on.

Did you hear John Michael has a new boyfriend? Oh yes! In honor of the grand occasion, you—and the entire audience—are cordially invited to meet John’s mom. But she’s deceased… Sad. So he’s gonna summon her from the dead by cooking her famous meatballs onstage! Yay! Wait, what?

Meatball Séance invites audience members to literally step into the role of John Michael’s boyfriend as he attempts to summon his dead mother through a garlic-infused, chaotic, heartfelt ritual performed live. The result is something unforgettable—equal parts comedy, grief, absurdity, and connection—described by critics as “remarkably funny,” “outrageous,” and “life-affirming.”

Originally developed with director Arlo Howard in 2017 and later shaped by Sammy Zeisel, the show has grown into a fringe-festival phenomenon, with performances spanning North America and Europe. Nearly 500 audience members have helped John Michael attempt the impossible using garlic, fennel, breadcrumbs… and wide-eyed optimism.

Critics around the world agree:

• “It will change your whole theatre-going world!” — Dallas Observer
• “One of the most outrageous and original shows we’ll ever see… Don’t miss it.” — ★★★★★ CBC Radio
• “An explosion of attitude and inventiveness… an unstoppable force onstage.” — The Visitorium (Ottawa)
• “For something so sad, it’s joyous… John Michael’s optimism is infectious.” — ★★★★ The Wee Review
• “Genuinely funny and incredibly lovable.” — Toronto Star

Audience Participation (Optional… but good luck resisting):
As St. Louis Limelight puts it: “The only way to avoid participating is to cross your arms. (Pro tip: do not cross your arms.) Endearingly unhinged.” Even skeptics get pulled in: “I was startled to find myself happily and intensely involved.” — My Gay Toronto

At The White Lilac, this gets even more intense.
No distractions. No distance. Just you, the artist, and the ritual—happening right in front of you.

Details:

• Runtime: 60 minutes
• Age Recommendation: 16+
• Language: English

“If it sounds pretty wild, that’s because it is… a saucy good time.” — ★★★★½ Edmonton Journal

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Host or Publisher Kell Sells Kenosha