Comedy Troupe Takes Aim At Philly, South Jersey

Since 2006, Eric Balchunas, Augustus Milligan, Jeff Soles, Tony Mahon, Alexandra Mahon, Dan Plunkett, Mala Wright, Bonnie Quick and Amanda Strand have worked together to deliver good-natured jabs at the Philadelphia/South Jersey region in the form of humor.

The group makes up the sketch comedy troupe I’d Rather Be Here. This will be their fifth year performing as part of the Philly Fringe Festival, a citywide live arts showcase. However, the group’s roots are right here in Cinnaminson.

They honor those roots, branding the show Wawapalooza after the local convenience store chain, as well as mock them, taking aim at everyone from conceited hipsters to ape-like sports fanatics. Their website hosts several video clips, but their true calling is the live performance.

Co-founder Eric Balchunas spoke with Cinnaminson Patch.

Cinnaminson Patch: How and when did the group first get together?

Eric Balchunas: We started in the dead of winter 2006 in a condo in a complex near a lake down by a Wawa. Basically, I moved back to South Jersey from New York City and started journaling about the reverse culture shock I was going through with Eagles fans, road rage, Wawas, etc. I also reconnected with some old friends, including Gus (Milligan), who I met back in the '80s at . We wrote the first show, then posted an ad on Craigslist for the rest of the actors. Six years later it’s the same cast.

CP: Since the formation of the group, you’ve logged a lot of stage hours. Has being on stage changed the way you understand comedy?

EB: Totally. We have learned to keep things moving fast, shorter sketches, faster transitions and short shows (60-70min). Also, we have learned to focus on customer service, meaning making the experience comfortable for the audience through air conditioning, free beer and getting them to sit close together as laughter is contagious. We tried to design a theater show that would appeal to people who hate going to the theater. 

CP: I’d Rather Be Here is a curious name. What are the origins of it?

EB: It started out as an idea for a bumper sticker to work against all the ones that say I’d Rather Be Golfing/Fishing. I just felt it was something to strive for—where you actually want to be in the place you are. I was also reading a lot of Eastern philosophy at the time. In the end it worked out as a good name since have a lot of local material in our shows.

CP: You and some other members are from Cinnaminson. Are any of your characters or sketches based on Cinnaminson people or places? An old teacher? A local eccentric?

EB: Absolutely. There are a lot of characters in Cinnaminson and South Jersey in general that influence the writing. One sketch is literally based in a Cinnaminson Wawa, where a guy runs into his high school ex, who has since moved away while he has stayed here. On paper she seems successful and worldly and he’s a loser, but in reality it’s the opposite. Much of their conversation is recounting drinking Natural Light in the woods listening to Jovi—things everyone in Cinnaminson did back in the day.

CP: A lot of your characters seem to have a brash Philly bravado. I’m particularly thinking of the sketch featuring a Philly sports fan who held a press conference to apologize for being over-the-top, only to resort to name calling and threats of absurd violence or the campfire sing-along member who feels compelled to add swears to the verses of classic rock tunes. Where are these characters coming from? Are members of your troupe a little bit like these people? Are you scouting the stands at Citizens Bank Park for potential characters?

EB: Both. I love to write about the clashing of cultures, like a crazed Eagles fan dealing with a psychiatrist, or a hipster campfire sing-along getting upended by a rude, but fun loud mouth kind of guy. I think it’s because I have friends in both worlds and I feel like I have a foot in each, so it’s good place to write from.

CP: What is Wawapalooza and what can audiences expect from this year’s show?

EB: Basically you come to a show, you get handed a drink, have a seat and enjoy a pre-show local art exhibit. Then, the live show starts and you watch mix of short sketches and films that are poking fun at local culture such as Phillies fans, Walmart, road rage, the Apple Store, new parents, college kids, marriage and Facebook. Then, 65 minutes later it’s over, and you have the rest of the night to enjoy Philly or get dinner or drinks.

CP: Several comedy troupes from Philly and New York have been picked up to film potential TV pilots. Is that a part of your goal?

EB: Not really, I’m married and have a new baby and I like my day job and I think many others in cast are in same boat and are happy doing this part-time. This also takes all pressure off and allows us to have fun and just do it for the sake of doing it with no end in mind. I think this is why the original cast has lasted all these years—we don’t overdo it or have any visions of grandeur.

CP: A lot of comedians point to HBO’s Mr. Show or The Kids In The Hall as major influences. Are there comedic influences on I’d Rather Be Here we might not expect?

EB: Besides those, MTV's The State from the '90s was amazing. Also, the new show Portlandia on IFC. But, much of the core of our influence comes from Saturday Night Live in the late '80s, watching Dana Carvey, Mike Myers and Phil Hartman. Gus and I used to tape those SNL episodes and watch them over and over after a rough day at Cinnaminson Middle School.

CP: How do you get ready for shows?

EB: I would to love to say something interesting, but really I just try to take a nap and eat pasta. Same way I used to get ready for JV basketball games. Old school.

CP: Who would you most like to come see your show?

EB: I especially would like to offer our show up as an alternative to the typical theater experience. What other show has Wawa and Route 70 references and sketches about both relationships and sports? It’s theater that bothmen and women can enjoy.

I’d Rather Be Here will be playing the Society Hill Playhouse at 507 South 8th St. in Philadelphia on Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17. Both shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased via the Live Arts and Philly Friend Box Office or by calling 856-296-8489. See livearts-fringe.org or idratherbehere.com/wawa5.