Poster design by Susan Merrill / drawing by Peter Bagge

Lo-Ball, the Local Ballard Comedy show, will be ending its remarkable four year run on December 4th.

Produced by Paul Merrill and Jessica Strauss of the People’s Republic of Komedy, the popular alt-comedy show has been a staple of the Ballard arts scene for years, showcasing Seattle’s emerging comedy talent and occasionally welcoming big-name comedians like SNL’s Hannibal Buress and Chelsea Lately regular T.J. Miller.

Starting as a humble open mic at a coffee shop, Lo-Ball moved into Live Girls Theater in 2008 and quickly evolved into a late-night cult hit, offering comedians a chance to try out new material in a quirky, unpredictable fringe theater experience.

When Live Girls decided not to renew the lease on their Market Street theater space, Merrill decided it was as good a time as any to end the show.

“We’ve been doing Lo-Ball, in one form or another, for four years,” said Merrill. “That’s a pretty good run for a no-budget comedy show. Also, it’s a great excuse to throw a party.”

Lo-Ball has been through this before, of course. After a falling out with their first venue, the show was homeless for several months in 2008. Instead of packing it in, the producers decided to perform for free at Bergen Place Park, before finally finding a home at Live Girls Theater. Could history repeat itself?

“I’m not going back to the park.” says Merrill. “At least not during the winter. It’s cold! If the right situation came up where a venue in Ballard offered us a space, I certainly would consider it. Right now, I’m looking forward to taking a little break.”

The final Lo-Ball show (at least for now) will be on Friday December 4th at 9pm at Live Girls Theater in Ballard. The show will feature many favorite comedians from over the years, including Dartanion London, Lizzy Pilcher, and Derek Sheen and several surprise guests.