On April 18, I went to see a marathon performance of Kapow-i GoGo at the PIT (Peoples Improv Theater), and if you saw my Twitter feed that night, you would know that my life was changed forever:

One of those tweets even got quoted on the new Kapow-i GoGo poster, right underneath Time Out New York! Very cool!

Okay, the “life changed forever” part, maybe that’s a little bit of an exaggeration (just a little), but my mind was most definitely blown by this ambitious, hilarious, and action-packed show.

The PIT will be hosting another marathon of Kapow-i GoGo this Sunday, May 24, starting at 1:00 PM. I will be there, and I hope that theater is packed with people. Disclaimer, I did receive a press ticket to see the marathon on April 18, but I am not financially invested in the PIT or the show itself. When I go on Sunday, I will be paying for my ticket and gladly, because Kapow-i GoGo is freaking awesome and more people need to experience its awesomeness.

What is Kapow-i GoGo?

Kapow-i GoGo is about a teenage girl named Kapow-i GoGo who wants to be the world’s greatest fighting champion. The only problem is that she doesn’t know how to fight. With the help of a blind fighting master, her 31-year-old “kid brother,” and a huge cast of characters, she learns to fight and saves the world again, and again, and again.

Imagine all the best parts of Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and all the after-school cartoons and Nintendo games of the ’90s all thrown together. The result is a story that feels fresh yet familiar, referential but not too niche for theatergoers less familiar with anime tropes or old-school video games.

Why is it called a Kapow-i GoGo “marathon” instead of just a performance?

The story of Kapow-i GoGo is split into three parts, which are structured like seasons of a television show. Stuff that happens in Part 1 ties into Part 2 and 3, so they are meant to be seen in order for maximum enjoyment. It is kind of like a Netflix marathon, but it all plays out on stage, with real people right in front of you! The endurance of this cast is incredible because this show is 4 hours of stage fighting, comedy hijinks, quick costume changes, music numbers… honestly, I get tired just thinking about it.

Plus, the show schedules tons of breaks so the audience can get up and stretch their legs, go out to the PIT’s bar to grab a beer, or stop by the candy table for a complimentary sugar rush. Who doesn’t love free candy?

Who is this show for, really?

Anybody who loves a good coming-of-age story with monsters, robots, and elaborately choreographed fight scenes.

Really? Anyone?

Yup! Even though some of these geek sub-genres can get kind of male-dominated, Kapow-i GoGo is a great female character, surrounded by lots of other amazing ladies and some kick-ass men, and surprise, there is gay representation too!

But if Kapow-i GoGo is basically three shows in one big marathon, the tickets have got to be pricy.

Actually, tickets for the entire marathon only cost $30, which is less than most rush tickets for the big Broadway shows. In the end, you’re paying about $10 per show, also cheaper than going to the movies and way more bang for your buck!

Can I buy tickets at the door?

You can, but it is recommended that you buy tickets ahead of time. During the last marathon, they sold out all the tickets for Part 1, and it would suck to get down to the theater and not see the show. Tickets are available online through the PIT website here.

I can’t say it enough, get out to see Kapow-i GoGo this Sunday. Its run at the PIT has already been extended, and they haven’t announced any more performances or marathons in the future, so this could be the last chance to see it.

 

Directions to the PIT: