For those who think juggling is merely a way to pass the time before presents at a kid's birthday party, Marcus Monroe is out to change your perception.

The 21-year-old Shorewood native has been making waves in the world of juggling for some time now. He's been juggling since elementary school, and has parlayed his talent into national TV appearances -- MTV's "Total Request Live," ABC Family's "Switched!," MTV2's "Wonder Showzen" -- and endless gigs around Milwaukee, including every day of this past Summerfest.

Now he's putting on a benefit show with other well-known performers. The event takes place on Aug. 12 at the Shorewood High School Auditorium, 1701 E. Capitol Dr.

In addition to Monroe, the show, titled "One Night Only," features Milwaukee musician Marc Ballini, as well as Jay Gilligan, who Monroe calls "the Michael Jordan of juggling." Juggling world record holder Lana Bolin, world yo-yo champion Mark Hayward of Madison, comedian/magician Ben Seidman, a Shorewood High alum, and pop-folk band In Italics are also on the bill.

All proceeds from the show go to the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MAACC) fund.

A blend of music, juggling and entertainment, "One Night Only" promises something different from what you might be used to.

Monroe's style combines carefully honed juggling techniques with a high-energy stage show that suggests what may have happened if a much younger David Lee Roth had taken up juggling.

For the grand finale, Monroe is planning a jam session where all of the acts come out and do their thing together, setting juggling, magic and yo-yo's to improvised music.

After One Night Only, Monroe has plans to head back to school, Hunter College in New York City, where he's studying film and theater. The MTV spin-off network MTVU has also asked him to host an episode of their weekly video countdown show "The Dean's List."

The Shorewood High School graduate chose to host the event at his alma mater for a reason.

"I love the redone Shorewood High Auditorium, and I wanted to give something back to the community," he says.

He would also like to do eventually make One Night Only into a regular event, opening the possibility of different charities becoming involved.

"Every act [at One Night Only] is a headliner. It's all going to be polished professionals."

2 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by OMCreader on Aug. 11, 2006 at 3:29 p.m. (report)

Marcus Monroe said: The show begins at 7pm

Posted by OMCreader on Aug. 11, 2006 at 1:42 p.m. (report)

Steve W. said: What time does the show start?