Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the theater, Genesius Theatre is proud to present the Berks County premiere of The Shark Is Broken this October.
Genesius Theatre dives head first into the Berks County premiere of The Shark Is Broken, a smash hit in London’s West End and on Broadway, this laugh-out-loud comedy peels back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes chaos of making one of the most legendary films of all time: Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (which also celebrated its 50th anniversary this year).
It’s 1974, and production on Jaws is sinking fast. The mechanical shark—nicknamed “Bruce”—is constantly breaking down, leaving actors Robert Shaw (Quint), Richard Dreyfuss (Hooper), and Roy Scheider (Brody) stranded on a boat, stranded with each other, and stranded with way too much alcohol. Trapped together, the three men spar, bond, and bicker in a battle of egos, wit, and insecurities that’s as tense and funny as the film’s shark attacks.
Written by Ian Shaw (Robert Shaw’s son) and Joseph Nixon, The Shark Is Broken has been praised by The Times as “hilarious and brilliantly insightful.” The play cleverly mixes fact, fiction, and jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes lore into a fast-moving, 95-minute comedy that’s both a tribute to cinema history and a story about fathers, sons, and legacies.
Director Bill Eschbach, who made his Genesius directorial debut last season with Clue: On Stage and has since co-directed Kinky Boots and helmed Misery, is thrilled to bring this one-of-a-kind play to Reading during the 50th anniversary year of Spielberg’s blockbuster.
“The Shark is Broken is pure theater magic,” Eschbach said. “It’s funny, sharp, and unexpectedly moving. Anyone who loves Jaws will adore this peek behind the scenes, but even if you’ve never seen the movie, the story of three actors trying to survive the impossible is hilarious and universal. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve been stuck on the Orca with them—and you won’t want to leave.”
The full cast features Brandon Reimer as Roy Scheider, Corey Clark as Richard Dreyfuss, and Jeffrey Jones as Robert Shaw. The Shark Is Broken is a musical with music and book by James Valcq and lyrics and book by Fred Alley, based on the 1996 film of the same name by Lee David Zlotoff. The Shark Is Broken is directed by Bill Eschbach, and stage managed by Sara Huard. Lighting design is by Sonia Mowry of Scary Good Productions, costume design is by Dara Tatarowicz, wig design is by Diane Keck of Thanx Hair Artistry, sound design is by Thomas Malack, set design is by Bill Eschbach,
Randy Hauk is master carpenter, Jeffrey Jones is prop master, and scenic design is by Marjory Ewald.
Photos are used with permission by Don Carrick of Studio 413.
SHOW DATES AND TIMES:
October 3 (7:30 p.m.), 4 (7:30 p.m.), 5 (3 p.m.), 8 (7:30 p.m.), 9 (7:30 p.m.), 10 (7:30 p.m.), 11 (7:30 p.m.), 12 (3 p.m.)
Tickets are $18–$35.50. The show runs approximately 95 minutes with no intermission.
Genesius Theatre is located at 153 N. 10th St., Reading, PA, and is accessible to individuals who use mobility aids. Free parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building. For more information on parking or accessibility, call the theatre at 610.371.8151 or email info@genesiustheatre.org.
For tickets and additional information, visit www.genesiusdifference.org
Genesius and the DoubleTree have partnered on the Park/Dinner/Shuttle/Show/Shuttle Program. At any performance, audiences can park for free in the DoubleTree garage, dine at Cheers American Bistro in the DoubleTree prior to the show, then enjoy a complimentary shuttle to and from the theatre.
How it works: purchase tickets separately on the Genesius website and call the DoubleTree to make reservations (two hours prior to the show time is recommended). You must mention the shuttle upon making a reservation and upon arriving at the restaurant. Then, enjoy a full afternoon or evening of tasty food, delectable drinks, and a wonderful show!
VIRTUAL SHOW PROGRAM
In our effort to have less paper waste, cut costs on printing, and reduce our carbon footprint, Genesius now hosts our full playbills in living color on our website at GenesisusDifference.org. Programs are available a week in advance of opening night, and feature cast and creative team bios, photos, ads from our business supporters, Genesius event updates, and additional show information.
ADDITIONAL PARKING
If you come to our main parking lot for a performance and it looks full, pull up and ask the parking attendant for a parking pass to our overflow lot at Walnut and Moss Street. Street parking is also available.
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Source: bctv
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