Nothing Broken at WDL's New Production

By Mike Logothetis
Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

The Wilmington Drama League (WDL) is staging a clever rendition of The Shark Is Broken — a play offering an inside look at the making of the classic film Jaws. This comedy-drama is centered on the behind-the-scenes chaos, tensions, humor, personalities, and camaraderie involved in the making of the 1975 blockbuster. Set during the troubled movie shoot, the sharp-witted play highlights the challenges of working together under pressure...or boredom.

WDL's production of The Shark is Broken. Photo by Mario Paoli.

Co-written by Ian Shaw — the son of Jaws star Robert Shaw — and Joseph Nixon, the play has only three characters: Shaw (Nick Johnson), Richard Dreyfuss (Gene Dzielak), and Roy Scheider (Paolo Barolat-Romana). The three actors are stuck together on the fishing boat because "Bruce," the mechanical shark used in the film, is broken. Consequently, production has been stalled for several days…then weeks. The Shark Is Broken explores the three men's interactions, ennui, and personal stories told aboard the "Orca" during the extended delay.

A perceived hierarchy is established between the three principals: Shaw, the grizzled veteran; Dreyfuss, the brash up-and-comer; and Scheider, the peacemaker. The trio fight tedium and each other, finding some solace in booze, cards, gambling, and self-revealing stories. The WDL actors work well together and the strong interpersonal dynamics are on full display from the get-go.

Despite their frequent bickering, they all agree that they just want to finish filming the movie. An exasperated theme (to them) is: Why didn’t director Steven Spielberg simply film in a Hollywood tank instead of battling the unpredictable Atlantic?

(The real Dreyfuss has publicly criticized the play's portrayal of him, saying Ian Shaw never sought his perspective and that he was unfairly depicted as a fool. In the play, Shaw even tells Dreyfuss he'd be good in a Shakespeare play in the role of a fool.)

Throughout the play, Shaw struggles with the famous USS Indianapolis monologue. He finds the original material (written by John Millius) unperformable. He asks for Spielberg’s permission to rewrite it. His alcoholism and conflict with Dreyfuss interfere with each successive rehearsal of the speech. A full rendition of the famous scene ends the play.

A small knock on the production is that the set is positioned far back on the stage while the spacious apron is mostly unused, except for lighting. While possibly difficult due to the set design, it would've been nicer to bring to the action to the forestage to better see the actors and observe their subtleties. But, criticism aside, Joseph Pukatsch and Pat Brisiel's set is very cool and provides plenty of places for the actors to both roam and feel confined. But, as Shaw says in the play, from a little "grit" comes a pearl.

Pukatsch is also the director and allows his actors to add some interesting depth to their characters. Kudos to Andrew Kadtke for his massive video background which added great perspective to the already dynamic set.

The show builds momentum as it progresses and delivers a satisfying finale, even if the protagonists agree that the movie will likely be a (lucrative) flash in the pan. Of course, we all know better...

The final performances of The Shark is Broken run from September 11 through 13. The Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 pm while the Sunday matinee is at 2 pm. Tickets prices are $25 with senior/student tickets $20 and children (12 or younger) $15. Group ticket rates are also available through the box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wilmingtondramaleague.org; by contacting the box office at 302.764.1172; or visiting in person at 10 West Lea Boulevard. The show runs just under 2 hours with no intermission.

The Wilmington Drama League seats 260 patrons, including six wheelchair bays. The recently revamped theater is equipped with an ADA compliant entrance ramp and bathrooms. "Flex Tickets" are also an option for those who plan to watch several WDL shows, but maybe not all of them. Inquire at the box office.

"You're gonna need a bigger boat." — Chief Martin Brody

Visiting (and Laughing) with CTC and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

By Hannah Leposa
Theater fan Hannah Leposa is excited to be living in Wilmington where there is a lively theatre community and high-quality performances.

The cast of CTC's Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.
Photo by Joe del Tufo/Moonloop Photography.

City Theater Company's final producton of the 24-25 season is Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, written by the late Christopher Durang and named the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play. The show revolves around three middle-aged siblings — Vanya and Sonia — who live together, and Masha, who supports them and is coming for a visit.

It was evident that director Joseph Pukatsch had a clear vision for the show, as everything worked seamlessly with each other, from the set by scenic designer Rick Neidig (which was beautiful and the set dressings had me believing I was looking at an old family home) to costumes and props by Coco G. Robocheaux and Jennifer Youngblood, respectively, the vision was clear.

The casting of Vanya and Sonia and Masha was perfection. The chemistry between them was electric, and their banter was as believable as a trio of actual siblings.

Vanya, the brother who is the most reserved of the three siblings and at least outwardly, is content with the way life is, is portrayed by Paul McElwee. McElwee performed the character with a sincere subtleness that had me watching his reactions to the unfolding story more often than not. Between his facial expressions and impeccable delivery, McElwee embodied the character perfectly.

and Sonia, the adopted sibling who is struggling with where she is in life and what she has, or rather has not accomplished, is portrayed by Jennifer Youngblood. Youngblood was a standout in this role; her comedic timing and ability to shift moods seamlessly without a hint of what was to come kept the character feeling fresh, relatable, and funny.

and Masha, the third sibling, and the successful actress, returning to the family home for a visit was portrayed by Kerry Kristine McElrone. McElrone’s range of emotion was astounding, from happy to jealous to sad, she easily portrayed them all believably.

and we cannot forget the final titular character, Spike, the young aspiring actor that Masha has been dating, played by Jordan Eck. Eck was hysterical as Spike, and his physical comedy was outstanding. He had me laughing out loud multiple times throughout the show.

Remaining cast members include Mary Catherine Kelley, as Cassandra the housekeeper who, like her namesake, believes she can see the future, and Mikala Plymer as the neighbor girl and would-be actress Nina. Both actresses were excellent additions to the cast.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is presented by City Theater Company. The show runs through Saturday, April 12, at The Black Box at The Delaware Contemporary, 200 S. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Tickets are $48.75 with student and military discounts available. They can be purchased at www.city-theater.org. 

The show runs just over 2 hours plus a 15-minute intermission.