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

CTC's Latest Show Begs the Question, "What Is Art?"

By Mike Logothetis

City Theater Company (CTC) returns to the Wings Black Box during its 2022-23 residency at The Delaware Contemporary (TDC) with the Tony- and Olivier-winning comedy ART. The 1994 play was written by Yasmina Reza and translated from the original French by Christopher Hampton.

The story is about three friends who find themselves at odds after one (Serge) purchases a very pricey, all-white painting. Throughout the show, the three characters argue viciously — amusingly — over their responses to the painting.

ART stars CTC debutant Nick Johnson as Marc plus CTC alumni Christian Deisler (Serge) and Emma Romeo (Yvan). The “deconstruction” of the central piece of artwork devolves to comic effect as the trio grapples with the larger question of how to maintain personal relationships through a (contrived) crisis. A cutting question Marc repeatedly asks Serge is, “You paid 200,000 francs for this [expletive]?” When Yvan tries to play peacemaker, she is derided by the others as a “coward” and an “amoeba,” and even suffers a minor injury when she tries to defuse a brief scuffle.

Though it makes several appearances during the play, the white painting soon becomes a MacGuffin — i.e., a catalyst for amplifying hidden tensions inside this longstanding three-way friendship. The simple question, “But is it art?” runs throughout the action, either explicitly or implicitly – moving the plot forward.

Don't be misled by the impressive pedigree of ART, as the play is almost more slapstick than subtle. But the themes run deep because true friendship is not superficial. These characters care about each other, but life has intervened – which often makes the simple more complex.

These are not esoteric personas, but ones you interact with daily. Serge is an idealist whose life has been mostly comfortable. Marc is a realist with a stern outer layer he uses for protection. Yvan is an easy-going person on the outside with insecurities swirling below the surface. All three actors imbue their characters with individuality and compassion. They are a talented trio whose banter is natural and pointed, helping the audience believe their characters are really friends – but also scathing critics.

Director Jeff Robleto allows his actors to interact and soliloquize easily and comfortably under clever lighting by Stuart Thomas. Robleto’s pacing keeps us hooked into the changes these friends are going through. After the show, it is inevitable to ponder changes in one’s own friendships and the views others may have of us. Do interpersonal conflicts just happen or are they initiated?

The funniest scene is when Yvan delivers her wedding monologue — listing all that could go wrong about her upcoming nuptials. Romeo commanded our attention and drew us into her character’s angst while humoring us with mundane decisions which are slowing driving Yvan mad. But are her concerns of any consequence to Marc and Serge? Do they even care? …a little? …a lot?

Come to the Riverfront to find out!

Artistic Director Kerry Kristine McElrone was excited before (and after) the show about this and the upcoming slate of performances by City Theater Company. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (February 2023) and Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins (April 2023) are next on the docket. Plus there are partnership productions with TDC and Fearless Improv coming up. Check city-theater.org for more information.

CTC’s mission is to create a body of work that takes risks and breaks barriers — just as TDC’s is to take risks and push boundaries. Both institutions are invested in promoting the work of local and emerging artists, advancing opportunity and growth by and for the community, and welcoming all those looking to experience art.

ART will run for only four more performances through Saturday (December 11, 15, 16 & 17). Curtain is at 8:00pm save for the lone Sunday matinee (2:00pm). Run time is just about 90 minutes. City Theater Company’s new-ish home is at The Delaware Contemporary located at 200 South Madison, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

Tickets ($30-45) can be purchased at the box office or online. Special ticket pricing is available for military personnel and students. Please call the box office at 302.220.8285 or email info@city-theater.org for details.

It's a great time to visit The Delaware Contemporary (and other local museums) and ask yourself rhetorically, “But is it art?”