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The Break Song |
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Written By |
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Directed By |
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Monish Bhattacharayya |
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Featuring |
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Vincenzo McNeil Robert Humphrey |
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All works are presented through permission of playwright. Any duplication of this production without expressed permission of both the playwrights, and American Repertory Theater of WNY is strictly prohibited. American Repertory Theater of WNY encourages photography & video during the production but requests individuals to be mindful of other patrons, no flash is allowed, and to adequately tag American Repertory Theater of WNY, The Break Song production and actors in each photography. Content warning: R - Simulated use of Alcohol |
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Cast
Creative Team
Monish Bhattacharyya
Mark Humphrey
Monica Morrisey
Matthew LaChiusa
Rebecca Mutchuck
Jason Stopsinski
Director's Note
Welcome to "The Break Song". It’s both a privilege and a joy to be at the helm of this production, bringing to life the work of Mark Humphrey, a playwright whose voice resonates with honesty, and heart. Having acted in two of Mark’s previous plays, I’ve experienced firsthand the magic of his dialogue—how it manages to cut to the core of what it means to be human. This marks my first time directing one of Mark’s plays, and it has been an immensely rewarding journey.
Break Song is a story of contrasts: youth and age, ambition and contentment, hope and disillusionment. Through the lives of Junction and Joe, we are reminded of the often delicate and complicated balance between dreams and reality, and how music—like life—can lift us up or leave us longing.
I invite you to experience this play not just as an audience member, but as a co-creator in this shared moment of storytelling. Let yourself get lost in the jazz, in the silences between notes, and in the spaces where ambition meets reality. Thank you for supporting new work, for supporting local talent, and for being here to witness this story unfold.
Enjoy the show.
Monish Bhattacharyya, Director, Break Song
Word from the Playwright
A break song is the tune musicians play to signal the end of the set. It’s also the tune, usually a ballad between two high energy songs that musicians use to kick back in the middle of the set. This show is about two musicians, who are in the middle of their careers, talking about their lives and how one bad decision can lead to disastrous consequences. It’s also about friends becoming family and about, how in dark times, there’s always someone to talk to.
Who Is ART/WNY
“If you want more people to come to the theatre, don't put the prices at £50. You have to make theatre inclusive, and at the moment the prices are exclusive. Putting TV stars in plays just to get people in is wrong. You have to have the right people in the right parts. Stunt casting and being gimmicky does the theatre a great disservice. You have to lure people by getting them excited about a theatrical experience.” ― Catherine Tate
In the past 17 seasons, this echoes American Repertory Theater of WNY's business strategy that cross-pollenates with the company's artistic vision.
As is the case with the previous seasons, American Repertory Theater of WNY begins another season featuring original works by 716 playwrights. Although highlighting regional works is a challenging season endeavor, the creative rewards is enriching for the company.
But the struggle will continue to bring original works to the stage. Challenges include the creative stigma associated with new works, perceptions that it's a "deranged" idea producing original works in a complete season, patron uncomfortably with unfamiliar plays, and lack of interest in theater unless it's "gimmick theater" or "Hello Dolly". Whichever it may be, the fight is real and continuing.
However, ART/WNY will remain steadfast in premiering local playwrights and giving opportunities to those who may not find them at other Buffalo-based theaters. Because, as the company's mission statement and artistic vision maintains, in presenting works, diversity is the main goal. Not only with presentation, but with the audience base. This is achieved by affordable tickets that allows all community members to attend all ART/WNY shows.
ART/WNY invites you to become part of a growing commitment to theater that serves a purpose. A purpose that is solely based on poignant, compelling, and diverse narratives. Proactive theater that opens community dialog. Despite opinion, this isn't deranged, unorthodox or poor business decisions. This is what will keep theater going through the digital age, Netflix narratives, and presentations relying on drunk actors or dusty ol' chestnut crowd pleasers.
American Repertory Theater of WNY invites you to be part of this honest movement. Please join us through Facebook, Instagram, or visiting the company's website.
Love the 716 in You!
The 2024-25 Board of Directors
Suzanne Hibbard (President); Matthew LaChiusa (Vice President, Secretary & Treasurer); Robert Insana; Monica Morrisey; Mark Humphrey; Danette Pawlowski; Michael Breen
Board Advisors
Catherine Burkhart; Keith Wharton
If you would like to join the ART/WNY Board of Directors, please drop the company an email at artofwny@msn.com or call/text 716-697-0837
The Board is currently looking for members with CPA skills, Business Management skills, Familiarity with Real Estate laws, or simply real "go-getters" in our community.
Meet the Company
Vincenzo L McNeill
This marks Vincenzo’s second appearance at American Repertory Theater of WNY. His first as ‘David’ in Mark Humphrey’s Artie Award winning play “Speed of Dark”. Vincenzo was part of the Artie Award winning ensemble of the work and earned Best Supporting Actor in a Play for his portrayal.
Robert Humphrey
This marks Robert’s first role at American Repertory Theater of WNY
Monish Bhattacharyya
“The Break Song” marks Monish’s second directorial opportunity at American Repertory Theater of WNY to direct a full-length production. His first being the skillful overseeing of 716 playwright Matthew LaChiusa’s “Paradigm Bomb” (the play received a nomination for Best Original Work but, shamefully, Monish was not nominated for his outstanding effort). A playwright and actor ART/WNY alumni, Monish is scheduled to appear in Lara Haberberger’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice entitled “Shylock” this upcoming November.
Mark Humphrey
In 1998, Mark Humphrey made his playwright debut with TIMES OF SERVICE, starring Tim White and produced by Buffalo Ensemble Theater. it won the 1998 Artvoice Artie Award for the "Best New Play".In 2001, another show, MR BENNY, with Tim Newell, opened at BET. A shorter version ran at The Irish Classical Theater for their lunch time performance series. It also ran at the Jewish Repertory Theater in 2006, and at the players Club in NYC. You may also see Mark out and about in the Buffalo area playing percussion with local and, at times, celebrity musicians. if you see Mark and he doesn't say hello or recognize you, i's possible you actually saw Mike, his twin Brother. other works By Mark include LITTLE ROBERT, THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS, and SPEED OF DARK. (All produced by American Repertory Theater of Western New York. Mark lives in Buffalo, New York with his wife Becky and has two kids, Robert and Kathryn.
Monica Morrisey
Monica Morrisey (Stage Manager) is delighted to be back in the saddle at ART. She's spent the past ten years acting and stage managing at a handful of Buffalo theaters, favorite credits include Nurse Flynn in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (Artie Award for Best Ensemble in a Play) at Subversive Theater, stage managing HELLCAB at American Repertory Theater, and ART at the Kenan Center. When she finds the time, Monica produces her own show SHAKESPEARE IN THE BAR, which is exactly what it sounds like, and has been developing her repertoire as a blues singer and clown. She's also pursuing IATSE membership and works as a production assistant at a local news station. Monica would like to thank her parents for forcing her to go to dance class and her brother Jacob for everything.
Matthew LaChiusa
Matthew returns for another season as American Repertory Theater of WNY’s technical director. Among the favorite sets he’s designed for ART/WNY include “Paradigm Bomb”, “Something Wicked”, and “London Calling”. Lighting design favorites include “Mercy Seat”, “Something Wicked”, “When Worlds Collide” and “Paradigm Bomb”. When not designing for ART/WNY Matthew serves as the Technical Director for Unique Theatre Company. He is also the Executive/Artistic Director for American Repertory Theater of WNY. Namaste.
Rebecca Mutchuck
Jason Stopsinski
Photos
The 2024 - 25 Season Continues
