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Breaking Legs

A comedy by Tom Dulack

Directed by Amy Amani.

Terence O’Keefe is a college professor and playwright. Angie Graziano, his former student, manages a restaurant owned by her father, Lou. Terence approaches Lou and his "business associates" Mike Francesco and Tino De Felice about financing his play. Lou, Mike and Tino are interested, and that’s when Terence’s troubles begin.

Over plates of chicken primavera, calamar’ and pasta fazzul, Terence realizes what business these guys are really in. Trouble is, his realization comes too late. He can’t withdraw his proposal or he might suffer the same fate as Frankie who fails to pay a debt and has an unfortunate "accident" involving a train. To complicate matters, Angie makes a play for Terence. She likes older men, she tells him. Man about campus that he is, he can’t refuse an offer like that. Of course, if he did Lou and his "associates" might decide to take him for a walk in the alley. But in this play that might be subtitled, "When Theater Meets the Mob," no one is exactly as they seem. Is Terence such a naïve intellectual? Is Angie merely a college dropout? Are those gavones, Lou, Mike and Tino, a trio of thugs or a deliciously funny parody of theater critics? The playwright, Tom Dulack, keeps you guessing right up to the witty end. As the reviewer for The New York Post writes, "There is buoyant joy to be had in the comic confrontation between two of the wackiest gangster chieftans ever to wack."

Director's Notes

I was asked weeks ago to write some Director’s Notes for this production of Breaking Legs. I agonized over what to write and resolved to put it off as long as possible! In searching for inspiration, I went back and read the notes that directors before me had written. They wrote interesting and intelligent paragraphs on the theatrical history and social relevance of their productions. Thus inspired, I decided to write about the migration of Italians to the United States, and the organizing of certain prominent families. I also thought a brief "Intro to Drama 101" would be appropriate.

Then I fell asleep.

As my forehead hit the keyboard, I was struck with the idea to just share a little bit about our process in bringing you, the audience, the performance before you. To be honest, it was a very easy and relatively pain-free delivery. I started off with a well-written, funny and intelligent script. It was a kick to discover more and more jokes and subtleties of humor as we rehearsed. I was also graced with not only a talented, but also a really pleasant cast to work with. They have embraced their characters and really captured their individual idiosyncrasies. That didn’t leave too much for me, as director, to direct! Finally, my crew has done a phenomenal job of pulling together an aesthetically stunning production. Although the food props have been somewhat challenging, really the most difficult part of this entire process has been writing the Director’s Notes!

- Amy Amani

Cast

Matt Bachus Terence O'Keefe

Matt lives in Evergreen with his wife Jennai and is thrilled to announce that they are expecting their first baby in March! His acting experience includes numerous professional theater productions and regional and national television and radio commercials. Breaking Legs marks Matt's return to the stage after a 10-year break but in the past year, Matt has been seen in TV spots for Guaranty Bank and Rocky's Autos, as well as appearing in various industrial film projects. Matt also enjoys his 60-hour-a-week "day job" selling real estate in the Evergreen area.

Amy Amani Director

This is the fourth show Amy has directed for the Evergreen Players (including Noises Off and Deathtrap), and the second time she's been involved with Breaking Legs. About eight years ago, Amy played Angie to Matt DiMinno's Lou. Amy is very excited to be on the other side of this production and hopes that you all enjoy the show as much as she does! Amy got her formal theatrical training at Northwestern University, then moved from Chicago to L.A. and worked as Stage Manager for the comedy/improv group, The Groundlings, for four years. She also got some improv training there through their school. Between NU, the Groundlings and working for Regency Productions, Amy's big claim to fame is that she can name drop with the best of them! Here are a couple of names that you won't find in the tabloids: John & Sean - the sources of Amy's love and inspiration!

Mark Clifton Frankie Salvucci

It has long been said that for everything there is a first time, and in theater truer words were never spoken. It has been so long since Mark has seen the stage that he is happy to return to it from his days in high school where he last played the lead in It's a Wonderful Life. He can't thank the cast and crew enough, especially Matt D. and Amy, for making the rookie feel like a seasoned veteran. His only regret is that it took him this long to meet them. "Thank you, and I love you all."

Matt DiMinno Mike Francesco

Matt has appeared in various stage productions, commercials, as well as an independent movie. His most recent appearance with the Evergreen Players was in the role of Antoine LaMatte in David Budbill's Judevine, for which he received an All State Acting Award at the CCTC annual festival. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Evergreen Players and was a co-founder of both the Foothill Players and the Morrison Theatre. He can be seen in a television production of Animal Planet in which he plays, of all things, "a gangster." He dedicates his performance to his wife, Laura, and his daughters, Melanie and Suzy.

Brian Dowling Tino De Felice

Brian has appeared in numerous Evergreen Players shows. Most recently he was Tom Davenport in Inherit the Wind. Brian would like to thank the cast for their great work, and wonderful sense of humor. A very special thank you to Amy, for giving him the opportunity to work under her wing and gain much needed experience.

Dan Keenan Lou Graziano

Dan is very happy to be doing his first show with the Evergreen Players. Other local creditsinclude Dawson Crutchfield in Ultra Maroon's production of The Family Gathering, Birdboot in The Real Inspector Hound, Arnie in Modern Gothic at The CO Women's Playwright Festival and Dr.Warden in When The Wood Is Green. Dan would like to thank his wife Karen for her help and support.

Jillann Tafel Angie

Jillann is pleased to be making her Evergreen Players debut. She has recently played Charlotte in The Family Flea with the Bug Theatre, Valerie in The Weir with the Tir Na Nog Theatre Company and Annette in The Green Room with Conundrum State Productions. Jill also played the part of Dawn Wells' daughter in the film Forever for Now. She is from Chicago where some of her roles were Ouisa in Six Degrees of Separation and Catherine in The Foreigner. Her performance tonight is dedicated to her grandmother, Grace.

Production Crew

Images from Breaking Legs

Photography by Ellen Nelson and other volunteers.

Lou (Dan Keenan) and Mike (Matt DiMinno) at dinner; "We're interested in the action, Terry, you see what I'm saying? We're not afraid to take a plunge as long as we realize there's the possibility of a score"

Lou (Dan Keenan), Terence (Matt Bachus), Angie (Jillann Tafel) and Mike (Matt DiMinno); "Mike thinks you should change the title to The Student Prince"

Angie (Jillann Tafel) and Terence (Matt Bachus); "Age has nothing to do with it. 'Never Say Never,' that's my philosophy"

Frankie (Mark Clifton), Mike (Matt DiMinno) and Lou (Dan Keenan); "I'm a reasonable man, Frankie, you know that"

Tino (Brian Dowling) burns Frankie's note as Terence (Matt Bachus) watches