BLOOMINGTON— This summer, Constellation is bringing the premiere of a new rock musical to downtown Bloomington. Written by Emmy-nominated creators Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond, The Break is a spicy rom-com with a healthy dose of heart.
This hilarious new musical will be on stage June 6-23 at the Waldron Auditorium in downtown Bloomington.
Sam and Charlie have been together since their freshman year of college. They love each other…but do they? As the marriage question looms, it’s time to discover what’s holding them back. The two agree to take a 30-day break to date other people, and at the end of the month, they’ll finally tie the knot…or will they? The Break is a rock musical for everyone asking, “What If…?”
Constellation is excited to work with contemporary musical theater writing duo Kooman and Dimond to bring the show to life. Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond’s work can be heard in the Disney Junior series Vampirina and the Netflix series Ridley Jones. Their stage musicals include Romantics Anonymous (written with Emma Rice and premiered at Shakespeare’s Globe), The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes, Dani Girl, Judge Jackie: Disorder in the Court, and Orphie & The Book of Heroes. Bloomington audiences may remember Constellation’s 2020 production of Kooman and Dimond’s The Enlightenment of Percival von Schmootz.
Artistic Director Chad Rabinovitz says, “The Break has everything. The music is incredible. The story is original, entertaining, hysterical, and moving. And our creative team is incredible. This world premiere production here in Bloomington is just the beginning for such a groundBREAKing show.”
The Break stars two powerhouse musical theater performers, Alex Keiper and Louis Pardo, both making their Constellation debuts. Alex is a New York-based actor who has performed professionally nationwide, including at Utah Shakespeare Festival. Milwaukee Rep. Louis is a California-based actor who has performed in multiple national tours, including Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair.
This production’s helm is directed by Scott Weinstein, a New York and Chicago-based artist whose work has been seen across countless national theaters, including Steppenwolf and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. His newly conceived “chamber version” of Ragtime was nominated for 10 Joseph Jefferson Awards, winning 4 – including Best Director and Best Production. Joining the creative team are Scenic Designer Christopher Rhoton, Lighting Designer Jennifer Fok, Costume Designer Dana Tzvetkov, Sound Designer Brandon Reed, Stage Manager Mitchell Ward, Assistant Stage Manager Katie Ayer, Props Manager Aubrey Krueger, and Props Artisan Barb Steininger.
The Break will perform June 6-23 at the Waldron Arts Center and is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $35 for adults and $20 for students. In addition to traditionally priced performances, Constellation offers Pay What You Will Thursdays for all Thursday evening performances. This program, supported by Jessika and Bryan Hane, allows audiences to choose their ticket price ($5-$75) when attending on Thursday evenings.
Tickets are available through Constellation’s website (seeconstellation.org), by phone at 812-336-9300 (Mon-Fri 12-5pm), or in-person at 122 S Walnut St (open Wed-Fri 12-5pm).
