Historical Playbills can be viewed by clicking here.
South City Theatre
Presents
The Shark is Broken
Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon
Place/Time
1974 On board the Orca, on the open ocean
east of Martha’s Vineyard,
between East Chop and Oak Bluffs.
All takes place in the same place over the
months of filming Jaws.
months of filming Jaws.
Made possible in part by a grant from Alabama State Council on the Arts.
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW.
CAST
| Character | Actor |
| Richard Dreyfuss | Kevin Van Hying |
| Roy Scheider | Michael Wilbanks |
| Robert Shaw | Clay Boyce |
CREW
| Co-Director | Hannah Jane Sizemore and Lisa Ponder |
| Stage Manager | Katherine Simmons, Michelle Vercher, Jon Curren |
| Props Manager | Cast and Crew |
| Set Designer | Timmy Moore |
| Set Crew | Timmy Moore, Ron Rabun, Andrew Kirkland, Cast + Crew |
| Sound and Lighting Designer/Operator | Josh Little |
| SCT Photographer | Steven Ross |
| Poster and Playbill Designer | Delaine Derry Green |
| Online Program Design | Donna Williamson |
| Rehearsal Understudy/Shark | Xander Bredthauer |
Cast and Crew Bios
Kevin Van Hying (Richard Dreyfuss) When Kevin Van Hyning first learned that South City Theatre was producing The Shark Is Broken, he jumped at the chance to play Richard Dreyfuss, a role that felt like a perfect fit. Fortunately, Richard’s trademark nervous energy came naturally, making the role as much fun to perform as it is to watch.
When he’s not recreating a nervous breakdown on stage, Kevin can be found performing improv with the Extemporaneous Theatre Company or drawing caricatures at local festivals and events.
Michael Wilbanks (Roy Scheider) has performed in a show or two at South City Theater, and he thoroughly enjoys the moment when it’s clear the audience is fully engaged.
When he is not at the theater, Michael is usually found in his other second home, Thompson Middle School where he is a gifted specialist and is about to begin his thirtieth year in the classroom.
Thank you for coming to o see our show!
Clay Boyce (Robert Shaw) Clay has been involved with theatre for over 47 years and worked on over 100 productions. Some of his favorite roles has been The Play that Goes Wrong (Chris), Of Mice and Men (George), Hamlet (Hamlet) and Guys and Dolls (Nicely-Nicely Johnson) (Directed by his daughter, Victoria). Some of his favorite shows that he has directed has been Laughter on the 23rd Floor (South City Theatre), Shadowlands (Leeds Arts Council & Park Players) and Driving Miss Daisy (South City Theatre). He would like to thank this amazing cast and crew and his wife, Vicki and his daughter, Victoria for their love and support. He would like to dedicate his performance to his recently deceased Aunt, Jean Lee Leonard. Thanks Jeannie for teaching me how to cuss.
Hannah Jane Sizemore (Director) is thrilled to return to South City Theatre to direct The Shark Is Broken after directing Second to Last Chance Ladies League last August. She is grateful to South City Theatre for this wonderful opportunity. A special thank you to Clay, Michael, and Kevin for keeping every rehearsal full of laughter, and to Kyle Bass for allowing us to use this beautiful theatre to bring this story to life. Finally, thank you to her friends and family for their unwavering love, and support! She hopes you enjoy the show! Fun Fact: She didn’t watch Jaws until rehearsals started!
Jon Curren (Co-Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back at South City Theatre working with
another wonderful cast and director. Past roles include Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa
Claus (Goss/George/Tom Pryor/Ocer Akins), Night of January 16 th (John Whitfield),
Hulas and Homicide (Pono Pahu), Carol Burnette Summer Shorts (Dummy/John),
Murder is a Fine Art (Luigi Lambrusco), and Much Ado About Nothing (Leonato). He is
looking forward to his first time stage managing a show.
Katherine Simmons (Co-Stage Manager) is thrilled to be spending the summer on Amity
Island! She was last seen in Much Ado About Nothing (Hero) and Christmas Queens
(Cece), both at South City Theatre. She would like to thank Hannah and Lisa for
bringing her on as a part of this production and would like to thank YOU for supporting
your local theatre!
Michelle Vercher (Co-Stage Manager) recently appeared in Much Ado About Nothing at
South City (Ursula, Second Watchman and Stage Manager) Murder is a Fine Art for the
Pelham Beat (Fiona Fakes), South City Theatre’s Covering Dish (Willodean), and The
Wild Women of Winedale (Edith). Most often you’ll find her working behind the scenes
as the Stage Manager in many wonderful productions including Christmas Queens,
Covering Dish, Love, Loss, and What I Wore, A Reunion to Die For, Tuna Christmas,
Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, Elvis People, A (Not So) Retro Christmas, The
Diary of Anne Frank, and The Night of January 16th. She would like to thank her
daughter for supporting her and all the wonderful cast members who have made her
time at South City so enjoyable.
Board of Directors
| Artistic Director | Donna Williamson |
| President | TBD |
| Vice-President | Steven Ross |
| Secretary | TBD |
| Treasurer | John Chain |
Members at Large
Dianne Rowe, Thomas Robinson, Trey Woodrow, Michelle Vercher, Lisa Nelson, Kathy Scruggs and Mike Gerrells
Director’s Notes
I truly got lucky with this incredible cast and crew. So many wonderful people came out of the woodwork to volunteer their time and talents, and this production would not have been possible without them. I was also fortunate to work alongside an amazing co-director, Hannah Jane, who took the lead on so much throughout the process. Their dedication, creativity, and support made this journey not only successful but incredibly rewarding.
— Lisa Ponder
When I was asked to co-direct The Shark Is Broken alongside Lisa Ponder, I had no idea what an incredible journey was in store. Along the way, I learned far more than I expected about Jaws, golf, and the unique blocking challenges of a show set entirely on a boat. Thank you to South City Theatre for trusting me with this opportunity, and to our brilliant cast and crew for filling every rehearsal with laughter. Your talent, dedication, and humor made this experience unforgettable.
Ultimately, the story behind Jaws is about an impossible production that became a masterpiece—a reminder that the greatest challenges often create the most magic. We hope you feel a bit of that magic tonight. Whether you laugh, shed a tear, or simply enjoy the ride, thank you for supporting live theatre.
— Hannah Jane Sizemore
Special Thanks
Kyle Bass, for allowing us to use Homewood Theatre’s beautiful space. Vicki and Victoria Boyce, for allowing us to use Valleydale Christian Academy as rehearsal space. Community Arts Council of Blount County, for providing a space to build our set. LeAnn Wilson and Katherine Simmons, for creating publicity content from rehearsals used in our promotions. Timmy Moore, Ron Rabun, and Andrew Kirkland, for going above and beyond with set construction. Scot Mann, fight advisor. Dennis Martin for the Jaws replica. Minuteman Press, for their continued support. Alabama Council on the Arts. And everyone who helped bring this show to life on stage!
Coming Soon
Sponsors and Advertisers
The organizations and businesses below support our mission to bring quality theatre to Shelby County. Please take a moment to visit their sites and support their work.
The mission of the Pelham Beautification Entertainment & Arts Team, Inc., a non-profit corporation, is to support, nurture and promote the arts, cultural organizations, community beautification, entertainment, and artists in the City of Pelham, Alabama, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors and promoting economic growth.
2659 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, Alabama 35124
(205) 621-2722
https://www.helena.minutemanpress.com/
South City Theatre is a proud member of the following:
