A Broken Umbrella Theatre asks, “What if?”

'Thunderbolt Cast' - photo by Beja B.

Guest Post Written by Rachel Shapiro Alderman

A few months ago my husband Ian and his friend Ryan were walking in Edgewood Park. They came upon a tunnel. Over dinner later that night we began to hatch a plan. What if we told a ghost story in this tunnel? What if the ghost story was based on New Haven history? What if we transformed the tunnel into a theater? What’s that you say? Halloween lands on a Saturday this year? Perfect! What if we produced this show on Halloween in the tunnel in less than three months? (This is what dinner at our house is like when friends come over.) So, in less than three months and with the support of over 40  friends, we are opening our production of THUNDERBOLT on Halloween day, this upcoming Saturday.

'A Short Story by a Tree' - Artwalk 2009 - photo by Beja B.

This is not the first time we caught a case of the “What ifs.” Last Spring, a similar thing happened. Ryan’s wife Chrissy and I were sitting around talking about Westville’s Artwalk which was just around the corner. What if we gathered the kids at Artwalk together for some music? What if this music was actually more of a story and less of a concert? What if the story was about a broken umbrella that belonged to a boy who loved it very much? We shared the idea with ‘the husbands.’ What if, they asked, this story took place in a great climbing tree in Edgewood Park? (Your kids know the one…in between the gazebo and Whalley Avenue…Yeah, that awesome tree.) A few weeks (and supportive friends) later, we performed our inaugural show in New Haven titled “A Short Story By a Tree.” (A friend pointed out that technically the title should be “A Short Story NEXT to a Tree.” The tree did not, in fact, write the play…but I digress.)

And, so A Broken Umbrella Theatre has been re-born in New Haven after some time spent in PA, IL, and CA. We are a collaborative ensemble of theater artists who are always asking “What if?” What if a tunnel becomes a theater? What if a broken, old umbrella becomes an object of affection?  We want to pique your curiosity. We love to take a second glance at the ordinary. A tree isn’t always just a tree. A tunnel is never just a tunnel. Sometimes a tunnel is a pirates’ den where Captain Thunderbolt roams and horse-drawn hayrides carry you (and your candy) across time from the 21st Century into the past.

Please come along for the journey on October 31.  (And, just for clarity, this story is actually IN the tunnel, not by it or next to it.) Maybe, just maybe, your family will catch a case of the “What ifs,” too. If you do, please share them with us at www.abrokenumbrella.org.  We look forward to seeing you on Halloween!

the essentials:

Conceived by A Broken Umbrella Theatre

Date: One-day only on Halloween – Saturday, October 31 – Rain or Shine!

Showtimes: Every hour beginning at 2:00 p.m. Last show at 6:00 p.m.

Location: The tunnel under Edgewood Avenue in Edgewood Park (between Pendleton Street and Yale Avenue)

More Details: This event is FREE.  Approximate length of performance is 40 minutes.  Performance not recommended for children under 8 years old. Crafts and other family-friendly activities will be available near the tunnel for the little ones.  The horse-drawn hayrides are sponsored by the fabulous Friends of Edgewood Park.  For more information please visit www.abrokenumbrella.org

p.s. Did I mention that the Cupcake Truck will be there from 2pm – 4pm on Edgewood Avenue? www.followthatcupcake.com

———-

Many events are happening in the vibrant neighborhood of Westville. Visit the Westville Village Renaissance Alliance’s website for more details about THUNDERBOLT and other events at www.westvillect.org.

———-

Rachel Shapiro Alderman is a core ensemble member of A Broken Umbrella Theatre. She lives in the Westville neighborhood with her husband, Ian. By day, she is the Audience Development Associate and Volunteer Coordinator at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven. Basically, her goal in life is to be surrounded at all times by theater, art, music, dance and the people who love any combination of the above. www.abrokenumbrella.org