Out and About Mom

Things to Do with Kids in Connecticut

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Playhouse on Park

Hi everyone!

Our Out and About Dad John O’Leary is back on the blog today with another OAAM first–a post meant just for us parents! Although Playhouse on Park does offer shows for young audiences, this time we’re hoping to inspire some grownup fun 🙂

Let’s face it, parenting is joyful but it can also be extremely challenging. And a night out with your significant other (or your besties!) is a reward we all deserve.

John sent me this post back in October, when The Shark is Broken had its run from October 2-20, 2024. Although this particular show has ended, his post will still give you a great idea of what the experience is like at this unique theater venue. And happily, Playhouse on Park has a fantastic Season 16 lineup with many more opportunities for you to get “Out and About.”

And who knows– maybe this will be the start of a new Out and About Mom “Date Night” series 🙂

Thanks for another great outing idea, John!

This one is for all the parents out there. Sometimes you need a night away. We had one at the Playhouse on Park recently for a fantastic show.

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Hartford’s most affordable and intimate professional theater, Playhouse on Park is nestled on Park Road in West Hartford, where the parking is free, the actors are right off Broadway, and the back row is just four seats from the stage.

We are big Jaws fans so when I saw ‘The Shark is Broken’ on the marquee of the playhouse I could not wait to get tickets. This comedy centers on the making of the blockbuster film “JAWS” and enjoyed overwhelming popularity on Broadway and in London’s West End.

Based on Shaw’s journals of the experience, Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Scheider and Shaw wrestle with the frustration of constant filming delays because “the shark is broken!”

The highly detailed play lets the audience inside on what went on behind the scenes of the movie, and the bonds that can form when faced with adverse conditions and a boat that’s too small.

The foyer of the Playhouse on Park adorned with Jaws decorations.
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Shaw is played by John D. Alexander who bears a striking resemblance to the English actor and is joined by two other New York-based actors, Nicolas Greco as Scheider and Jake Regensburg as Dreyfuss.
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Date Night
The elaborate stage with a pool at the front of the performance filled with water and a nicely cluttered boat that closely resembles the one from the movie. Not a bad seat in the house.
We could easily transport back in time upon the sight of three present-day actors playing film icons from 1975. “The Shark is Broken” unfolds in real time. Shaw is the booze-guzzling tough guy, Dreyfuss is the young actor who irks his wiser older co-star and Scheider is the mediator for Shaw and Dreyfuss’ tense interactions.
The comedy routines are based on real-life occurrences from filming like Dreyfuss throwing Shaw’s hidden bottle overboard. There are a lot of jokes where the audience already knows the answers and that’s the joke. The actors ponder the future of the film with musings such as “Do you think there will be a sequel?”. So many “Jaws” factoids are dispensed that you could fill a week of nightly trivia.
“The Shark is Broken” made us want to watch “Jaws” again as soon as we got home.

There is a great line up of performances for Season 16 (2024-2025) ‘Reframing the Familiar’ at the Playhouse on Park including shows for younger audiences such as Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus the Musical! By Mo Willems and The Amazing Adventures of Dr. Wonderful (and Her Dog!) by Lauren Gunderson.

Whether you choose to visit Playhouse on Park for a date night or a family outing, we hope you get a chance to experience this Connecticut gem!

Playhouse on Park:

240 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119

(860) 523-5900

Find them on Facebook & Instagram!

Schedule & Pricing:

Check out all their Season 16 (2024-2025) main stage shows HERE, their Season 16 youth shows HERE, & their Season 16 comedy shows HERE.

Find ticket prices HERE.

Details:

Parking: Yes – There is ample free parking on Park Road, Nesbit St., Price Blvd. and Washington Circle. NOTE: Playhouse patrons are asked not to park in AC Petersen’s parking lot, which is reserved for patrons of the restaurant.

Food for Sale: NO – Only candy. However, there are several Dining Partners located nearby: https://www.playhouseonpark.org/web2/planyourvisit.html

Outside Food allowed: NO. No outside food or beverages allowed.

Cash Required: NO. Credit Cards accepted.

Dress Code: NO. Come as you are casual.

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Over the years, we’ve learned that being an “out and about mom” requires more than just a penchant for adventure. We also need to create a home environment that supports our active lifestyle. In our Out and About Mom Lifestyle series we’re sharing our best tips, tricks, ideas and advice for managing our home life in a way that leaves us plenty of time and energy for what we love most: experiencing new things with our families! Check out these ideas…

Whether you’re packing lunches for school, camp, picnics or other adventures, check out our favorite gear for keeping those meals fresh & tasty for hours. Because what good is packing the perfect lunch if your kiddos won’t eat it?

Is 2025 the year you finally declutter your living space? Find the motivation to streamline your stuff in these books by inspiring authors and bloggers.

These three simple tools have completely changed our dinnertime game.

Want to connect with Connecticut families? Out and About Mom can help grow your business, organization or destination!

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