Constellation Stage & Screen presents the world premiere of

The Break: A New Rock Musical

Bloomington, IN – “1 Couple. 30 Days Off. No Rules.” This summer, Constellation is bringing the world 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 freshman year of college. They love each other…but do they? As the marriage question looms, it’s time to find out 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 who’s asked the question, “What If…?”

Constellation is excited to be working 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 across the country including at Utah Shakespeare Festival and Milwaukee Rep. Louis is a California-based actor who has performed in multiple national tours including Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair.

At the helm of this production is director Scott Weinstein, a New York and Chicago based artist, whose work has been seen across countless theaters in the country, 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 be performing June 6-23 at the Waldron Arts Center and is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets are on sale now and start 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. Supported by Jessika and Bryan Hane, this program allows audiences the chance to choose their own ticket price (from $5-$75) when attending on Thursday evenings. Tickets are available through Constellation’s website (seeconstellation.org), over the phone at (812) 336-9300 (Mon-Fri 12-5pm), or in-person at 122 S Walnut St (open Wed-Fri 12-5pm).

INDIANAPOLIS — The grounds of the America Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis will be the site of the largest single-day cornhole tournament in the country. The first Indy Cornhole Classic: Throwing for Veterans will take place on August 19 from 2 to 6 p.m., and organizers are inviting cornhole enthusiasts from across the state to participate.

“Right now, the current record for a single-day cornhole tournament is held by the Iowa State Fair,” said Blaine Zimmerman, president and CEO of INVets and Indiana War Memorial Foundation board member. “We are welcoming all players, no matter their skill level, to come out and play in support of a great cause. We would love to see a huge event.”

Presented by INVets and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), proceeds from the event will benefit the Indiana War Memorials Foundation. These funds help support, maintain, and program the many monuments and memorials that honor veterans.

“The best part of this tournament is that participation makes a direct, positive impact on the lives of our veterans and their families,” said Brig. Gen. J. Stewart Goodwin USAF, Ret., Executive Director of the Indiana War Memorials Commission. “The funds raised here will go a long way in supporting and maintaining the beautiful monuments and memorials that pay tribute to the brave men and women who've served our nation over the years.”

Every level of cornhole player, from competitive to recreational, will have an opportunity to compete for prizes. Cash prizes will be awarded to cornholers who play at the competitive level. Recreational cornhole players can vie for an array of donated prizes. The entrance fee is $70 for the competitive level and $40 for the recreational. Players can compete at the competitive or recreational level, but not both. At least one person from each team must pre-register on the free Scoreholio app after tickets have been purchased through Eventbrite.

In addition to the cornhole tournament, there will be a family-friendly festival in Veterans Memorial Plaza with free games and activities and a “mess hall” on North Street that will have food trucks, a silent auction, and adult-beverage vendors. Attending the festival is free.

The Indiana War Memorial Museum, located at 55 E. Michigan Street, will also be open to the public 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This free 30,000 square-foot museum boasts three floors of beautiful exhibits, with interior and exterior designed to honor and remember Indiana’s veterans. Learn more here.

“The National Guard is bringing their inflatable obstacle course which is fun for everybody. People will be able to play cornhole against Rowdie the mascot for the Indianapolis Indians and Sting Ray Robb, a rookie IndyCar driver. People can meet them and get their autographs,” said Zimmerman.

The Indy Cornhole Classic is managed by Custom Cornhole, an organization that has organized more than 1,500 tournaments in 17 years.

The event is outdoors with a rain date of August 20.

To purchase tickets from Eventbrite go to www.eventbrite.com/e/indy-cornhole-classic-tickets-568253630907

To get more information and to register go to www.in.gov/dva/home/indy-cornhole-classic/

-30-

About INVets

Partnering with veterans, their families, and Indiana communities to facilitate a meaningful transition to civilian life while strengthening Indiana’s economy.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community.  IDVA aims to create a state where veterans Live, Work and Thrive. For more information about IDVA and its services, visit in.gov/dva.  

About the Indiana War Memorials Foundation

The Indiana War Memorials Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial support for the museum, memorials, monuments, and parks that the Commission manages and operates. Together, we honor the valor, history, and sacrifice of Hoosier veterans. The museum collections, memorials, monuments, and parks allow us to share the stories of the heroic service men and women so that future generations can learn, honor, and be inspired by them.

Mitchell, IN: Spring Mill State Park invites you to join them on Memorial Weekend, May 25^th and 26^th for Living History Weekend. Step back in history and experience the sights and sound of pioneer life during the Civil War. 

On Both Saturday and Sunday visit encampments, watch as meals are prepared and find out about camp life. Tour the buildings and see spinning, weaving, leather working and more. Bring you camera and take your picture with Civil War Soldiers. Play pioneer games on the Mill Lawn. Near Sycamore Shelter just off the village parking lot at 2:30pm see a civil war skirmish and watch as cannons are being fired at the opposing side. The village will be open until 5pm but you are welcome to visit soldiers in their encampments all day. Artillery is brought to you by a grant from the Lawrence County Tourism Commission.

A special feature of the weekend is Abraham Lincoln a Hoosier Hero portrayed by Danny Russel. He provides a compelling one-man show focusing on Lincolns formative years in Indiana where he lost his mother and sister, taught himself to read and learned the value of hard work. His performance shows the hilarity, the heartbreak, and the humanity of Americas greatest leader. Lincoln will appear at 12:30 both Saturday and Sunday. Lincoln is brought to you by a grant from the Lawrence County Tourism Commission.

Park admission during the event is $7 per vehicle for in-state residents and $9 per vehicle for out-of-state residents. 2024 Annual Entrance Passes are also available.

Spring Mill State Park (stateparks.IN.gov/2968.htm) is at 3333 State Road 60 East, Mitchell, 47446.