About the Broadway Play

A Brief Crack of Synopsis 

(previous title Exit Strategy)

 A Brief Crack of Light is the story of two elderly residents of a down-at-the-heels old rooming house about to be demolished. They live day-to-day on social security and faded dreams. Then a mysterious stranger enters and gives them the opportunity to be more than they thought they could be. Can they be brave and a bit larcenous?

As the play opens, the owners of the Penley rooming house where Mae and James live decide to tear the place down and they’ll be out on the street in 31 days. The two sparring friends don’t know where they’ll be able to live with their meager incomes. The loss of the Penley is a reminder that James’s and Mae’s options are shrinking in number and time is running out.

The play’s universal themes of bravery and second chances resonate with theatergoers who have had an experience that made all the difference in their life. 

 Director Michael Lindsay-Hogg talks about how Mae and James have to be brave. 

Mae is the live-in caretaker and James the sole remaining tenant—a former actor and professor who resigned amid scandal. These two characters know how to push one another’s buttons and do so repeatedly. Though James is gay and Mae straight, the connection between the two shows how important the relationship is in both their lives. 

When all seems like it’s lost, a stranger comes to rent a room. Alex, an ex-con, asks for their help to recover his family’s heirloom Mercator map —or is it common theft? 

Mae and James have misgivings, but, at the same time, they’re tempted.  More than a caper play, A Brief Crack of Light is awash with memorable lines—funny, bawdry, wistful, philosophical. Theater goers of all ages can enjoy the turn of fate for Mae and  James.

These messages resonated with the audiences of the previous A Brief Crack of Light productions. The play ran at the Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis. Then it went to the Los Angeles Garry Marshall Theatre (previous name Falcon Theatre), co-produced by Hollywood’s Garry Marshall and Michael Laskin. Both productions drew rave reviews and full houses. A reviewer in Minneapolis said it was “roguish fun and a groundbreaking comedy.” Likewise, in Los Angeles, a reviewer called it “a real treat, a delightful story, an inspiring drama, highly enjoyable.

If You’re new to Broadway, here’s some of the benefits of being A Brief Crack of Light supporter:

• There’s complimentary Opening Night and Preview tickets, and party invitations for investors.
• You’ll meet the cast, director, playwrights, set designer, and creative team.
• In addition, you’ll have exclusive invitations to “Company Only” events. With the caliber of our actors, you may even join them at a Tony Awards ceremony. 
• Investors are invited to attend certain rehearsals and tour the theatre backstage.
• You may purchase special VIP house seats (house best) at regular box office prices.
• Special discounted tickets for family and friends may be available.
• Co-producers and Associate Producers have their information in the Playbill
• Your investment has the potential to provide 18 years of return from any national and/or international productions of A Brief Crack of Light.
• You’ll be updated on the show’s status and financials

 IN ADDITION:

• You’ll enjoy the fun and excitement of being a Broadway insider.
• You can be proud of your part in bringing this creative project to the world. The positive messages of the play will entertain thousands of theater lovers.