When Peter Yates’ film Breaking Away opened in 1979, it immediately became one of my favorite films. It’s a film I return to time-and-time again and I enjoy it just as much as I did the first time. On Tuesday there will be a live reading of Steve Tesich’s Oscar-winning screenplay at The Wallis in Beverly Hills.
Breaking Away takes place in Bloomington, Indiana. Four friends are trying to figure out what life will be for them after graduating high school. They are called “cutters” by people in town – particularly the local university students – because they are the sons of men who work in the rock quarries. It is assumed that they will follow in their father’s footsteps and become cutters as well.
Dave is deeply passionate about bicycling. He is particularly enamored with the Italian racing team. So much so that he speaks Italian at home, talks with an Italian accent and his room is filled with images of the Italian team. All of this, of course, makes his father crazy.
Dave falls for a girl who is dating the BMOC at the University. That sets up an intense rivalry that ultimately gets played out in the Little Indy 500 bicycle race where the Cutters face off against the Townies.
The film starred Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern and Jackie Earle Haley as the four friends. Paul Dooley and Barbara Barrie played his parents. His chief rival was played by Hart Bochner and the woman he falls for was played by Robyn Douglass.
There are four very intriguing reasons why this could be something truly special. The first is that Dennis Christopher and Paul Dooley will reprise their original roles for this reading. They will be joined by Gayle Rankin and Skyler Gisondo.
The reading is being directed by Michael Angelo Covino and produced by Kyle Martin (both of whom will be participating in the reading). They are the duo behind the film The Climb which was awarded the Un Certain Regard – Jury Coup de Coeur at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
The second reason is that Lyris Quartet will playing live music. The score was written and adapted by Patrick Williams and includes several pieces of classical music. Most notably the use of Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony (No. 4 in A major).
The last reason is in order to simulate the role of the bicycling in the story, the actors will, as appropriate, be on stationary bicycles. Imagine actors bicycling and saying their lines. There’s no looping in live theatre.
This live reading is a Film Independent Event. Members will receive discounted tickets.
For tickets go here.
Update: This post has been updated with casting details made available after being posted.
