Dead Broke at The Theatre Centre (2024)

"Dead Broke, written by Will King and presented by Lost Dreams Collective at the Theatre Centre, is an engrossing story of young adults that explores the tension between aspiration and survival – and does so with unnerving style, unexpected shifts in tone, and an inventively and appropriately austere aesthetic." Scott Sneddon, SeSayArts Magazine

"If you go: be prepared to howl with laughter and scream in terror — all in a single breath." Joshua Chong, Toronto Star

“This cast has amazing chemistry and they play so well off of one another, it makes the show the engrossing and thrilling experience it is.” “The tone of the design works so perfectly with the script, and being able to use the Incubator to its full extent elevates the production.” Janine Marley, View from the Box

"This show pulls off the theatrical horror with seeming ease: That’s reason enough to check it out for yourself.” Andrea Perez, Intermission Magazine

“This show was a runaway hit at the 2022 Toronto Fringe and has now come back for an independent run. Billed as a horror comedy, writer Will King has taken on a big task in Dead Broke. What is he going to bring to a genre that is already saturated with material? As it turns out, he has produced a script of promise with lots of surprising twists and turns. It’s a sweet homage to all that has come before.” “There is some solid acting and clever scary effects, including King’s own terrific sound design.” Paula Citron

Dead Broke - Toronto Fringe 2022

"Played with conviction by King." “King’s script brims with dark comedy and is exhilaratingly taut — the 60-minute play is filled with more twists and turns than you can count — without ever compromising character development.” "A must-see event for any fan of the horror genre." “Top Pick!” 3/4 Stars. Joshua Chong, Toronto Star

"A naturalistic Gen Z drama meets a low-budget horror property in Will King’s fresh and inventive new play, one of the most pleasant surprises at the Fringe." "From the start, King and director Calvin Petersen do such a good job setting up Oliver’s situation – and the actors are so fully present in their roles – that you’re drawn in and care about what happens to everyone. The show is so effective that when a character looks out into the audience and mentions something on the wall, you’ll believe it’s there." "This is terrific theatre, full of committed, fresh performances." “NNNN” Glenn Sumi, Now Magazine

"Dead Broke is a tightly structured, fun horror story with some great plot turns and excellent practical effects." "King’s dedication to genre theatre is always a breath of fresh air and this is his most accessible work yet." “A-” grade! - Kelly Bedard, My Ent World

"The cast of Dead Broke was fantastic, a truly great ensemble." Janine Marley, View from the Box

Additional Press Quotes

As a young Albert Einstein, Will King’s accent and mannerisms stayed steady throughout the 90 minute play. It would be easy to slip in and out of character and and veer into parody instead of a respectful depiction of Einstein. Indeed, I felt as if I was watching a young genius passionately speaking about ideas which would one day lead him to greatness.  -The Charming Modernist

Will King delivers a wonderful high-wire comedy act as the play’s standout (by a mile) character Albert Einstein.      - My Entertainment World

Will King as Albert Einstein and Dylan Evans as Pablo Picasso delivered strong performances; the tension and relationship between characters was palpable. - Torontonicity

"King expresses genuine feelings of the dreamer— one who longs for more. This idea is the foundation of French’s entire adaptation."  -The Lance

"The way that [Chloe J. Sullivan], Terrence Duraisami, and Will King play the opening scene reminds me why it is considered to be the best in English theatre. Their performances make the terror, tension, and intrigue of the ghost’s first appearance palpable and set the tone for this production perfectly." - Jeremy Thinks Things

"It’s rare to have an ensemble this size have every character become a fully fleshed-out creation. This allows every actor to shine in their respective roles. Kudos to director Will King for bringing the best out of this cast." - Mooney on Theatre

"King’s calm, loyal, regal presence informs the character’s outsider-ness and carries his backstory into the few scenes he has on the island, strengthening his relationships with both Viola and Olivia as a by-product."  - My Entertainment World

INTERVIEWS

Production Stills

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