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Spotlight on the Artist: John Pokrzywinski

Spotlight on the Artist: John Pokrzywinski

For every production, we spotlight one of the hardworking artists who is helping to bring it to life. For The Shark is Broken, we are spotlighting John Pokrzywinski, who is playing Roy Scheider in this behind-the-scenes comedy about the making of Jaws.

How have you approached bringing your character to life?

This has been an odd thing . . . to portray someone who was a real live person that audiences will recognize? Do I try an impersonation? No. Bad idea. All three of us have all tried to find some of the habits and heart of the people we are portraying while not making failed attempts at impersonating. For me, with Roy, he’s got a slight New Jersey accent, he likes facts and ideas, that sort of thing. I’ve watched the movies he’s made before Jaws and read his biography up until 1974. Me . . . Roy Scheider . . . ? You’ve got to be kidding!

Jaws is one of the most iconic films of all time. Do you remember the first time you saw it?

I remember friends at school talking about the film. The gory moments were talked about at length so when I went to see it I knew what was coming. The ‘head popping out’ scene, the bloody leg. I was always and still am quite squeamish so when I finally saw it, at The Grand Theater in Crookston, I closed my eyes and ears when (SPOILER ALERT) Quint gets bitten in half. Ugh. I still have never watched that entire scene.

What has been your favorite part of the rehearsal process? ‍

This is a play about a film. The director, stage manager, and other two actors are well-versed in the world of cinema. Our ‘ten-minute breaks’ have often run long because someone got going on a film or actor or director they adore. I’ve learned a lot and my watch list is enormous.

What excites you about performing in The Lab?

Well, to begin with we arrived at the first rehearsal and were greeted by a mostly finished set. What a luxury. Having an audience so close is good. It’s nifty having the street sounds drift in. Here’s hoping a siren wails or an argument breaks out on the street at just the right moment.

What has been one of your most memorable experiences as a performer?

Shanghai. One man show. Backstage. Diarrhea. Bucket.

When did you start performing, and what inspired you to continue acting?

I was a cute little kid with five older siblings. They prompted me to perform. I did a great rendition of “Where oh Where are you Tonight?” from the TV show Hee-Haw. Anyone remember that? Oh, and my “Age of Aquarius”? Killer! I landed the title role in Bambi in first grade and was off to the races. In high school I didn’t do theater because it was cliquey and I felt excluded and I worked at the restaurant on the weekends. Then, I got cast in a church play for Good Friday. I’d sneak off to rehearsal at the church after baseball practice. In college, I was cast in Trifles by Susan Glaspell my first week of school. I found a home and family and collaborative art. I was off to the races again and haven’t stopped.

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