Dive into North Shore Music Theatre's 'The Shark is Broken'

You’re gonna need a bigger boat.

North Shore Music Theatre presents The Shark is Broken, a one-act comedy by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon based on Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster Jaws. Amid the mechanical shark's repeated malfunctions, lead actors Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, and Richard Dreyfuss converse about their careers, personal lives, and the film’s success.

A crowd of Jaws enthusiasts filled the seats of North Shore Music Theatre’s The Shark is Broken. Jaws has always been one of my favorite films. Not only is it a thrilling movie that broke box office records, but its behind-the-scenes stories about the turbulent times have made history. The show compiles these stories into a comical and eye-opening production.

The Shark is Broken focuses primarily on the interactions of the three lead stars - Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider. It’s no secret that the trio didn’t get along off-camera while working on this film.

Their egos were so meddled that it’s a miracle the film finished with “Bruce the Shark” malfunctions, budgeting restraints, and difficulty filming on the ocean. Despite their clashes, the trio established one of the most iconic dynamics in film history.

Timothy W. Hull (Robert Shaw), Jonathan Randell Silver (Richard Dreyfuss), and Josh Tyson (Roy Scheider) accomplish a striking dynamic. They did their homework, conveying realistic personalities of the actors. They were so convincing that it truly felt like you were watching the actual filming of Jaws.

Hull embodies the late Shaw’s commanding presence, unveiling the actor’s hidden vulnerability. Famous for the riveting USS Indianapolis monologue, the play highlights how his iconic delivery was shaped by hesitation and personal struggle.

Jonathan Randell Silver delivered a humorous performance as the fast-talking and neurotic Richard Dreyfuss. He riles up Shaw’s temper, pushing his buttons on any subject. Although Shaw and Dreyfuss were at each other’s throats (literally, as this show portrays), they still learned integral lessons that influenced their careers.

Josh Tyson rounds out the trio with a grounded, thoughtful take on the late Roy Scheider. He often settles arguments between his bickering co-stars.

The dynamic and chemistry between Hull, Silver, and Tyson is compelling. The Shark is Broken is a dialogue-heavy show as the men have several discussions. My favorite moments were their discussions on the success of Jaws and whether it would still be relevant years later. Audiences laughed at the irony if the film drew sequels.

Co-writer Ian Shaw is the son of the late Robert Shaw, who was inspired by a drinking log he found from his late father. Shaw and Nixon wrote a play that explored the personal depths of Jaws. They turned to Guy Masterson for his take on the story and gladly stepped onboard to direct NSMT’s show.

Technical elements are noteworthy in NSMT’s The Shark is Broken. Scenic designer Duncan Henderson recreates the famous Orca set in remarkable detail within the theatre’s space. The creaking boards, flickering lights, and oceanic backdrop transport the audience to the cramped, claustrophobic world of the original shoot.

Without contributions from costume designer Rebecca Glick, lighting designer Jeff Greenberg, and sound designers Adam Cork and Alex Berg, The Shark is Broken would be lost. They make it feel like we’ve time-traveled to the 70s with how accurate the details are.

One of my favorite parts about theater is the audience reaction. Audiences had a grand time, laughing in almost every scene. The Shark is Broken is a tribute to the masterpiece that has impacted the film world.

Get your tickets for NSMT’s The Shark is Broken, playing onstage until May 11. You don’t want to miss it.