Jaws making-of play 'The Shark Is Broken' makes spectacular splash with North American debut
Unleashed in the summer of 1975, Jaws would go on to change the film industry forever. Heralded as the first summer blockbuster, the film terrified audiences around the world and its tagline “You’ll never go in the water again” is a mantra that many of us still practice to this day. Yet for all it’s acclaim and adulation, the production of Jaws was something of a real life horror. Way over schedule and way over budget, the production was plagued by the mechanical shark (nicknamed “Bruce”) that seldom worked.
The aptly titled play The Shark is Broken takes a look at the behind the scenes drama that took place during the filming of the would be blockbuster. Written by Ian Shaw & Joseph Nixon and directed by Guy Masterson, initially made its debut with a three day run at the Rialto Theatre in Brighton, England in July 2019. From there it appeared at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe and following a hiatus due to the pandemic, it was remounted and enjoyed a run at the Ambassadors Theatre in London’s West End. It has recently crossed the pond and made its North American debut at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre.
The show provides a fascinating fly on the wall perspective of the relationship between the film’s three stars: Robert Shaw (played by co-writer and Shaw’s real life son, Ian), Roy Scheider (played by Demetri Goritsas) and Richard Dreyfuss (played by Liam Murray Scott). It’s been well documented that Shaw and Dreyfuss weren’t each other’s biggest fans while working together and it’s understandable to see why. Shaw was a classically trained actor with many Shakespearean credits to his name.
He was also a published author and playwright. Dreyfuss, on the other hand, had movie star ambitions and came to prominence in the New Hollywood era, where movie stars began to look more like your next door neighbour as opposed to the typical well chiseled, handsome specimen of years past. And much like their character counterparts, the working class fisherman Quint and the educated, analytic Hooper, it was two opposing schools of thought battling it out. And much like his own character counterpart, Scheider was forced to act as a peacekeeper between the two.
Along with the examination of the actors relationships with one another, the play also provides personal insights (some of them quite heartbreaking) into what made each man tick, and what made them who they were. The performances are nothing short of spectacular. Liam Murray Scott’s captures not only Richard Dreyfuss’ energetic mannerisms and distinct vocal timbre, his performance provides enough emotional life that he easily avoids doing just an impression of the actor. Demetri Goritsas’ portrayal of Roy Scheider is equally potent. The most subtle role of the bunch, his Scheider acts almost as a straight man to the exuberant personalities that surround him, becoming the balance between them in the process.
But it’s Ian Shaw’s portrayal of his father that is the centrepiece of the show. Speaking as a die hard fan of the film, it was a surreal experience seeing Robert Shaw/Quint live in front of my eyes because, quite simply, that’s exactly what it was. One of the plot points of the play is the creation and filming of Quint’s infamous USS Indianapolis speech (arguably the greatest monologue in cinema history). Shaw recreates his father’s speech, beat for beat, mannerisms intact without losing an ounce of its emotional power. Everything from the gruff but refined tone of his voice to his mischievous grin, it was Quint come back to life forty seven years later and it was one of the most remarkable things I’ve ever seen.
The total production fires on all cylinders and Jaws fans in particular will have plenty to relish. From the moment you enter the theatre you’ll be gazing upon The Orca, full of notable props seen in the film: a well worn yellow barrel, Quint’s two ton fishing reel, and the life jackets that he’d never put on again. Quint’s vessel is set against a video screen backdrop-which first appears as a dark blue, dusk setting reminiscent of poor Chrissie Watkins’ fateful swim. The costume design is spot on as well. Quint’s weathered cap (I need to get one of those!), Brody’s rubbers, and Hooper’s denim on denim with sneakers outfit all appear as if they were taken straight out of Universal’s wardrobe vault.
A fantastic portrait that is in equal parts hilarious and poignant, The Shark is Broken works as a parallel to one of cinema’s iconic trios and examines the people behind the characters. Like the film itself, each man is complex and layered, which makes for a riveting experience. The Shark is Broken is an absolute must see for any Jaws fan.
The Shark Is Broken is performing at the Royal Alexandra Theatre until Nov 6th 2022 - tickets are available now
Reviewer Logan Brown in front of the incredible Orca set of The Shark Is Broken
Review by Logan Brown
If you would like to write for The Daily Jaws, please visit our ‘work with us’ page.
For all the latest Jaws, shark and shark movie news, follow The Daily Jaws on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.