"Production used" barrel adds JAWS-thenticity to 'The Shark Is Broken'
You can catch The Shark Is Broken from 25th July 2023 at the Golden Theater, New York, NYC.
As with all things JAWS, authenticity is super important and something hit Broadway play ‘The Shark Is Broken’ takes very seriously. The set of the Orca has been painstakinly recreated using production stills and frames from the movie to ensure scale, materials and even lighting is as accurate as possible. But one detail you may not be aware of is a ‘production used’ barrel is stowed away in the Orca and we caught up with the man to made it happen, Robert Melina of Melina Fine Art.
TDJ: Tell us about your love for JAWS / what does JAWS mean to you?
Robert: My love for JAWS stems from one word "summer". The feeling of the season is in sync with this film. I have great memories of friends and I reliving the movie while listening to the soundtrack on (of course) vinyl. It has become a tradition to watch it at the beginning of every summer season.
The first time I saw JAWS was the first re-release which was 1977(?) My friend and I had heard about the movie, but missed it the first time around, because we were too young to go see it at the time of its original release. I remember that it was a daytime showing and the theater was fairly empty. That flipped the switch on to my love of everything "Jaws" for a lifetime.
TDJ: Do you have a favorite character?
Robert: The harbor master .. ha, ha, no seriously, Quint is definitely the man. Experienced, crusty, with salty language and hard drinkin' ways. What's not to like. He reminded me of some of my relatives that went through the WWII and Korean wars. He also had the best lines as well.
TDJ: Do you have a favorite line?
Robert: Hard to pick, but off the top of my head. Quint: "You go in the cage, cage goes in the water, you go in the water. Shark's in the water, our shark. Farewell and adieu." .. you know you can hear it in your head right now.
TDJ: Do you have a favorite moment?
Robert: The calm before the storm .. when Quint's fishing reel starts to click, click, click. This entire scene has so many moving parts. All three characters are in play. There's suspense, action, comedy, and of course, Hooper's great line "I don't have to take this abuse much longer."
TDJ: What do you think of the sequels?
Robert: But of course I love them all .. wink, wink. I am purist for the first film, but the sequels have their own little charms. I don't think Hollywood had the sequel special sauce figured out just right back then. Sequels weren't an oddity but they rarely went beyond part two. We now live in an era of the part four, five, six and so on, and it's become almost expected. The studios have so much more feedback from the viewers today; changes can be made even while films are still being shot to tailor make the best accepted product.
TDJ: JAWS - reboot? Remake? Prequel or sequel?
Robert: In my opinion, no to remakes or reboots for JAWS. "The Taking of Pelham 123" comes glaringly to mind, and they remade that film not once but twice. Some things must stay as they were meant to be. I recently read an article from a few years back about Steven Spielberg wanting to do a vague prequel focusing on the USS Indianapolis history and a young Quint. Interesting concept but seems limited as a JAWS related idea. It may just be a pipe dream. Just look at how long it took for Indiana Jones 5 to hit the screen.
TDJ: Tell us about the yellow barrel? Is the barrel a production used prop?
Our JAWS barrel is production used. Originally obtained from the Murphy family that purchased the ORCA II and all the miscellaneous equipment from UNIVERSAL PICTURES, who probably didn't want to haul anything back to California after going over budget. From what I understand our barrel was used on the barge that housed all the mechanical machinery that made Bruce (the shark) work or not work. So, knowing this makes it even more serendipitous that it's being used in "THE SHARK IS BROKEN".
TDJ: How did you create the barrel? How did you get the size, dimensions, materials, colour etc correct? What shade of yellow are the barrels?
ROBERT: I brought in a packet of photos and information to help speed along the plays art department in transforming our barrel from being in it's original state of black hard plastic to the iconic distressed bright yellow as seen in the film. Prior to bringing the piece in there was question asked by production about them altering the barrel by painting it up. Did I mind changing it from its present state? It was a no brainer in my eyes. This would only raise the station of this lowly worker bee prop to an integral piece of JAWS canon!
It is the ultimate honor to be involved in this production.
TDJ: What was the reaction to the barrel from Ian and the rest of the TSIB cast and crew?
ROBERT: Ian was very pleased and thankful to have it on board, literally. I tell you when my wife and I brought the barrel in it was though a celebrity was arriving(!) Everyone came out of the woodwork to come see it or to get a glimpse. Folks were a bit giddy seeing an object that was actually there back in 1974. I guess it's like a time machine moment to see and touch movie lore.
Robert (right) with The Shark Is Broken set designer Duncan Henderson
TDJ: What is it that makes the barrels so iconic?
ROBERT: I think Steven Spielberg said it best "The barrels were a godsend, because I didn't need to show the shark as long as those barrels were around "The barrels (dare I say it) helped save the picture around the mayhem of the shark not working.
TDJ: What was it like meeting Ian Shaw?
ROBERT: It was a very surreal meeting. While Ian is of course Ian, his similarities to his father Robert are striking. My late father and myself have this same thing in common with Ian. I can show photos of my dad taken in the 1940s and 50s, and people will think I'm a time traveler.
Another touching moment was when my wife and Mr. Shaw were talking about losing their fathers at the same age (8 years old) and both to tragic circumstances as well. They both emotionally acknowledged that certain understanding of losing a parent at that tender age of their life.
Watch video here
TDJ: How do you feel having one of your barrels in the Orca in The Shark Is Broken?
ROBERT: It's truly a magical moment in my life being part of JAWS' continuing history. We have also made great new connections, and new friends as well, and amassed a greater understanding of how another part of the entertainment business works in regards to Broadway shows.
My family's fine art business started back in 1962, by my father, has enabled my family to experience incredible things over the years throughout our lives, and this involvement with the wonderful company of THE SHARK IS BROKEN is truly up there in the top 10.
TDJ: As well as the barrel, you presented Ian with a very special gift…. Tell us about that.
ROBERT: I felt so blessed to be a part of this great Broadway show and JAWS history I wanted to somehow give back the love. While being involved in the fine art world I have always been a collector of entertainment memorabilia and we have been able to acquire some wonderful things. Some years back I purchased some pieces of the ORCA II that were owned by the family that purchased the boat from production. Archeological artifacts of the historic film. While not a whole prop or costume, this piece of Quint's boat needed to be returned home to Ian as thanks from us for moving forward and making this theatrical production a reality.
TDJ: Have you seen the show? What did you think? Would you recommend it?
ROBERT: We have seen the show twice so far and plan to go a couple of more times. We would highly recommend seeing it. It's funny, touching, and has a few jarring moments. Ian Shaw, Alex Brightman and Colin Donnell fully embody their onscreen counterparts. Set and costume designer Duncan Henderson has recreated the ORCA boat so accurately it's absolutely the fourth character in the play. The cyclorama screen and feeling of being on the open ocean are accredited to Video designer Nina Dunn, the quality of the effect is of the highest standard. Ian's and Joseph Nixon's writing are a perfect cocktail for telling the tale of the epic journey in making the film. The man that wrangled it all together to perfection is Guy Masterson, a Laurence Olivier Award winning producer, actor, and writer director.
Robert Melina was interviewed by Ross Williams for The Daily Jaws
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