The Shark Is Broken

A Broadway comedy about the making of Jaws that struggles to find its footing.

The Shark Is Broken is a new Broadway comedy about the behind-the-scenes squabbles during the making of Jaws. The play follows actors Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, and Richard Dreyfuss as they clash with each other and with director Steven Spielberg while filming the iconic blockbuster.

The concept of the play is certainly intriguing, and there are some funny moments along the way. However, the play ultimately struggles to find its footing. The characters are one-dimensional and the dialogue is often clunky. Additionally, the play is self-aware to a fault, constantly winking at the audience about the future success of Jaws.

The one bright spot in the play is Ian Shaw, who plays his father, Robert Shaw, in the show. Ian Shaw is a dead ringer for his father and he delivers the lines with aplomb. However, even his performance is not enough to save the play.

Overall, The Shark Is Broken is a disappointment. It’s a missed opportunity to create a funny and insightful look at the making of one of the most beloved films of all time.

Here are some additional thoughts on the play:

• The play would have benefited from a more focused script. The plot meanders and the characters are underdeveloped.
• The play is too self-aware. The constant references to the future success of Jaws become tiresome.
• The performances are uneven. Ian Shaw is the standout, but Colin Donnell and Alex Brightman are not given much to work with.
• The play’s set design is impressive, but it does not make up for the play’s shortcomings.

Overall, The Shark Is Broken is a disappointing play. It’s a missed opportunity to create a funny and insightful look at the making of one of the most beloved films of all time.