Review: ‘The Shark Is Broken’ Finds Its Sea Legs at Actors’ Playhouse

Adam Poole as Roy Scheider), Wesley Slade as Richard Dreyfuss) and Iain Batchelor as Robert Shaw) in “The Shark Is Broken” at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre through Sunday, Aug. 9. (Photo by Alberto Romeu)

The mechanical shark may have repeatedly broken down during the filming of Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster “Jaws,” but those frustrating delays provide the perfect setup for the behind-the-scenes comedy “The Shark Is Broken,” now on stage at Actors’ Playhouse.

Director David Arisco steers three strong performances and spot on technical elements through Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon’s behind-the-scenes comedy. “The Shark Is Broken” premiered in 2019 and later played London’s West End before moving to Broadway in 2023.

Iain Batchelor as Robert Shaw has a drink while Wesley Slade as Richard Dreyfuss and Adam Poole as Roy Scheider listen aboard the Orca in Actors’ Playhouse’s production of “The Shark Is Broken.” (Photo by Alberto Romeu)

The 90-minute play is set entirely aboard the cramped deck of the fishing boat the Orca in the waters off Martha’s Vineyard during the 1974 filming of “Jaws.” Ian Shaw, who starred as his father in the English and Broadway productions, draws on Robert Shaw’s journals and the well-documented production delays caused by Bruce, the malfunctioning mechanical shark.

The actors grumble about shooting on the open ocean, trade stories, debate Shakespeare, art and fame, reveal stories of their past and share insecurities as the delays stretch on. Running throughout is the recurring question: Why didn’t Spielberg simply film in a Hollywood tank instead of battling the unpredictable Atlantic?

Iain Batchelor portrays Robert Shaw in “The Shark Is Broken” at Actors’ Playhouse. (Photo by Alberto Romeu)

South Florida’s Iain Batchelor is virtually unrecognizable from his performance in last season’s “The Girl on the Train.” Sporting long dark hair and a pronounced bald spot, he captures Robert Shaw’s imposing authority, sarcasm, and self-destructive tendencies without resorting to a straight impersonation.

As Richard Dreyfuss, New York-based actor Wesley Slade wisely avoids mimicking the Oscar-winning actor’s familiar voice and mannerisms. Instead, he embraces the character’s ambition and restless neurotic energy, creating a performance that feels authentic rather than imitative. (The real Dreyfuss has publicly criticized the play’s portrayal, saying Ian Shaw never sought his perspective and that he was unfairly depicted as a fool. In the play, Shaw even tells Dreyfuss he’d be good in a Shakespeare play in the role of a fool.)

Tensions flare aboard the Orca as Robert Shaw (Iain Batchelor) twists Richard Dreyfuss’ (Wesley Slade) hand while Roy Scheider (Adam Poole) looks on in Actors’ Playhouse’s production of “The Shark Is Broken.” (Photo by Alberto Romeu)

Adam Poole rounds out the trio as Roy Scheider, serving as the play’s steady center. The Los Angeles actor captures the easygoing professionalism that often places him between the clashing personalities of Shaw and Dreyfuss. A scene in which he’s preparing to settle in for a tanning session on the boat, meticulously folding each piece of clothing, is impeccably executed. Although the script often limits Scheider to playing mediator, repeatedly urging the other two men to cool their tempers, Poole gives the character warmth and a quiet authority that make him more than simply the referee.

While the dialogue is often witty and revealing, the script occasionally circles back to the same conflicts. Much of the tension comes from Shaw’s relentless badgering of Dreyfuss, a dynamic that can grow somewhat repetitive as the play progresses.

Presented in Actors’ Playhouse’s intimate Balcony Theatre, “The Shark Is Broken” makes smart use of its compact setting.

The mood aboard the Orca is heightened by projections, lighting and scenic design in Actors’ Playhouse’s production of “The Shark Is Broken.”  (Photo by Alberto Romeu)

Brandon M. Newton’s scenic design places the actors aboard the Orca, while projections of sometimes tranquil, sometimes churning waters reinforce the feeling of being stuck at sea. Sam Sigler’s props give the Orca the feel of a working fishing boat. A first-aid kit, cooler, fishing net, life jackets and coiled ropes add authenticity, while liquor bottles tucked beneath tables and into hidden nooks become recurring reminders of Shaw’s alcoholism.

Reidar Sorensen’s sound design completes the illusion. The cries of seagulls, water lapping against the boat, the rumble of engines and the arrival of speedboats ferrying cast and crew give the sense of sharing the actors’ long waits on the open water. Eric Nelson’s lighting subtly marks the passage of time, distinguishing day from night while reflecting changing weather conditions, and preventing the single-set production from feeling visually static.

Ellis Tillman’s costumes help to convey the character’s personalities. Dreyfuss’ faded Levi’s and denim jacket make it stand out even more that he is younger than the others, while Scheider’s practical boating clothes—including the deck boots he carefully removes before sunbathing —reinforce his methodical nature. Batchelor, in an olive field jacket, weathered work clothes and distinctive mutton-chop sideburns, completes the convincing transformation of Shaw.

Wesley Slade portrays a young Richard Dreyfuss in “The Shark Is Broken” at Actors’ Playhouse. (Photo by Alberto Romeu)

Arisco clearly enjoys productions that rely on sharp dialogue and strong storytelling rather than spectacle. He keeps the action moving at an easy pace, using the cast’s chemistry and the production’s polished technical elements to overcome the script’s minor shortcomings. Even when the play returns to the familiar rhythm of Shaw provoking Dreyfuss and Scheider stepping in to restore peace, the performances keep the interactions engaging.

Those unfamiliar with “Jaws” (yes, there may be some) will find plenty to enjoy from this well-executed and entertaining production because “The Shark Is Broken” is less a tribute to the film than a comedy about three actors who have no idea they’re making a future classic.

WHAT: “The Shark Is Broken” by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon

WHERE: Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, Balcony Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables

WHEN: 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. Special matinee Wednesday, July 22. Through Sunday, Aug. 9.

TICKETS: $40, $50, $60, $70, $75, $80 and $95, depending on performance.

INFORMATION: (305) 444-9293; actorsplayhouse.org

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