The Shark Is Broken
90 minutes without an intermission
The Shark Is Broken - 2023 Broadway History , Info & More
John Golden Theatre (Broadway)
252 West 45th St. New York, NY
Martha’s Vineyard, 1974: shooting on ‘Jaws’ has stalled. The film’s lead actors – Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss – are stuck on a boat, at the mercy of foul weather and a faulty mechanical co-star. Awash with alcohol and ambition, three hammered sharks start to bare their teeth…Directed by Guy Masterson, THE SHARK IS BROKEN reveals the hilarious behind-the-scenes drama on one of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.
The Shark Is Broken - 2023 - Broadway Cast
PREVIEW The Shark Is Broken - 2023 - Broadway
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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Shark Is Broken
BROADWAY REVIEW: Making of ‘Jaws’ comedy ‘Shark is Broken’ is a shipwreck of a show
2 / 10
“What psychological insights into Shaw might we be offered?” I wondered on the way into the theater, “What deep-dive revelations await from a creative act that would appear to be both hubristic and profoundly courageous?” The younger Shaw must have had a window into his father that would have eluded most biographers. Or so you’d think. Alas, the show doesn’t deliver much at all. Not only is the low-stakes script dull and pedestrian, but the characters change not at all, despite the premise of three wild men sitting in a boat, waiting not for Godot but sharks and Spielberg. “The Shark is Broken” had its origins at the Edinburgh Festival, and in that context, it no doubt was a good campy laugh, especially for an audience that had followed Shaw’s pre-gaming example. But it makes for thin Broadway gruel, alas, with a 90-minute running time, a straight-up POV, and a series of behind-the-camera recreations of a situation that already has been much dissected and discussed.
The Shark Is Broken Goes Chumming for Your Affection
6 / 10
That extra-textural dramatic irony gnaws at The Shark Is Broken, which has less integrity as a play than as a thoroughly researched dress-up presentation for a history-of-film class. Ian Shaw, no great surprise, strongly resembles his father, and Brightman and Donnell have both been made up into ringers for Dreyfuss and Scheider. (Praise to Duncan Henderson’s costumes and to the wigs by Campbell Young Associates.) Everyone is meticulously re-creating those familiar voices — Brightman in particular zips right through Dreyfuss’s manic, cokie rants with gusto — and acting out his character’s well-known on-set habits. But although the actors are raring to go, the staging is cramped, with director Guy Masterson running out of ways to shuffle them around a boat that, yes, we know, is quite claustrophobic. (That’s surely the intent, but it makes the play seem smaller than it should.) More pressingly, the writing, intent on remaining lightly comic and knowing, keeps delivering what is familiar and unchallenging. Donnell, in a nod to Scheider’s love of tanning, strips down in an awkwardly staged moment to sunbathe, drawing titters from the audience, a gesture where fan service and beefcake collide.
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by Blair Ingenthron - November 18, 2023
On Thursday, November 16, ahead of THE SHARK IS BROKEN’s final weekend on Broadway at the Golden Theatre, Cynthia Nixon (The Gilded Age, And Just Like That…, Sex and the City), stopped by to see the splash-hit! After the show, she met the cast and posed for a photo.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 8, 2023
This weekend, THE SHARK IS BROKEN celebrated 100 performances at the Golden Theatre! Learn how to purchase tickets to the show!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 30, 2023
Only three more weeks to see the strictly limited engagement of THE SHARK IS BROKEN, the laugh-out-loud comedy that has been making a splash on Broadway.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 27, 2023
See photos of Paul Rudd and Lin-Manuel Miranda at The Shark is Broken on Broadway!
by Stephi Wild - October 27, 2023
The Shark is Broken is the new Broadway play, which explores the behind-the-scenes drama that took place during the filming of the 1975 film Jaws. Richard Dreyfuss shared his opinions on the production in a recent interview, including how it hurt his feelings the way he was portrayed.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 19, 2023
The stars of THE SHARK IS BROKEN got a special surprise at the Golden Theater on Wednesday when the real Richard Dreyfuss came to the show! Check out photos!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 12, 2023
Celebrate “Sharktober” with $75 orchestra tickets and $45 mezzanine tickets to see the laugh-out-loud comedy that has been making a splash on Broadway.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 5, 2023
On Saturday, September 30, movie star Ben Stiller took his family to see The Shark Is Broken on Broadway at The Golden Theatre. He met up with stars Alex Brightman, Ian Shaw, and Colin Donnell backstage after the show to congratulate them and shared stories of working with Steven Spielberg. See photos!
by Blair Ingenthron - September 25, 2023
Audiences only have 8 weeks left to see the critically acclaimed comedy that has been making a splash on Broadway, THE SHARK IS BROKEN. Get performance and ticket information here!
by Red Carpet - August 14, 2023
In this video, watch as BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge takes you to the opening night red carpet for The Shark Is Broken to chat with some of the evening's celebrity guests, including Al Roker, Patti Murin, Christian Slater, Nikki M. James, James Monroe Iglehart, Orfeh, and more!
by A.A. Cristi - August 11, 2023
Last night, The Shark Is Broken officially opened at the Golden Theatre! Check out video from the red carpet as BroadwayWorld takes you inside opening night!
by Opening Night - August 12, 2023
On Thursday night, the best of Broadway was at the Golden Theatre to celebrate opening night of The Shark Is Broken.We're taking you inside opening night in this video!
by HaleyJane Rose - August 11, 2023
Shop merch and souvenirs from The Shark is Broken in BroadwayWorld's Theatre Shop!
by Jennifer Broski - August 11, 2023
Last night, The Shark is Broken officially opened at the Golden Theatre! Check out photos from the red carpet here!
by Jennifer Broski - August 11, 2023
Last night, The Shark is Broken officially opened at the Golden Theatre! Check out photos of the cast taking their opening night bows here!
by A.A. Cristi - August 10, 2023
THE SHARK IS BROKEN officially opens tonight at Broadway's Golden Theatre for a strictly limited 16-week engagement. Read the reviews!
by Jennifer Broski - August 10, 2023
The best of Broadway is at the Golden Theatre tonight to celebrate opening night of the new comedy THE SHARK IS BROKEN. Check out photos of the cast on the red carpet!
by Show Highlights - August 10, 2023
All new clips have been released for the new comedy THE SHARK IS BROKEN opening tonight, Thursday, August 10, at Broadway’s Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). Check out the video here!
by Jennifer Broski - August 10, 2023
The new comedy THE SHARK IS BROKEN opens tonight, Thursday, August 10, at Broadway’s Golden Theatre. Check out photos of the Broadway marquee here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 10, 2023
Dive into the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the iconic movie JAWS with the hilarious Broadway comedy 'The Shark is Broken.' Get ready for a limited 16-week engagement at the Golden Theatre.
by Show Highlights - August 7, 2023
Get a first look at THE SHARK IS BROKEN on Broadway with exclusive photos. Discover behind-the-scenes images and stunning visuals from the highly anticipated production.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - July 25, 2023
Get a first look at Colin Donnell, Ian Shaw, and Alex Brightman in action for the upcoming play, THE SHARK IS BROKEN. See the trio in character and get a sneak peek of what to expect from this highly anticipated production. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of theater.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - July 21, 2023
Get ready for an unforgettable theatrical experience with 'The Shark is Broken.' Enjoy the thrills and excitement of this sensational show while saving money with discounted tickets. Don't miss out on the limited-time offer - secure your seats now!
by Nicole Rosky - July 13, 2023
Rehearsals are underway for The Shark is Broken, which officially begins Broadway previews on July 25, at the John Golden Theatre. The play officially opens on Thursday, August 10, 2023, for a strictly limited 16-week engagement. In this video, watch as the cast meets the press!
by Bruce Glikas - July 12, 2023
The Shark is Broken officially begins previews on July 25, at the John Golden Theatre. The play officially opens on Thursday, August 10, 2023, for a strictly limited 16-week engagement. The cast met the press yesterday and you can check out the photos here!
The Shark Is Broken FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Shark Is Broken History
Other Productions of The Shark Is Broken
| 2021 | West End |
West End |
| 2023 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
The Shark Is Broken - 2023 Broadway Awards and Nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | BroadwayWorld Awards | Best Featured Performer in a Play | Alex Brightman |
| 2024 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding New Broadway Play | Joseph Nixon |
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