The Shark is Broken

Written by: Ian Shaw & Joseph Nixon

Directed by: David A. Miller

Produced by: Amphibian Stage, Fort Worth, Texas

Audience Rating: R (not recommended for children or young teens)

Running Time: 100 minutes (no intermission)

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

ASL Showing: August 7 only

Sound Level: Comfortable

Audio/Visuals to Prepare For: Profanity, references to drug use, depictions of smoking and alcohol abuse

Reviewed by Stacey L. Simpson

I recently celebrated Shark Week 2026 by seeing Amphibian Stage’s terrific production of The Shark is Broken. Creative genius, colossal actor egos, and a notoriously malfunctioning mechanical shark collide in this funny, sharp, and thought-provoking reimagining of the making of Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster movie, Jaws. Co-written by Ian Shaw (son of the legendary Robert Shaw, who played the character Quint in the movie) and Joseph Nixon, The Shark is Broken takes us back to 1974 off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, during the filming of the shark-hunting ocean scenes that make up most of the second half of the movie. Stuck aboard the tiny fishing boat Orca, three film actors - Robert Shaw (Brandon J. Murphy), Roy Scheider (Jakie Cabe), and Richard Dreyfuss (Brandon Wilhelm) - are trapped in endless delays and boredom while Bruce, the unreliable mechanical shark, undergoes constant repairs. The play is a comedic study of artistic tension, generational clashes, and shifting cultural norms in filmmaking.

The set designed by Brian Clinnin is breathtaking, capturing your attention and imagination from the moment you enter the theater. The stage is dominated by a stunningly wrought, meticulously detailed cross-section of the Orca, the fishing vessel from Jaws. You can almost smell the salt air, diesel fumes, and stale alcohol. The compact cabin layout creates an immediate sense of intimacy (and claustrophobia) that anchors the production. Those who grew up as fans of the movie will immediately recognize the look of the iconic vessel and its furnishings.

Complementing the magnificent set is top-tier technical work, including lighting and projection design by Tristan Decker: shimmering shifts in light simulate the passage of long, sun-baked days, and the projections reflect the waves and the glare off the water. Sound design by David Lanza is equally effective and immersive, featuring the clanking sounds of the mechanical shark being repaired offstage (Bruce is never seen), the busy sounds of an active movie set, rolling waves, and distant sea gulls. From time to time the voices of Spielberg and other film production staff (voiced by David A. Miller, Scott Eddins, Jr., Joseph Tulley, David Lanza, and Ash Vance) are heard directing the actors. All sound and dialogue was crystal-clear and at comfortable levels. Hope Cox has designed costumes that effectively evoke those worn by the actors in Jaws during the Orca scenes. Familiar-looking, well-designed props by Kaitlin Hatton and fight choreography designed for tight quarters by Nathan Autrey also add to the overall technical excellence of this production.

The acting trio on stage delivers engaging and thoughtfully-prepared performances. Watching them navigate the volatile dynamic between the dominating Shaw, the mediating Scheider, and the irritating Dreyfuss is great fun. Murphy brilliantly captures Robert Shaw as the angry, sarcastic, and booze-fueled classical acting veteran wrestling with professional and personal demons. Cabe as Scheider tries to keep the peace and to distract the other two with an endless supply of “interesting facts” while longing to catch some rays on deck (presumably to maintain real-life Roy Scheider’s signature, dark tan). Cabe smoothly layers Scheider’s relative calm with hints at underlying disquiet, though. Wilhelm ably plays Dreyfuss as a somewhat hyperactive young upstart who is outwardly puffed up with a high opinion of himself (and lots of opinions about everything), but inwardly terrified that this troubled, over-budget shark movie will ruin his budding career. The constant push-pull between the three actors is well-paced and keeps the audience invested.

One of the production’s delights is how director David A. Miller and the cast subtly weave in the script’s clever callbacks to Jaws. Casual banter and remarks of the actors between scene takes mirror iconic lines and well-known moments from the film. When the trio sit down around the cabin table with a bottle of alcohol, their uneasy camaraderie and rising tension recall the famous movie scenes involving Jaws characters Brody, Quint, and Hooper on the Orca. Seeing these recognizable moments seemingly originate from off-camera squabbles and improvised moments feels like watching cinematic history unfolding right in front of you. And it is a real treat to watch the way Murphy’s Shaw builds up to the famous (and chilling) U.S.S. Indianapolis monologue.

You don't need to be a Jaws or Spielberg superfan to fall in love with this production, though if you are, you will be in paradise. You will enjoy the play even more if you have (recently) seen the movie. The show is packed with clever winks to 1970s news events, movie lore, and Hollywood culture. But even those who have never seen the film will enjoy the engaging, fast-paced banter that moves from comedic bickering to deep reflection.

Miller and the talented creative team, cast, and crew have crafted a remarkable evening of theatre that is in equal parts funny and provocative. The combined effort of the creative team and the powerhouse three-man cast makes The Shark is Broken an unmissable production. Do not wait for the tide to turn - grab your tickets before Bruce finally gets fixed and this vessel sets sail! Tickets available at: https://amphibianstage.com/shows/the-shark-is-broken/. Runs through August 16.

On with the show!

Stacey L. Simpson