The Shark Is Broken, follows Roy Scheider (Colin Donnell), Richard Dreyfuss (Alex Brightman) and Robert Shaw (Ian Shaw, the original actor’s son), during the last months of filming “Jaws”. The film drags on due to the mechanical shark. Sadly so does this play.
Alex Brightman, Ian Shaw and Colin Donnell Photo by Matthew Murphy
During the course of the play we learn of the dynamics between these three very different personalities. Even though the three had fantastic chemistry, it is well known that Dreyfuss and Shaw didn’t get along. Dreyfuss didn’t really want to be in “Jaws” as he was convinced that “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz,” was going to make him a star. He turned Spielberg down ….twice, but after Dreyfuss saw Duddy, he hated his performance and joined the cast.
Alex Brightman, Ian Shaw Photo by Matthew Murphy
Dreyfuss admired Shaw because he’s worked with Harold Pinter and had done Shakespeare. Shaw found Dreyfuss insecure, obnoxious and egocentric. Shaw was a raging alcoholic and taunted Dryfuss and bullied Scheider, who just wanted to keep the peace and tan.
Ian Shaw Photo by Matthew Murphy
Shaw is also the playwright along with Joseph Nixon. The problem here, is there isn’t an arc, no real tension or conflict besides the ego’s of actors, therefore no resolve and all talk. You will find your mind taking breaks and having to jar it back to what’s on stage. This 95-minute play just can’t hold your attention for that long. Also Shaw writes in one of the scenes from “Jaws” and it just seems counter productive or like an after thought.
The actors are truly channeling these iconic actors, with Shaw making an impressive Broadway debut. Together with Donnell and Brightman, you feel as if you are really watching Scheider, Dreyfuss and Shaw, and they get the laughs, but that isn’t enough.
Well done is the music by Adam Cork, the scenic design by Duncan Henderson and lighting by Jon Clark.
Director Guy Masterson doesn’t have these actors moving much, which doesn’t help the tedium.
I did like the tongue and cheek references to sequels, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Aliens and “dinosaurs,” but seriously I need more to keep me focused.
I wish for these three actors, who are extremely talented and giving their all…. a better play.
The Shark Is Broken: John Golden Theatre, 252 West 45th Street,until November 19th,
The post The Shark Is Broken and Can’t Hold Our Attention. first appeared on Times Square Chronicles.
