Independent Arts News Reporting The Shark is Broken –The Behind-the-Scenes Play of “Jaws”
Reported on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Pictured Above: Josh Tyson (Roy Scheider), Timothy W. Hull (Robert Shaw), and Jonathan Randell Silver (Richard Dreyfuss). Photo Credit: Paul Lyden
NEWSROOM POST: OAKS BLUFF, MASSACHUSETTS
The Acclaimed Play is to be Presented On Martha’s Vineyard July 5 – 20 At The Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center In Oak Bluffs - Alongside Summer Celebrations For The 50th Anniversary Of The Film JAWS
Oaks Bluff, MA –THE SHARK IS BROKEN, the acclaimed play from Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon that has seen successful productions in London and New York will be performed on Martha’s Vineyard July 5 through 20. Produced by Bill Hanney and David Elliott, in association with West Tisbury–based production company Circuit Arts, the play is Directed by Guy Masterson, the original UK and NY director.
THE SHARK IS BROKEN is a captivating 95-minute play that delves into the behind-the-scenes tensions during the filming of the iconic 1975 blockbuster movie “Jaws.” Set aboard the cramped Orca boat, the play dives deep into the tumultuous, murky waters of the making of the major motion picture with testy, feuding costars, unpredictable weather, and a shark prop whose constant breakdowns are looking like an omen for the future of the movie. In this comedy co-written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, the short tempers of Jaws stars Robert Shaw (father of co-writer Ian), Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider take center stage as they bond, argue, drink, gamble, and pray for an end to the shoot, not knowing it will change their lives forever.
Pictured Above: Josh Tyson (Roy Scheider), Timothy W. Hull (Robert Shaw), and Jonathan Randell Silver (Richard Dreyfuss). Photo Credit: Paul Lyden
Prior to opening on Martha’s Vineyard, this production is currently playing a sold-out engagement at Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre venue in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Mr. Shaw, who was a young boy when his father Robert Shaw starred in Jaws as Quint, based The Shark Is Broken on his father’s “drinking diary” from the movie’s production.
“I had a moustache for another role I was playing. Suddenly I realized I looked like Quint. We were the same age. So I sketched out some ideas for a play,” Mr. Shaw wrote, in an author’s letter on the website for the play’s touring production. Shaw, who appeared in all of the previous productions, is now touring England and Ireland with The Shark Is Broken and will be unable to join the Vineyard cast but is hoping to get to the Vineyard once his tour ends.
The celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the release of JAWS kick off exactly 50 years to the day on June 20, with most events taking place over that weekend and some continuing throughout the summer. From exclusive screenings and behind-the-scenes storytelling to live orchestral performances, immersive shark-themed experiences, meet-and-greets with actors, filmmakers, and Islanders connected to the film, and island-wide festivities—this weekend promises thrills, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments.
The JAWS 50th Anniversary Celebrations are presented by the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with National Geographic, Amblin Documentaries, and Circuit Arts on June 20, and with Alamo Drafthouse and Discovery Channel’s Shark Week on June 21. For more information, visit: https://www.mvy.com/2024/01/18/jaws-50th-anniversary-celebration/
Pictured Above: Josh Tyson (Roy Scheider), Timothy W. Hull (Robert Shaw), and Jonathan Randell Silver (Richard Dreyfuss). Photo Credit: Paul Lyden
Concurrently, the JAWS50th.com group will present a full weekend of fun activities, JAWS Celebrities and excitement for ‘Finatics’ on the Island and online – https://www.jaws50th.com
For Tickets and Information for THE SHARK IS BROKEN at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center In Oak Bluffs from July 5-20th, please visit: https://sharkmv.com
