Greenville Theatre is set to stage ‘The Shark Is Broken,’ a comedy that explores the behind-the-scenes story of the iconic film ‘Jaws.’ The play, written by Joseph Nixon and Ian Shaw, son of ‘Jaws’ actor Robert Shaw, follows the experiences of three stars of the film as they wait for the mechanical shark to work.

The Story Behind the Play

The story takes place on the Orca, the fishing boat used in the film, where Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider spend their time waiting for the shark to be ready. The play delves into the personalities and relationships between the actors, showcasing their egos, tempers, and friendships.

Directed by Thom Babbes, the Greenville production of ‘The Shark Is Broken’ will run from July 31 to August 2. The play has previously been staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, London’s West End, and on Broadway.

To prepare for the production, Babbes had his cast revisit ‘Jaws’ and watch documentaries about the film’s troubled production. The real-life ordeal of the mechanical shark’s failures has become cinematic legend, with director Steven Spielberg relying on suggestion and suspense instead of showing the creature.

A Personal Touch

Babbes believes that the setbacks inadvertently helped create one of cinema’s greatest thrillers. ‘You don’t see the shark very much, and I think that’s what makes it scarier,’ he said. The play also explores the creation of Quint’s haunting USS Indianapolis speech, showing Shaw wrestling with the lengthy monologue before delivering the unforgettable version that became one of the film’s defining moments.

Greenville Theatre is constructing a life-size cutaway of the Orca to recreate the film’s famous fishing boat onstage. Despite its humor, the production contains strong language and is intended for mature audiences.

What: ‘The Shark Is Broken’
When: July 31-Aug. 2
Where: Greenville Theatre, 444 College St.
Tickets: $35
Info: 864-233-6238 or greenvilletheatre.org

Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.