Booked & Scene

The Shark is Broken kicked off North Shore Music Theatre’s 2025 MainStage season with bite—an especially notable opener as the beloved Beverly-in-the-round venue celebrates its 70th year since first opening in 1955. Directed by Guy Masterson, this intimate three-person play dives behind the scenes of Jaws, centering on the turbulent, tension-filled downtime between filming and takes due to the mechanical shark’s many malfunctions. Trapped aboard the boat set with nothing to do but wait, the actors—Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider—grapple with egos, hangovers, anxiety, and existential dread… all while trying to finish what would become one of cinema’s most iconic thrillers.

Three Men and a Broken Shark

This trio of talent delivered a performance with remarkable rhythm and chemistry. Timothy W. Hull embodied Robert Shaw with a deliciously dry wit and impeccable comic timing. His portrayal of Shaw’s drunken episodes was grounded and authentic, never veering into caricature which is incredibly impressive. Hull’s performance managed to strike that delicate balance between the gruff exterior and the poetic melancholy beneath the surface.

Jonathan Randell Silver brought a boyish charm and palpable vulnerability to Richard Dreyfuss. His timing was sharp, his physical comedy perfectly timed, and his anxious energy added a compelling and different emotion to the stage. You could feel the anxiousness bubbling beneath his jokes and worries—and that’s what made his performance that much more captivating.

As Roy Scheider, Josh Tyson played the steady hand at the helm. His calm energy and understated approach made the louder moments from the others pop even more. His sunbathing scene and subsequent breakdown was a standout moment, showing off both his subtlety and emotional range. Tyson was the anchor—and the storm—when the moment called for it.

All Hands on Deck

With the entire production confined to the cabin of a fishing boat, The Shark is Broken could have easily felt cramped or claustrophobic. But under Guy Masterson’s direction, it remained fresh and engaging. Each shift in tension, in tone, or in the turning of the tides was felt through the actors’ blocking and delivery, keeping the audience emotionally adrift in the best way.

A massive shoutout is due to Adam Cork for the sound design and original music, which played an enormous role in creating the atmosphere. The creak of the boat, the distant cries of gulls, the rhythmic slap of waves—all of it transported you to the open sea. It was immersive, evocative, and one of the show’s most effective storytelling elements.

Duncan Henderson’s scenic design also deserves praise. The boat set was weathered and detailed, feeling less like a stage and more like a floating time capsule. Every detail reinforced the isolation and absurdity of the men’s circumstances and how very small of a space the three were forced to co-exist in. 

The Shark That Wasn’t There

As much as I enjoyed this production, there were a few moments that left me wishing for something different. Chief among them: we never see the broken shark. Given that the play revolves around the dysfunction of this now-infamous animatronic, even a teasing visual—perhaps a fin, a tooth, or a creaking, broken jaw—would have been a satisfying nod to the audience.

At just 95 minutes, the show still felt like it could be trimmed. There were a handful of scenes where the momentum lagged and my mind began to drift. A few conversations lingered just a bit longer than necessary for my taste—though whether that’s a fault of the script or simply my own threshold for behind-the-scenes Jaws banter is anyone’s guess.

And finally, a caveat: if you’re not a Jaws fan, or don’t find the behind-the-scenes lore of 1970s Hollywood filmmaking particularly riveting, this may not be your boat ride. This play is unapologetically niche, tailored for cinephiles and Jaws devotees.

Final Bite

Despite a few moments that could have used a snip of the editor’s scissors—or a glimpse of the titular shark—this was an impressive production across the board. The performances were nuanced and compelling, the direction smart and economical, and the design elements fully immersive. It may not be for everyone, but for those willing to come aboard, The Shark is Broken is a poignant, hilarious, and oddly touching look at men, movies, and the monsters we make.

If this is how North Shore Music Theatre is beginning its 70th season, then we’re in for one hell of a ride.