The Shark is coming to Riverwalk
Jane Zussman
All aboard the Orca! Behind-the-scenes drama sets sail as The Shark is Broken comes to Riverwalk’s Black Box.
The cast and crew of The Shark is Broken are hard at work bringing audiences aboard one of Hollywood’s most legendary productions. Riverwalk Theatre continues its season with this intimate and compelling play beginning Thursday, May 7 and running through Sunday, May 17 in the Dart Studio Black Box.
Director: Amy Rickett
Synopsis: Step behind the scenes of the making of Jaws in this witty and revealing play by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon. When the film’s infamous mechanical shark refuses to cooperate, actors Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider find themselves stranded on a too-small boat with too much time on their hands. Tempers flare, egos clash, and unlikely bonds form as they navigate the frustrations — and unexpected magic — of creating what would become the first summer blockbuster.
Veteran director Amy Rickett returns to Riverwalk Theatre to helm this unique production. With decades of experience both onstage and behind the scenes, Rickett brings a deeply personal and focused approach to the story. “Bringing The Shark is Broken to life has been an opportunity to explore the humanity behind the legend of Jaws,” Rickett shares. “What excites me most is stripping everything down — placing three actors in a confined space and letting their relationships, humor, and tension drive the story.”
Unlike a traditional mainstage production, this Black Box performance offers an up-close and immersive theatrical experience. “It’s intimate, it’s immediate, and it invites the audience to feel like they’re right there on the boat,” Rickett adds. With a conceptual, stripped-down staging and a strong emphasis on performance, audiences can expect a powerful blend of humor, conflict, and vulnerability.
The production team has embraced the challenge of bringing the Orca to life within the confines of the Black Box space. Through scenic design, lighting, and sound, audiences will be transported to the open ocean of 1974 while remaining just feet away from the action. This contrast creates a uniquely engaging theatrical experience that highlights the emotional core of the story.
This performance-driven piece features a tight-knit ensemble of accomplished actors portraying the iconic film stars as well as voice-over roles that enhance the storytelling. Together, they create a vivid and human portrait of the people behind one of cinema’s most celebrated films.
Please note: This production runs without an intermission and contains adult language and themes. Parental discretion is advised.
Cast:
Richard Dreyfuss – Kameron Going
Roy Scheider – Michael Palmer
Robert Shaw – Jeff Magnuson
Spielberg – Cats Maris
Assistant Director – Eric Vincent
Camera Operator/Sound Operator/Focus Puller/Continuity – Xander Adamski
Show Dates:
Thursday, May 7, 7:00 P.M.
Friday, May 8, 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, May 9, 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, May 10, 2:00 P.M.
Thursday, May 14, 7:00 P.M.
Friday, May 15, 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, May 16, 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, May 17, 2:00 P.M.
Tickets:
Reservations may be made by purchasing tickets online, in person at the Riverwalk Theatre Box Office, by emailing R...@RiverwalkTheatre.com, or by calling (517) 482-5700.
In-person advance ticket sales:
Wednesdays, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Prices:
$20 Adult
$15 Senior/Student/Military
$10 Child (under 12yrs)