Review: Ensemble Theatre Company’s ‘The Shark Is Broken’ at New Vic Theatre
- Dondre Tuck
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon’s “The Shark Is Broken” — having its West Coast premiere by Ensemble Theatre Company under the direction of Pesha Rudnick in Santa Barbara’s New Vic Theatre — offers an honest, sharply observed behind-the-scenes look at the making of Steven Spielberg 1975 blockbuster film “Jaws.”
Set during the notoriously troubled shoot, the play places us aboard the Orca with “Jaws” actors Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw and Roy Scheider as they battle an unpredictable schedule, hostile weather and a malfunctioning mechanical shark, all while navigating ego, addiction and artistic frustration.
What emerges is not just a portrait of a film production gone sideways, but a meditation on legacy, purpose and the cost of creative ambition. And it’s definitely funny at times, it's humor coming from the sheer absurdity of the situation, along with petty arguments and slapstick moments.
The performances are uniformly strong and deeply committed. Gildart Jackson as Shaw delivers the most dynamically varied portrayal, capturing both the bravado and volatility of his character without slipping into caricature.
That said, this is very much an ensemble piece. Will Block as Dreyfuss and Adam Poole as Scheider match Jackson beat for beat, and the chemistry among all three actors feels lived-in and natural. Their shared rhythms and tensions give the play forward momentum and emotional grounding.
And Rudnick’s direction is confident and clear. Her vision invites the audience directly onto the boat, making us feel like silent witnesses to these private moments. The pacing is well judged, allowing high-energy exchanges to crackle while giving quieter, more reflective scenes the space they need to land. The story unfolds in a compressed narrative that highlights key moments from the shoot without feeling rushed or episodic.
Creative production choices, including subtle visual storytelling elements and hidden details onstage, help humanize the characters and deepen immersion. Set design by Fred Kinney is particularly impressive. The Orca fills the stage, rendered as a weathered fishing vessel constructed from warm wooden planks and railings, complete with a raised sun deck and detailed props like radios and storage compartments.
Distressed textures and muted coastal colors create a rugged, lived-in environment that immediately situates us at sea. Elijah Frankle’s projection design adds quiet but effective layers, with shifting skies, birds and subtle movement that suggest weather changes and docking moments without overwhelming the action.
Costume design by Adriana Lambarri aligns cleanly with each character with respectful nods to the iconic looks from “Jaws.” Michael Klaers’ lighting design enhances the storytelling with smooth transitions and thoughtful scene shaping, adding depth and atmosphere throughout. And sound design by Janet Giles remains minimal and precise, with ocean sounds, seagulls and walkie-talkie announcements to support transitions and maintain a sense of place.
The play’s most resonant theme is the tension between art and commerce, intertwined with questions of fame, time and legacy. The three actor characters wrestle with whether their work will mean something artistically or simply serve as another studio product. That struggle feels strikingly current, underscoring how little this conflict has changed over time.
The audience remained fully engaged from start to finish during a recent production, responding to both the humor and humanity of the piece. “The Shark Is Broken” is a grounded, thoughtful and highly engaging production, anchored by strong performances and meticulous design. It is absolutely worth seeing.
Ensemble Theatre Company’s “The Shark Is Broken” continues through Feb. 22 at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, with shows Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets and information, call the box office at 805-965-5400 or visit ETCSB.org. Run time is 95 minutes with no intermission.
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