GUTHRIE, Oklahoma – The closing production of The Pollard Theatre’s 37th season is the Oklahoma premiere of The Shark is Broken. Just in time for the 50th anniversary of the iconic movie Jaws, The Shark is Broken is a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it looks like to change the world.
Stuck on a set with a non-operational prop, the titular character and main diva, Bruce, the young actors filming Jaws are quite literally floating. While Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider await the endless filming delays, they are forced to sit on the set of Jaws, which is on a boat in the middle of the ocean. Unwilling to sacrifice authenticity, Spielberg has put his cast in a precarious position. Over budget and behind schedule, the breakdown of Bruce the mechanical shark is causing tensions and egos to build.
These actors are not the famed movie icons we know and recognize today. When Jaws was released in June 1975, Robert Shaw was mostly known for working in theatre in London. Meanwhile, Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider were virtual unknowns. These are the characters we see in this play. While the audience knows their fate, the characters are still looking into the unknown future, in a world where Jaws may not even happen.
Guest artist Matthew Alvin Brown steps in to direct this show, as Artistic Director Jared Blount fills the role of Roy Scheider. Larz Justice is Richard Dreyfuss, and Dakota Muckelrath fills the large shoes of Robert Shaw.
The play is heavy on dialogue. At just ninety minutes with no intermission, patrons should visit concessions and the restroom before the show starts, then buckle in for a bumpy ride.
Blount serves as the voice of reason, the calming influence that is Roy Scheider. Never one to get worked up, he sits in the booth on the boat and reads the newspaper. While the cigarette dangles from his mouth, Blount delivers line after line of wisdom and profound insight. Blount is, as always, a solid performer, finding a way to break hearts while lifting spirits.
Muckelrath is brash and bold as Robert Shaw, the would-be star of the movie. While this character is flawed and egotistical, his performance is perfect. Muckelrath proves himself as a true professional in this show, which has been one of his first chances to do so thus far.
Larz Justice has perhaps the tallest hill to climb. If anyone makes a character arc look easy, it’s him. Not only is his role extremely dialogue-heavy, but Justice must also engage in on-stage fistfights, character assassinations of his fellow performers, and a full-blown panic attack. His performance is impressive at the very least, moving, and truly a moment to shine. Justice is an actor who’s typically slept on for meatier roles, undeservedly so. Smart casting choices were made here, and he’s got the chops to do it all.
Lighting design by Michael Long and Henry Crandall is moody and sets the scene. Set design by Justice is elaborate, providing something to look at in every corner, but not overcrowding the stage. Costume design by Kaleb Lambeth is period-appropriate and perfectly dated.
While not the most exciting of plays, The Shark is Broken is witty and sharp, and keeps the audience engaged. It provides some standout scenes for each cast member. Together, the three balance each other and find their own moments to shine.
The summer theatre schedule is undoubtedly chock-full of loud, flashy musicals. The Shark is Broken offers a quieter night of theatre. It’s a much-needed break from all the jazz hands and musical numbers. The Pollard Theatre once again displays what they do best by creating a thought-provoking, moving, and unique work of performance art.
The Shark is Broken runs through July 5th, 2025, at the Pollard Theatre Company. The Pollard is nestled in the heart of historic downtown Guthrie, located at 120 W. Harrison Ave. The Pollard offers discounts to students, military personnel, and teachers. They also have half-price tickets for Thursday night performances. Visit thepollard.org.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.