Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.
The Wilmington Drama League (WDL) is staging a clever rendition of The Shark Is Broken — a play offering an inside look at the making of the classic film Jaws. This comedy-drama is centered on the behind-the-scenes chaos, tensions, humor, personalities, and camaraderie involved in the making of the 1975 blockbuster. Set during the troubled movie shoot, the sharp-witted play highlights the challenges of working together under pressure...or boredom.
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WDL's production of The Shark is Broken. Photo by Mario Paoli. |
A perceived hierarchy is established between the three principals: Shaw, the grizzled veteran; Dreyfuss, the brash up-and-comer; and Scheider, the peacemaker. The trio fight tedium and each other, finding some solace in booze, cards, gambling, and self-revealing stories. The WDL actors work well together and the strong interpersonal dynamics are on full display from the get-go.
Despite their frequent bickering, they all agree that they just want to finish filming the movie. An exasperated theme (to them) is: Why didn’t director Steven Spielberg simply film in a Hollywood tank instead of battling the unpredictable Atlantic?
(The real Dreyfuss has publicly criticized the play's portrayal of him, saying Ian Shaw never sought his perspective and that he was unfairly depicted as a fool. In the play, Shaw even tells Dreyfuss he'd be good in a Shakespeare play in the role of a fool.)
Throughout the play, Shaw struggles with the famous USS Indianapolis monologue. He finds the original material (written by John Millius) unperformable. He asks for Spielberg’s permission to rewrite it. His alcoholism and conflict with Dreyfuss interfere with each successive rehearsal of the speech. A full rendition of the famous scene ends the play.
A small knock on the production is that the set is positioned far back on the stage while the spacious apron is mostly unused, except for lighting. While possibly difficult due to the set design, it would've been nicer to bring to the action to the forestage to better see the actors and observe their subtleties. But, criticism aside, Joseph Pukatsch and Pat Brisiel's set is very cool and provides plenty of places for the actors to both roam and feel confined. But, as Shaw says in the play, from a little "grit" comes a pearl.
Pukatsch is also the director and allows his actors to add some interesting depth to their characters. Kudos to Andrew Kadtke for his massive video background which added great perspective to the already dynamic set.
The show builds momentum as it progresses and delivers a satisfying finale, even if the protagonists agree that the movie will likely be a (lucrative) flash in the pan. Of course, we all know better...
The final performances of The Shark is Broken run from September 11 through 13. The Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 pm while the Sunday matinee is at 2 pm. Tickets prices are $25 with senior/student tickets $20 and children (12 or younger) $15. Group ticket rates are also available through the box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wilmingtondramaleague.org; by contacting the box office at 302.764.1172; or visiting in person at 10 West Lea Boulevard. The show runs just under 2 hours with no intermission.
The Wilmington Drama League seats 260 patrons, including six wheelchair bays. The recently revamped theater is equipped with an ADA compliant entrance ramp and bathrooms. "Flex Tickets" are also an option for those who plan to watch several WDL shows, but maybe not all of them. Inquire at the box office.
"You're gonna need a bigger boat." — Chief Martin Brody