Broadway’s going to need a bigger boat.
Ian will also portray his father in the play.
“I haven’t met Richard.
Colin Donnell, Ian Shaw, and Alex Brightman in ‘The Shark Is Broken’.Matthew Murphy
I know he’s aware of this show.
I imagine it will be quite a conversation… for both of us.”
For Donnell, it’s been an opportunity to explore an actor he greatly admires.
Ian Shaw in ‘The Shark Is Broken’.Oliver Rosser
“Is it too late?!
“he inquires when presented with the notion.
The three actors all grew up loving the movie.
Colin Donnell in ‘The Shark Is Broken’.Marc J. Franklin
“I don’t remember exactly when I first sawJaws,” says Brightman.
“But I have been a horror movie fan for as long as I can remember.
I have since become a much bigger fan.”
Alex Brightman in ‘The Shark Is Broken’.Marc J. Franklin
Adds Donnell: “I had definitely seen it when I was younger and loved it.
Shaw, who is now 53, visited the set when he was only six years old.
“I only remember meeting Bruce the shark, which left a strong impression on me.
I was frightened,” he notes.
“And meeting Steven Spielberg, who is so good with kids.
I seem to remember thinking he was too young to be telling my father what to do!”
While writing the play, Shaw also met with screenwriter Carl Gottlieb for insight into the production process.
“We very rarely get to see any of the actual filming ofJaws.
So my focus has been strictly on the man behind the character.
Where does it end?
Hopefully not in madness.”
I suppose with the exception of one scene, but no spoilers!”
“But it’s emotional too.
“What I am about to say may sound absurd,” he quips.
And afterSchool of RockandBeetlejuice, I truly didn’t think that was even near a possibility.
This rehearsal process has been exhausting in the most fulfilling way.
Being in a musical is extremely challenging in so many ways.
But being in a play has made me feel like a raw nerve.
I like the feeling.
I want to do more of it.”
Adds Donnell: “Being back on Broadway is amazing.
Everyone who is working on this is playing a huge part in making this such a special experience.
I keep getting emotional at every step along the way.”
And that’s exactly whatThe Shark Is Brokenoffers, at least according to Shaw. "
