Genesius Theatre is diving into new waters this fall with the Berks County premiere of The Shark Is Broken, a behind-the-scenes comedy about the making of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. The production will run October 3–12 at the downtown Reading theater.
Fresh from acclaimed runs in London’s West End and on Broadway, the play peels back the curtain on the chaotic 1974 production of Jaws, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The story unfolds as the film’s mechanical shark—nicknamed “Bruce”—continually malfunctions, stranding actors Robert Shaw (Quint), Richard Dreyfuss (Hooper), and Roy Scheider (Brody) together on the Orca. As filming stalls, the three men clash and connect in a sharp, funny exploration of egos, insecurities, and camaraderie.
Written by Ian Shaw, the son of Robert Shaw, and Joseph Nixon, The Shark Is Broken has been praised for its humor and insight. The Times of London described it as “hilarious and brilliantly insightful.” Mixing fact, fiction, and lore, the 95-minute play doubles as both a comedy and a reflection on legacy, fathers, and sons.
Director Bill Eschbach, who previously directed Clue: On Stage, Kinky Boots, and Misery at Genesius, is at the helm of the production.
“The Shark is Broken is pure theater magic,” Eschbach said. “It’s funny, sharp, and unexpectedly moving. Anyone who loves Jaws will adore this peek behind the scenes, but even if you’ve never seen the movie, the story of three actors trying to survive the impossible is hilarious and universal. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve been stuck on the Orca with them—and you won’t want to leave”.
The cast includes Brandon Reimer as Roy Scheider, Corey Clark as Richard Dreyfuss, and Jeffrey Jones as Robert Shaw.
Behind the scenes, Sara Huard serves as stage manager, with Sonia Mowry of Scary Good Productions on lighting design, Dara Tatarowicz on costumes, Diane Keck of Thanx Hair Artistry on wigs, and Thomas Malack on sound. Eschbach also designed the set, with Randy Hauk as master carpenter, Jeffrey Jones as prop master, and Marjory Ewald handling scenic design.
Performances will be held October 3, 4, 8–11 at 7:30 p.m. and October 5 and 12 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $35.50. The show runs approximately 95 minutes without intermission.
Genesius Theatre, located at 153 N. 10th Street in Reading, is accessible to individuals using mobility aids. Free parking is available in the main lot next to the building, with additional overflow parking nearby.
The theater also continues its partnership with the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, offering a package that includes parking, dining at Cheers American Bistro, shuttle service to the theater, and return service after the show. Reservations for dinner must be made directly with the hotel.
In an effort to reduce waste, Genesius now publishes its full-color playbills online at genesiusdifference.org, available a week before opening night. The digital programs feature cast and crew bios, photos, and updates on upcoming events.
