Fringe Theater Key West will present “The Shark is Broken,” running April 15-25 at 7 p.m. at the Armory, 600 White St. Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, this critically acclaimed play was a hit at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.
Set during the famously troubled 1974 filming of the blockbuster movie ”Jaws,” The Shark is Broken” drops audiences into the waters of three actors who are stuck on a small boat as production delays drag on due to a malfunctioning mechanical shark. What unfolds is a funny and unexpectedly moving portrait of Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider as they grapple with boredom, rivalry, ego and the uncertainty of whether the film will ever be completed.
Based on Shaw’s real-life “drinking diary,” discovered by his son Ian Shaw, the play blends humor with moments of depth, offering a glimpse into artistic collaboration under pressure — and the fragile humanity behind cinematic history.
This production features Trey Forsyth, Mathias Maloff and Ray West, continuing Fringe Theater’s commitment to showcasing Key West artists. ”The Shark is Broken” is co-directed by Rebecca Tomlinson and Aramis Ikatu, with set design and construction by Don Lynch with Jim Beyl and Charlie Bengel. Light design is by Kendall Cameron, and sound design by Su Nubia.
Performances take place in Fringe’s signature black-box space, at the historic Key West Armory, where audiences are brought close to the action. Fringe Theater Key West is dedicated to celebrating creativity and fostering community through live theater.
With its blend of comedy, tension and theatrical storytelling, ”The Shark is Broken” offers a “fin-ish” to the main stage season. Tickets are $45 and $65 and are available at keystix.com or by calling 305-295-7676. Seating is limited. More information is at fringetheater.org.
