NEW MILFORD — TheatreWorks New Milford has knocked it out of the park with its production of The Shark is Broken, which runs through March 14.

The Shark is Broken is a play by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon that offers a comedic, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the iconic thriller Jaws. The play hones into the tumultuous relationship between the movie’s three stars, Richard Dreyfuss (being played by Mike Zimmerman), Roy Scheider (Eric Lyga), and Robert Shaw (Michael Wright), as they contend with technical difficulties, particularly the malfunctioning mechanical shark. Co-written by Robert’s son, Ian, the play explores the egos, frustrations, and camaraderie of the actors stuck on a boat during filming delays, capturing the chaotic production of the first blockbuster film.

Part of what makes The Shark is Broken so special is its small scale. The play only features three characters, minus some voiceover interjections from other crew, and takes place entirely on one set: the deck of the Orca right off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.

TheatreWorks New Milford perfectly captures this intimate environment, using the whole stage to replicate the fishing boat. The interior is small but lively, boasting an old fashioned wooden table, bench, and several panels that Robert uses to hide his alcohol. Couple that with some cups and bottles littered around, along with a few other miscellaneous items, and the space feels lived in — as it did all those decades ago when filming stalled on the boat for weeks.

The other half of the stage is taken up by the deck of the Orca. It is more open and spacious compared to the inside of the boat, and gives the characters plenty of space to soak up the sun or stave their seasickness over its railings.

Coupled with the care put into the lighting and sound effects, all of the work really makes the audience feel like they too are stuck on the coast with the characters. Seagulls squawk as they fly by, the lights flash or dim whenever a storm rolls in, and, of course, the mechanical shark rattles and clanks every time it malfunctions. It’s clear how much effort went into recapturing the filming experience of Jaws just from looking at the set and listening to little details throughout the play.

What really makes The Shark is Broken come to life is the cast and their stellar performances.

Zimmerman does a fantastic job playing the eager-to-prove-himself Richard. He carries himself with natural, laid back confidence, lounging around as he throws a snarky, acerbic comment to his crewmates, reflecting the confidence Richard desperately tries to project. Deep down, Richard is incredibly insecure in both his potential and future as an actor.

Zimmerman balances this duality incredibly well throughout the show. That know-it-all self-assuredness he projects quickly morphs into panic, recoiling in on himself in his more emotional moments. He also gets a lot of funny moments throughout the show, from imitating and making fun of his castmates to when he excitedly runs onto the deck of the boat and thanks Jehovah.

Lyga does an equally great job as Roy. His character is considerably more levelheaded than his castmates, often serving as the peacekeeper who keeps them in line so they can finish filming and go home as soon as possible. Roy may not be as outwardly expressive as Richard or Robert, but Lyga makes his character shine thanks to his great facial expressions.

Roy is as entertaining as he is relatable, rolling his eyes at a dumb, out-of-pocket comment from Richard or scowling at Robert for being a rude drunk. He is very much the straight man pulling two considerably chaotic men together, but Lyga also shows vulnerability in his one-on-one conversations with his castmates. Seeing that more straight-laced side of him fall away, and in a more humorous way when he tries, and fails, to suntan, makes Roy a treat throughout the show.

Wright is amazing as the jaded and jovial alcoholic Robert. He not only pulls off his character’s English accent, but also pulls off his confidence, carefree attitude, and occasional righteous anger. Wright has a lot of great physical acting moments, from lunging at Richard in a fit of rage on deck to stumbling through the boat as though he has just come straight out of a pub.

It’s clear from the way he carries himself that he is a difficult but fun man to be around, and that is thanks to Wright doing his best to capture Robert’s energy in every scene. There is the occasional scene where Wright gets to be more serious, particularly when his character works on the USS Indianapolis speech. It culminates into the final scene of the show, when the audience gets to listen to the iconic speech from Jaws in its entirety, the lighting focused and dimmed so Robert gets the spotlight.

With a solid script filled with witty dialogue, each actor gets a chance to exercise their acting chops and emotional range. TheatreWorks New Milford’s production of The Shark is Broken, under the direction of Joe Harding, is a treat for fans of Jaws as well as those who have somehow never seen it before. Sink your teeth into the play before it makes its way off the stage.

Performances continue through March 14, on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2.

Reserved seating tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for students and military. Visit theatreworks.us for reservations and additional information.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.