“THE SHARK IS BROKEN,” WHICH TELLS THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES STORY OF “JAWS,” PLAYS AT THE BAREBONES BLACK BOX THEATER. | PHOTO BY DUANE RIEDER

BEST BET

“The Shark Is Broken”

May 30-June 15| Barebones Black Box Theater

As any dedicated fan of the movie “Jaws” knows, there was nearly as much drama behind the scenes as there was on the screen. The script changed, tempers flared, actors failed to get along, everything went over budget and — most notoriously — the dang shark never worked.

That explains the title of “The Shark Is Broken,” a play co-written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, but like the 1975 film itself, there’s much more to it than a big fish. Shaw’s father, the gifted yet mercurial actor Robert Shaw, played Quint in “Jaws.” Shaw not only wrote “The Shark Is Broken” based on his father’s experiences, but he also portrayed his gruff Dad during the show’s ascent from the Edinburgh Fringe to Broadway.

The play will make its Pittsburgh debut this month in a staging by Barebones Productions. Devotees of “Jaws,” which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, will likely be more than enticed by the subject matter alone. For audiences that are less fanatical about Steven Spielberg’s film, “It’s entertaining as hell,” says Patrick Jordan, Barebones’ founder and artistic director, who will be portraying Robert Shaw.

“You don’t have to have seen ‘Jaws’ to enjoy this play — which is kind of the great thing that Ian Shaw did while writing it.” The show finds the film’s three stars — Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider (Patrick Cannon) and Richard Dreyfuss (Quinn P. Shannon) — sitting aboard the ill-fated Orca, waiting to film Quint’s famous speech about the U.S.S. Indianapolis.

— Sean Collier

FESTIVAL

Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival

June 5-8 | Strip District

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DOLLAR BANK THREE RIVERS ARTS FESTIVAL

You’re a true Pittsburgher, so you already know that the first weekend of June is dedicated to free art and music during the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival.

Support local artists by purchasing unique pieces to add to your home. Enjoy a warm evening dancing to musical acts like Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the Guardians of Sounds Hip Hop Orchestra and Lisa Loeb — just to name a few.

Oh, and make sure to forget all about “sensible” eating while you dig into all the yummy festival snacks available. Because of Downtown construction, the festival is shortened this year and will be held in a temporary location. Fingers crossed for no rain!

MOVIES

Napoleon Dynamite LIVE! 20th Anniversary Celebration: A Very Special Evening with Jon Heder, Jon Gries & Efren Ramirez

June 8 | City Winery

Believe it or not, it has been 20 years since we all became enamored with the misunderstood high-school kid unafraid to let his freak flag fly.

I’m talking, of course, about Napoleon Dynamite.

Napoleon Dynamite LIVE! 20th Anniversary Celebration: A Very Special Evening with Jon Heder, Jon Gries & Efren Ramirez is the perfect chance to revisit the iconic indie film darling — with the cast in attendance.

After watching the movie, there will be a live show complete with Q&A, comedy improv, a game show and more. Make the night even better by taking advantage of a photo opportunity with the guys. It’s sure to be better than warm Tater Tots in your pocket.

MUSIC

Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony

June 18 | Heinz Hall

PHOTO COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Is seeing a Dolly Parton multimedia symphonic storytelling experience on your 2025 bingo card?

You’re in luck! With an onscreen Parton, Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony leads audiences through a visual and musical journey of her life and music.

While the show doesn’t feature Parton in person, it will include Dolly’s biggest hits, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” along with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra adding an extra dose of magic. This woman should be protected and celebrated at all costs.

JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth Celebration

June 19-22 | Mellon Park

This year’s Juneteenth Celebration may have a new location, but it will be the same celebratory event with free concerts, parade, a boat party, sporting tournaments and all-around fellowship for the Black community.

Lovers of old-school R&B will be thrilled to see legendary acts like Morris Day and The Time, Dru Hill and Jon B onstage. The entire weekend will be packed with fun and educational activities for everyone from the babies to the elders.

PARTY

Shadow Lounge 25th Birthday Celebration

June 28 | 5972 Baum Blvd.

In Pittsburgh’s arts and culture world, few places have managed to capture the essence of community and creativity like former East Liberty venue The Shadow Lounge. From 2000 to 2013, owners Justin Strong and Tim “DJ SMI” Guthrie intentionally crafted a space free from judgment as they welcomed everyone like family — as long as those visitors respected the vibes.

Those vibes are coming back for the Shadow Lounge 25th Birthday Celebration. That lightning in a bottle is returning for at least one night.