Reviewed by Nyla Arslanian
The play begins with an impressive monologue, and we learn some of what’s lurking inside young Josh. Little do we know that as the play progresses, the depth and range of this pivotal character.
Indeed, Josh is the vortex around which the play progresses. His attention is focused solely on him as he shares his inner dialog with the audience. Through his first interaction with his mother, we learn that the main issue is Josh’s addiction that has affected his relationship with his mother who, for her own well-being, has to cut him off.
However, as is a familiar pattern with addiction and parenting, she relents helping him “one last time” getting him a job and the web of addition and enabling continues. When two sets of grandparents are added into the equation, the cliches of aging begin to unfold.
Enough can’t be said for the performance of Jake Horowitz as Josh who carries this play along. A tremendous burden which he bears with ease giving a multi-dimensional performance that is truly remarkable considering the play’s two-hour length.
Marin Hinkle, Josh’s mother Patricia, gives us a heartfelt and very real performance sharing into her hopes and dreams for her son who has disappointed her so many times. As an actor, she also has the opportunity to show the range of her talent as she embodies several colorful characters with ease and believability.
Likewise, Adrian Gonzales as Hugo also multiple characters with as a waiter, caregiver, writer, professor, etc. You could say with certainty that his work definitely fills in the blanks–a yeoman’s performance.
Each of the grandparents are excellently portrayed with a life of their own. Although each fulfills a cliché of aging still they maintain their individuality superbly. Reading the impressive credits in the program bios before the play, I expected exactly what was delivered. It was a joy to see these seasoned and talented actors deliver so admirably. Thank you, Liz Larsen as Beverly, Carolyn Mignini as Irene, Geoffrey Wade as Hank, and Lee Wilkof as Shrimpy.
Kudos to director Shelley Butler who gave this complex play its life through her marvelous interpretation excellent casting that graced the venerable Geffen Playhouse’ Gil Cates stage. Also, working with a bare stage, the production design by Takeshi Kata and lighting effects designed by Jeanette Ol-Suk Yew worked and added to the experience and authenticity of the play.
My only wish would have been that playwright Jake Brasch could have found a way to give more breadth to the aging process. Dealing merely with the physical and mental problems that can occur, the no hope scenario was as uncomfortable as it was somewhat inaccurate.
Still, this is a play worth seeing no matter what your age. A world premiere that makes you think and not just sit and witness is always a good thing.
Reservoir runs through July 20th; performances Tues-Sat at 8pm (no performance Tues July 8), Sundays at 7pm; matinees Sat at 2pm, Sun at 3pm. Tickets and full information can be found at https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/shows/the-reservoir/ Telephone: 310.208.2028