THE RESERVOIR

THE RESERVOIR – Written by Jakes Brasch; Directed by Shelly Butler.  Produced by the Denver Center Theatre Company (Presented at the Singleton Theatre, 1101 13th Street, Denver) through March 9.  Tickets available at 303-893-4100 or denvercenter.org. 

If you’ve ever had a grandchild in trouble, if you’ve ever been a mother disappointed in your child’s behavior, if you’ve ever gotten black-out drunk, if you’ve ever asked for a second chance, you’ll relate to this play.  Jake Brasch is a local boy who, after graduating from the Denver School of the Arts, went to Julliard and began writing.  THE RESERVOIR marks his professional debut as a playwright.  How ironic and sweet that it is here in Denver where all the people who knew him “when” can see his work and revisit the good ol’ days. 

It also makes me wonder how his grandparents and mother feel about being

portrayed on stage.  Although the claim is that it is not totally autobiographical, a great deal of the events depicted are suggested by Jake’s own life troubles and growth toward a better life.  As Josh, the character, finds his way home and honestly struggles to become sober, he reconnects with his grandparents who offer him down-to-earth counsel and semi-unconditional love.  He learns that they are real human beings with vivid past lives and their own current troubles with failing bodies and minds.  He finds purpose in trying to help them find a new purpose for themselves and paths toward cognitive recovery. The usual ending for a story like this would be happy.  A reunion with his discouraged mother, his grandparents dancing off into the unknown future, a promising relationship started, a successful career undertaken, and temptations avoided.  Josh’s story is not that pat and we are left encouraged but unsure if this last promise is the one he’ll be able to keep. 

The cast does amazingly sensitive work.  Phillip Schneider plays the many sides of Josh with energy and compassionate understanding.  His struggles are real and his successes only temporary.  He has genuine affection for his family and they for him.  It’s just so hard to see him succumb to his demons time after time.   

Vanessa Lock is Josh’s at-her-wit’s-end mother whose attempts at tough love are painful to watch and rarely work.  A clear indication of her deep love for her son is how many forgiveness’s are offered. The grandparents, played by Joyce Cohen, Lori Wilner, Mark Kincaid, and understudy Mark Rubald on the night observed gave realistic full-bodied performances as real people.  They were loving toward their grandson but they do have lives of their own with their own set of issues.  In retaining their true selves and not becoming consumed with his behavior and problems, they inadvertently gave him a path to follow. Their interaction with Josh was fun to watch.  Rodney Lizcano had a variety of parts, including a snooty waiter, Josh’s boss at the bookstore, and seemingly his only friend. 

A smooth group of ninja stagehands moved set pieces off and on from the wings with no attempt to disguise the fact that they were only there to keep the show running, occasionally acknowledging the actors in a sort of “OK, go on now” recognition.  Director Shelly Butler has found both the humor and the truth in this powerful script and brought it to glorious life.  I would say that Mr. Brasch is off to a running start and can’t wait to see the next thing he brings home. 

A WOW factor of 8.5!! 

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