/Theatre
The Reservoir
Event WebsiteAbout
Josh is a hot mess of a queer twenty-something. He’s dropped out of school to get his life together — but can’t manage to stay sober. Struggling with fogginess and memory loss, he finds unlikely allies in his four hilarious grandparents. Desperate for a sense of purpose, Josh sets out to bring them along on his road to recovery. He drags them to Jazzercise at the JCC. He makes them play memory games. He insists they eat spinach by the handful. Eventually, he slams up against the limits of his quest. When he can no longer help his grandparents, they begin to help him. The Reservoir is Jake Brasch’s sharply funny and deeply heartfelt new comedy about family, memory, and the path toward healing.
Pictured: Ben Hirschhorn in Jake Brasch’s The Reservoir. Photo by Kevin Berne
SF/Arts Curator Insight
The theme for Berkeley Rep’s new 25-26 season: “Stories of Wonder, Courage, and Connection.” The emphasis, in Jake Brasch’s dark family comedy “The Reservoir,” may be on “connection.” Feckless college dropout Josh hooks up with his four grandparents in his effort to find true purpose in his life. Alcohol addiction and recovery, the travails of aging and tough love are part of the mix. Who is helping whom? Mike Donahue directs.
Jean Schiffman
Contributing Writer, Theater
Berkeley Repertory Theatre has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its ambition, relevance, and excellence, as well as its adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968.
Berkeley Repertory Theatre has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its ambition, relevance, and excellence, as well as its adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968.