Keith Bunin Adapts Ali Benjamin’s Tantalizing Tale of Life & Jellyfish

by Emily S. Mendel

What do jellyfish possibly have to do with 12-year-old Suzy’s sudden inability to speak? The world premiere of “The Thing About Jellyfish” pursues an imaginative and inspiring answer to one girl’s emotional and scientific search. Highlighted by an exceptional performance by teenager Matilda Lawler and eye-catching scenic displays, the bit-too-long drama ends on an upbeat but hurried note.

Tween Suzy (Lawler) no longer fits in with the kids at middle school, especially her once-bestie, Franny (Kayla Teruel), because Suzy isn’t attracted to boys quite yet. And Suzy’s brain moves faster and collects more scientific knowledge than her classmates, who don’t find scientific factoids as fascinating as she does.

Although playwright Keith Bunin, adapting the best-selling novel by Ali Benjamin, never states it explicitly, Suzy’s rapid, nonstop talking and her preoccupation with endless scientific details identify her as “neurodivergent” in today’s lingo. Or maybe she’s just a science nerd who will become a world-famous professor. Or maybe both are true.

But when Suzy and Franny fall out, and then Franny suddenly drowns of unknown causes, Suzy is struck speechless, despite the help of her ‘too-good-to-be-true’ divorcing parents. How Suzy tries to solve the source of Franny’s drowning and ultimately finds her literal and figurative voice forms the action of this 110-minute, one-act drama. Stories about the ancient species of jellyfish, accompanied by magnificent displays of light projections, add creativity and spectacle to the action.

“The Thing About Jellyfish” more than kept my interest and attention. The first-rate acting by Suzy and her teen classmates shows talent and authenticity without being forced. And kudos to Christiana Clark, who acts in many adult roles, bringing humor and wit to each comic turn.

Tyne Rafaeli’s seamless direction explores the play’s psychological undercurrents with honest respect for the youngsters’ feelings and emotions. With its focus on teens, attention-getting scenic design, and special effects, “The Thing About Jellyfish” makes an ideal trip to Berkeley Rep for children over ten—and for us grown-ups, too.

 

“The Thing About Jellyfish” –based on the novel by Ali Benjamin, adapted for the stage by Keith Bunin, directed by Tyne Rafaeli, set design by Derek McLane, costumes by Linda Cho, lighting by Lap Chi Chu, sound & music by Dan Kluger, video design by Lucy Mackinnon, at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Berkeley. California.

Info: berkeleyrep.org – to March 9, 2025.

Cast:  Matilda Lawler, Jasper Bermudez, Cassidy Brown, Christiana Clark, Sydney Walker Freeman, Andy Grotelueschen, Maxwell Hamilton, Stephanie Janssen, Colby Kipnes, Lexi Perkel, Rebecca Schweitzer, Robert Stanton, Kayla Teruel, and Antonio Watson.

Banner photo: Christiana Clark & Matilda Lawler. Photos: Julieta Cervantes