SPARE PARTS,
FULLY LOADED QUESTIONS

Glass’s brainy biotech thriller delivers ideas,
surprises, and genuine theatrical punch

Jonny-James Kajoba, Rob McClure, Matt Walker and Michael Genet

I suppose lots of VPs of Research at biotech companies dream of writing plays that get first-class productions in New York. The same could be said for Senior Lecturers at Harvard Medical School and Adjunct Professors in Genetics and Development at Columbia University. But in the case of David J. Glass, his is not only a dream but a reality. And we are the lucky benefactors of his distinct expertise. Playwrights are often encouraged to write what you know. As an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, Mr. Glass, who studies the process of aging, has done just that with his newest play Spare Parts, a solid new work that collides science with power, progress, and personal identity.

Jonny-James Kajoba and Michael GenetRob McClure and Michael Genet

Equally solid is the first-rate production under the creative vision and capable guidance of director Michael Herwitz. The set by Scott Penner is a large laboratory that breaks into three distinct areas as needed; upstage is walled off with clear PVC strip partitions, allowing for entrances and exits or simply observing from the other side. Lighting designer Zack Lobel makes creative use illuminating them, as well as the large oval-shaped frame hanging above upstage center, which changes colors from white to brilliant blues. Most striking is Ryan Gamblin’s sound design and original music, which runs the gamut between modern futurism and sweeping emotional grandeur. Finishing up the design team are the realistic costumes by Amanda Roberge and props by Sean Frank.

Rob McClure, Matt WalkerJonny-James Kajoba and Matt Walker

Matt Walker, who appeared in Glass’s last play Love + Science, is the appealing, personable assistant Jeffrey Jordan to Columbia Professor Coffey, played by Rob McClure. Far from his Mrs. Doubtfire, Chaplin, and many other Broadway performances, here McClure proves himself to be a consummate all-around actor. Playing an enigmatic billionaire philanthropist is the versatile and grounded Michael Genet. His assistant Ivan Shelley is portrayed by the charming Jonny-James Kajoba. It’s very refreshing to see a cast of two Black men and two White men in a play that isn’t about race. Yes, there are other issues to debate—like the science behind living longer without aging.

Matt Walker and Jonny-James Kajoba

I’ll refrain from revealing too much about the story because it contains three surprises that literally made the audience gasp aloud. The age-old desire to extend life without aging isn’t presented as fantasy or science fiction, but something much closer to present-day reality than one might imagine. The story and conflicts raise the bar for plays willing to wrestle with the ethical and human implications of scientific progress.

Matt Walker, Jonny-James Kajoba, Michael Genet and Rob McClure

In an era when new plays often struggle to find both intellectual rigor and theatrical propulsion, Spare Parts manages to deliver both. Glass has crafted a thoughtful, provocative drama, and under Herwitz’s assured direction, the company brings it vividly to life with intelligence, power, and surprise. The result is a production that is both stimulating and emotionally engaging—one well worth the attention of theatergoers who appreciate ambitious new work.

Matt Walker and Rob McClure

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photos by Russ Rowland

Spare Parts
Theatre Row’s Theatre Three, 410 West 42nd St.
95 minutes no intermission
Tues-Sun at 7:30; Sat & Sun at 2
ends on April 10, 2026
for tickets, visit Spare Parts Play

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Rob McClure

Gregory Fletcher is an author, theater professor, playwright, director, and stage manager. His publishing credits include a craft book on playwriting entitled Shorts and Briefs, as well as a collection entitled A Playwright’s Dozen: 13 short plays. Other publishing includes two YA novels (Other People’s Crazy, and Other People’s Drama), 2 novellas in the series Inclusive Bedtime Stories, 2 short stories in The Night Bazaar series, and five essays. Website, Facebook, Instagram.