THE THING ABOUT GREAT THEATER
Directed by Tyne Rafaeli, Berkeley Rep’s world premiere production of The Thing About Jellyfish delivers an emotionally resonant adaptation of Ali Benjamin’s beloved coming-of-age novel, weaving together grief, wonder, and the mysteries of growing up with an ethereal, dreamlike quality, as a young girl on the cusp of adolescence searches for answers about life and death through her seventh-grade science project on jellyfish.
Kayla Teruel (top) and Matilda Lawler
Suzy (Matilda Lawler) is a tomboyish, left-brained child, always asking questions and trying to make sense of the world. With the exception of her childhood friend Franny (Kayla Teruel), most of her peers find her odd. In today’s world, Suzy would likely be considered “on the spectrum.” She struggles with social cues, and her nonstop talking annoys those around her. Meanwhile, her parents, Meg (Stephanie Janssen) and Dan (Andy Grotelueschen), are preoccupied with their divorce and their own lives, leaving Suzy feeling even more alone.
Christiana Clark and Matilda Lawler
The story follows Suzy as she starts middle school, grieving and depressed since Franny’s recent drowning while on vacation. Adding to her guilt, the two had had a falling out before summer break and were no longer friends when Franny died—a secret Suzy carries into this new, scary, friendless chapter of her life. Since the accident, she has stopped speaking altogether—even to her parents.
Jasper Bermudez, Kayla Teruel, Lexi Perkel, and Matilda Lawler (bottom)
Much of the play unfolds in Suzy’s imagination. She’s questioning why a strong swimmer such as Franny has drowned, refusing to accept her mother’s explanation that “sometimes bad things just happen.” The only thing that makes any sense to Suzy is that Franny must have been stung by a jellyfish. Given a school science project, she methodically researches jellyfish via the Internet, using the scientific method to test her theory.
Robert Stanton and Matilda Lawler
Derek McLane’s set—tall, clear glass panels—serves as the perfect canvas for Lucy Mackinnon’s projections, which flood the stage with images of sky, colorful jellyfish, and rapidly appearing words (reminiscent of The Big Bang Theory’s title sequence). These visuals bring Suzy’s thought process and imagination to life.
Stephanie Janssen and Matilda Lawler
Guiding her along this journey are her science teacher, Mrs. Turton (Christiana Clark, versatile in multiple roles), and Jaime (Robert Stanton), an Australian oceanographer with whom she has imaginary conversations. The cast is rounded out by Justin (Antonio Watson), her lab partner; Aubrey (Lexi Perkel), her rival for Franny’s friendship; and Dylan (Jasper Bermudez), the handsome class nerd.
Matilda Lawler
Playwright Keith Bunin skillfully adapts this young adult novel into a gripping stage drama. As with any Berkeley Rep production, the ensemble delivers outstanding performances. Each character struggles to move forward after Franny’s tragic death, and there’s not a false note of sentimentality. The audience deeply feels their pain.
Matilda Lawler and Antonio Watson
The show largely rests on Matilda Lawler’s shoulders, as she’s on stage for nearly 90% of the runtime, delivering most of the dialogue. Already an accomplished actress with award-nominated roles—including HBO Max’s Station Eleven—she brings remarkable depth to Suzy.
On opening night, it was heartening to see both teenagers and seasoned theatergoers engaged in this thought-provoking and beautifully executed production. Another stellar evening of theater from Berkeley Rep.
photos by Julieta Cervantes
The Thing About Jellyfish
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
in association with Madison Wells Live and Emerald Drive,
the production banner of Teague Theatrical Group
Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre, 2025 Addison Street @ Shattuck
ends on March 9, 2025
for tickets ($25–$134), call 510.647.2949 or visit Berkeley Rep
