The Thing About Jellyfish

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY ALI BENJAMIN
ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY KEITH BUNIN
DIRECTED BY TYNE RAFAELI
IN ASSOCIATION WITH MADISON WELLS LIVE AND EMERALD DRIVE
WORLD PREMIERE
RODA THEATRE

FEB 1–MAR 9, 2025
TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Lawler’s Suzy is a poignant mass of fierce intellect and crushing vulnerability, of resolute determination and emotional chaos. She’s as fascinating as she is endearing, and her journey into the landscape of grief is the play’s greatest asset…A gleaming, high-tech theatrical experience full of gorgeous, crystalline projections, and set pieces in constant motion across the stage…But the magic here is Matilda Lawler and her heartfelt ability to convey an epic emotional journey with the simplest of special effects: her honesty, her power and her extraordinary talent.

Bay Area News Group

Transportive…breathtaking fluidity…heart- and consciousness-expanding work akin to San Francisco Ballet’s The Nutcracker…It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you ask yourself why we can’t be more like that in real life — why we can’t give more of ourselves to one another’s cares and curiosities.

San Francisco Chronicle

Visually stunning, surprisingly funny, and achingly heartfelt…touches to the core and inspires all who have witnessed the journey…Every other aspect of both the script and the Berkeley Rep premiere production lines up for not only a must-see initial outing worthy of sold-out audiences, but also a play that should have long legs for many other productions across the country, including New York.

Theatre Eddys

Adapted from the best-selling novel, The Thing About Jellyfish is a visually stunning and deeply emotional coming-of-age story about friendship, loss, and the profound expansiveness of the human spirit. When Suzy Swanson’s world shatters with the sudden loss of her best friend, her summer transforms into a deeply moving journey of discovery, change, and resilience. Through vivid imagination, breathtaking design, and poignant storytelling, The Thing About Jellyfish invites audiences on an emotional odyssey — one that explores the mysteries of life, the courage it takes to embrace change, and the enduring power of friendship.

Production information

Runtime: one hour and 45 minutes; no intermission

Age recommendation: Suitable for ages 10 and up

Stage effects advisory: Flashing lights and use of haze/smoke

Content advisory: Addresses themes of grief, death by drowning, divorce, bullying, and social isolation

Read digital program

Cast
(in order of appearance)

Matilda Lawler* | Suzy

Stephanie Janssen* | Meg

Kayla Teruel* | Franny

Andy Grotelueschen* | Dan

Christiana Clark* | Franny’s Mom, Mrs. Turton, Dr. Legler, and Everyone Else

Antonio Watson | Justin

Lexi Perkel | Aubrey

Robert Stanton* | Jamie

Jasper Bermudez | Dylan

Understudies

Colby Kipnes* | Suzy

Rebecca Schweitzer* | Meg, Franny’s Mom, Mrs. Turton, Dr. Legler, and Everyone Else

Lexi Perkel | Franny

Cassidy Brown* | Dan, Jamie

Maxwell Hamilton | Dylan, Justin

Sydney Walker Freeman | Aubrey

Creative team

Keith Bunin | Playwright

Tyne Rafaeli | Director

Yasmine Lee | Movement Director

Derek McLane | Scenic Design

Linda Cho | Costume Design

Lap Chi Chu | Lighting Design

Dan Kluger | Sound Design

Lucy Mackinnon | Projection Design

Jessica Berman | Dialect Coach

Stephanie Yankwitt, CSA, tbd casting | Casting

Rachel A. Zucker* | Stage Manager

Becky Fleming* | Assistant Stage Manager

Chris Steckel* | Assistant Stage Manager

* Indicates a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States

Closed captioning
Closed captioning on your smartphone is available for every matinee through Mar 6. See all closed captioning performances.

Audio description
Audio description is available for the matinee on Mar 8. Through individual headphones provided by our partner, Gravity Access Services, you’ll hear detailed narration of the onstage visual elements of the show. Advance reservation required.

Learn more about our accessibility programs

Events and extras

Theatre Explorers
Families are invited to bring their children (grades K–5) to the matinee on Feb 22, when Berkeley Rep’s School of Theatre will offer age-appropriate educational workshops concurrent with the performance so parents can enjoy grownup time at the theatre. This add-on is $35 per child. Advance registration required.

Berkeley Rep presents CO-LLAB Choir
Join us on Feb 23 for an evening of music and unity as we honor Black History Month with a special preshow performance by Oakland based CO-LLAB Choir. Directed by Oakland music educator and artist, Cava Menzies, CO-LLAB Choir brings together voices from our community to express themes of healing, love, and unity through their powerful sound. Don’t miss this free and uplifting preshow experience as we honor and celebrate the transformative power of Black art and community through song. This event is free and open to the public, with RSVP required. Admission to the evening’s performance of The Thing About Jellyfish requires a separate ticket.

Jellyfish Craft and Curtain Call
Get ready for a creative night at Berkeley Rep! Join Berkeley Rep and Ace Makerspace on Feb 26 to craft your own DIY jellyfish before the show. Then, catch the 7pm performance of The Thing About Jellyfish. Doors open at 5:30pm. The craft is free, but tickets are required for the show.

Postshow discussions
Join us after the show on Feb 20, Feb 25, or Feb 28 for a postshow discussion, expertly guided by members of Berkeley Rep’s artistic team.

Docent-led postshow discussions
Join your fellow audience members after all matinees for a thought-provoking postshow discussion led by our knowledgeable docents.

Resource guide
Check out this resource guide, created in collaboration with Berkeley Rep’s In Dialogue community partners — featuring links to connect a young person in your life with empowering programming or provide support for bereaved youth and families.

Health and safety

Masks are encouraged but optional for all performances. Visit our health and safety page for full details.