If The Reservoir by Jake Brasch were a river, it would flow with the wondrous ambrosia of expressive genius, yet the talented cast is fully capable of matching that magic.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 06-26-2025
Without hesitation, I will share one of my strongest convictions as a theatre critic: Do not miss the opening run of The Reservoir at The Geffen Playhouse! Not only is it the best play I have seen in 2025, but it is also one of the finest pieces of theatre I’ve ever had the pleasure to experience in terms of the quality of the writing, directing, and performance. Presented in partnership with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Alliance Theatre, the Geffen Playhouse production is sponsored by UCLA Health.
Such a sponsorship isn’t surprising, as The Reservoir is genuinely beneficial for your health. It’s a pleasure to experience such artistic brilliance. From Jake Horowitz’s captivating lead performance, which balances humor and emotional depth, to Shelley Butler’s precise and beautiful direction, the result is outstanding. Laughing nonstop yet also moved to tears, I cherish such a wonderful night at the theater.
Indeed, there are many reasons why I feel this way and why this play resonates with me. Yes, as a sober member of a 12-Step program, I connect with the struggles of the main character. Yes, as a man with aging parents, I relate to the fear of memory loss and the rapid decline of old age. Yes, as a Jew who feels alienated from his religious identity, I identify with the spiritual expression of some of the religious dilemmas in the storyline.
However, there are many differences as well, and those gaps did not diminish my passion for the play. First, I am not gay, and my sexuality has never been a concern for me or my family. Second, I spent little time with my grandparents as an adult, and I had few meaningful encounters with them in my twenties. Finally, my struggle involved hard drugs, not alcohol, and my reservoir did not run dry until long after college. Indeed, my story is not the same.
Still, there’s no reason why my story or your story needs to be the same or even similar. The success of The Reservoir lies in its ability to portray a universal human struggle so authentically that it goes beyond the need for shared experience. Instead, the connection is made through the brilliance of the artistic performance and the masterful presentation of the story in two flawless acts.
At the core of the story, Jake Horowitz takes on the challenging role of Josh as if he were born to play it. He slips into the part as effortlessly as a hand slips into a comfortable glove, and his energy never fades, even with no moment to catch his breath — physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Indeed, the play demands a great deal from this young actor, but he meets the challenge from start to finish.
Throughout the play’s two acts, Jake Horowitz is supported by Marin Hinkle and Adrián González. With each actor playing multiple roles, including those of Josh’s mother, Patricia, and Josh’s coworker, Hugo, it is essential to clearly distinguish these characters. From the cop on the beach to the manager in the bookstore, González gives each role a unique personality, effectively supporting the story without overshadowing Josh’s journey.
In the essential role of Josh’s mother, Marin Hinkle conveys the pain of substance abuse within a family while also taking on all the other roles she is asked to play. There is never a moment when you wonder, “Wait a second! Isn’t the Rabbi also Josh’s mother?” Indeed, every moment on stage is a triumph for Hinkle as she shows her range and talent.
As the four grandparents — Liz Larsen, Carolyn Mignini, Geoffrey Wade, and Lee Wilkof — are consummate professionals, they perform each of their roles with energy and expertise. Given the depth and truth of the play, none of their roles are one-dimensional or limited. Indeed, they each face challenging moments of conveying brutal emotional realities, yet the audience never questions the authenticity of what is happening on stage. In many ways, the most profound moments of growth and change occur for Josh in the presence of his grandparents.
After the first act, I left the theatre feeling a bit nervous. How could the playwright and cast possibly match the brilliance of what we had just experienced in the second half? Yet, in the second half, the brilliance was not just matched but surpassed, reaching a level that brought tears and enlightenment. If you see one play this year, The Reservoir is the one to see.
As my guest on opening night, Leonard Buschel, the founder of the Reel Recovery Film Festival and the Experience, Strength, and Hope Awards, said with a radiant smile as we left amid an audience brimming with satisfaction, “If I had ever been the impresario behind a theatre festival, I would have been thrilled to present such a touching and brilliant work.”
Photos by Jeff Lorch, are courtesy of the Geffen Playhouse
