We All Fall Down
by Lila Rose Kaplan
Directed by Rebekah Scallet
New Jewish Theatre
May 30, 2024
Alan Knoll, Jenni Ryan, Bridgette Bassa
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
New Jewish Theatre
The New Jewish Theatre’s latest production is a vividly realistic, alternately comic and poignant picture of a family in the midst of change, conflict, and chaos. With strong characterizations and believable relationships, this is a story that should be relatable to many, regardless of cultural or religious background. At NJT, under the direction of artistic director Rebekah Scallet, the play is brought to life with energy and great detail by an excellent cast and creative team.
Nothing runs smoothly in this story, as the Stein family prepares for a Passover Seder, led by matriarch Linda (Mindy Shaw), who insists on the celebration to the confusion of her family, because she had previously eschewed the religious aspects of Judaism, along with her sister-in-law, the politically active Nan (Jenni Ryan). Linda’s husband, recently retired college professor Saul (Alan Knoll) had fond memories of celebrating the holiday as a child with his grandparents, but this will be his first Seder as an adult. His and Linda’s daughters, California-based educator Sammi (Bridgette Bassa), and aspiring Yoga instructor Ariel (Hailey Medrano), are both confused by Linda’s sudden enthusiasm for Passover, and Nan is downright hostile. Also along for the evening are Linda’s graduate research assistant Ester (Taijha Silas), and former neighbor Bev (Bethany Barr), both of whom seem more positive about the preparations for the Seder than the rest of the family.
And the Seder isn’t the only source of conflict, either. There’s a lot going on here, as Linda deals with her own lack of interest in technology as Ester tries to help her promote her new book with an exciting potential talk-show appearance, Nan and Bev deal with personality conflicts, and both daughters deal with their parents’ disapproval of various aspects of their lives and apparent refusal to see them as full-grown adults. Meanwhile, there’s another serious issue involving Saul that causes concern for his family, and informs Linda’s insistence on the Seder in the first place.
This is a fast-moving, cleverly structured play that features a lot of humor and comes across as a comedy for the most part, although the underlying sense of drama is palpable and informs the relationships and character motivations. There’s a lot to relate to for audiences, whether viewers are from a Jewish background or not, and serious issues like mental health, aging, and political and religious differences are handled with surprising clarity given the fast pace of the events. The characters are well-portrayed by a strong cast, led by Shaw as the insistent, occasionally misguided but always caring Linda, and Knoll in a poignant performance as the likable, increasingly forgetful Saul. There’s also a believable sibling relationship between Bassa as the optimistic but often exasperated Sammi and Medrano as the somewhat secretive, overprotected Ariel. Ryan as Nan, Barr as Bev, and Silas as Ester also lend strong support, with Silas having a memorable singing moment during the Seder. While some characters are more likable than others, I also think some may be more and less relatable depending on individual viewers. It’s a cohesive cast that carries the story and message with believable humor, drama, and intensity as needed.
The set, by Andrea Ball, is remarkably detailed, presenting the cross-section of a house including stairs, and upstairs room, and a bathroom. The costumes by Michele Friedman Siler and Dennis Milam Bensie suit the characters well. There’s also excellent atmospheric lighting by Michael Sullivan and sound by Ellie Schwetye, helping to bring the world and moods of this family effectively to life.
We All Fall Down is an intriguing show about a memorable family with situations that are at once particular and universal. With a fair amount of humor and drama, it leaves a lot for audiences to think about. It’s emphasis on memory, upholding family traditions while also questioning them, and the importance of maintaining relationships through change are all themes to which many should be able to relate. With its strong sense of character and setting, along with an excellent cast, it’s a thoughtfully staged theatrical experience.
Taijha Silas, Bridgette Bassa, Alan Knoll, Mindy Shaw
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
New Jewish Theatre
The New Jewish Theatre is presenting We All Fall Down at the J’s Wool Studio Theatre until June 16, 2024