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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. Jonah Also see Susan's review of Safety Not Guaranteed
The Milton space is the most intimate of Studio's three venues, and director Taylor Reynolds capably expands the action beyond the stage: some moments of dialogue take place in the midst of the audience. Sibyl Wickersheimer's unit set represents numerous bedrooms where, over the years, Ana (Ismenia Mendes) is trying to make sense of her life. The drama, with no intermission, begins with teenage Ana's life at boarding school and incorporates bits and pieces of her experiences as she ultimately becomes a respected author. Ana feels adrift and isolated at school until she meets and makes an emotional connection with fellow student Jonah (Rohan Maletira). Later scenes examine Ana's difficult home life with an abusive (offstage) stepfather and an unsettling relationship with her stepbrother Danny (Quinn M. Johnson), and eventually her stay at a writer's retreat where she meets Steven (Louis Reyes McWilliams). While this scattered form of storytelling eventually reveals some of Ana's truths, others are left unresolved for the audience to consider. While Mendes is the incandescent core of the play, the three men in her life also shine in their unique ways. Maletira conveys youth and learning with an endearing sweetness; Johnson demonstrates his character's dangerous lack of impulse control; and McWilliams provides the calm and generosity that brings everything together. Also deserving mention are Andrew Cissna's lighting design, how it helps create and intensify the mood of each scene, and Fabian Obispo's sound design. Jonah runs through April 19, 2026, at Studio Theatre, Milton Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW, Washington DC. For tickets and information, please call 202-332-3300 or visit www.studiotheatre.org. By Rachel Bonds Cast: |
