Berkeley Repertory Theatre's adaptation of 'The Thing About Jellyfish' offers a touching, dual-layered experience featuring a seventh-grader named Suzy. Grieving the loss of her best friend Franny, Suzy struggles with adolescence, family issues, and her own identity amid dramatic stage effects. The production, directed by Tyne Rafaeli, contrasts Suzy's intimate story with energetic visuals, sometimes detracting from the emotional core. Matilda Lawler shines as Suzy, delivering a compelling performance that captures the turmoil of youth while facing the chaos of middle school and personal loss.
The contrasting elements in 'The Thing About Jellyfish' create tension, as Suzy's personal story competes with high-tech visual distractions throughout the nearly two-hour production.
Director Tyne Rafaeli's production highlights a gifted performance by Matilda Lawler as Suzy, who perfectly embodies the emotional complexities of a 12-year-old navigating grief.
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