Samantha Gershman and Jake Bentley Young Photo by Caelan Carlough

Andrew Lippa wrote the music and Tom Greenwald the lyrics (the two collaborated on the book) for the winsome piece which premiered at the Goodspeed Opera House in 1993. Director Gregg Edelman has a heightened role since the actors frequently move about as they sing both to one another and observers as well.

So, too, Nicolas Perez's musical direction for Samantha Gershman, playing Jen, and Jake Bentley Young, as John, is pivotal. Perez's instrumentalists include Jillian Emerson on cello and Emma Kroll, a percussionist. Perez provides excellent keyboard s well. He, Emerson, and Kroll strike a neat balance: the music is impactful but never overwhelming.

For its 45 or so minutes, John & Jen addresses a sister/brother relationship, one which finds Jen, around six, about to greet her baby brother. Gershman demonstrates her vocal range with "Welcome to the World." Next, she is 13 years of age while John is six years younger. We are probably somewhere in the 1950s, one tip off being that John treasures his Mickey Mantle baseball bat. Jen notices a mark on her brother's face, the result of a slap from their father. In the 1960s, Jen is drawn to New York City counter culture and costume designer Amanda Roberge helps the actress look the part. Watch for her brighter than bright orange coat!  

The performers, to be certain, succeed with solos and when singing together. "Out of My Sight," featuring both, is exceptional. Edelman is wise to often push production pacing, but he allows room for the artists to deliver full, emotional musical renditions.

The first act, the longer of the two, is all about sibling relationships. John, at a certain point, becomes influenced by his father, enlists in the military, and loses his life. After intermission, Jen appears with a baby who is named John for his deceased uncle. Jake Bentley Young plays that character as he emerges from boyhood and moves along.

Designer Jason Simms provides some rectangular boxes which seem to be enmeshed within a rear wall. This production carries a distinctive look and feel. Joanna Lynne Staub's sound design and Patricia M. Nichols's lighting (particularly toward the back part of the stage) influence the proceedings. The performers utilize a half dozen steps on one side of the performance space.

The actors seem to be performing with an ease that belies the performance's challenges. Samantha Gershman and Jake Bentley Young bring an array of previous acting credits and they fuel their characters with a neat blend of sensitivity and conviction. From the outset, John & Jen, a quite physical play, is filled with heart.  

Gregg Edelman, who has performed and directed at Berkshire Theatre Group, is fortunate to be working with two youthful individuals who have multiple skills and are delightfully suited to their characters. With a running time somewhat beyond an hour and a half, the presentation includes a brief break. It then takes on a different tone due to the passage of time. Jen (somewhat older Samantha Gershman) is a very different human being and John? Well, there's another person called John as the same actor (Jake Bentley Young) shapes that role.

John & Jen runs through June 7, 2026, at Berkshire Theatre Group, Unicorn Theatre, 6 East St., Stockbridge MA. For tickets and information, please visit BerkshireTheatreGroup.org or call 413-997-4444 .