Off-Broadway Play 'The Reservoir' Tackles Addiction and Dementia

New dramedy explores family dynamics and the complexities of coping with hardship through a mix of comedy and tragedy.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A new off-Broadway play called 'The Reservoir' is tackling the weighty themes of alcoholism and dementia with a darkly comedic touch. The production, which premiered on February 24, 2026, centers on a young man named Josh who returns to his hometown of Denver to grapple with his own addiction issues while also navigating the challenges of his aging grandparents' declining health. The play has sparked conversation about its approach to sensitive subject matter and the strength of its ensemble cast.

Why it matters

Plays that explore serious issues like addiction and dementia through a mix of comedy and drama can provide a unique perspective on how individuals and families cope with hardship. 'The Reservoir' aims to balance the poignant and the amusing, prompting audiences to consider the role humor can play in processing pain and loss.

The details

Playwright Jake Brasch's dramedy follows Josh, a gay NYU student on medical leave, as he returns to Denver and confronts his own struggles with memory loss and an incident near a reservoir. The play also delves into the complexities of Josh's relationships with his maternal grandmother Irene, who is experiencing advanced dementia, and his other eccentric grandparents. The production features a strong ensemble cast, with Noah Galvin delivering a nuanced performance as Josh and standout turns from actors like Caroline Aaron as the spirited Beverly.

  • The Reservoir premiered on February 24, 2026.
  • The play is running through March 15, 2026.

The players

Jake Brasch

The playwright of 'The Reservoir'.

Noah Galvin

The actor who portrays the lead character of Josh in 'The Reservoir'.

Heidi Armbruster

The actress who plays Josh's concerned mother, Patricia, in 'The Reservoir'.

Mary Beth Peil

The actress who portrays Josh's grandmother Irene, who is experiencing advanced dementia, in 'The Reservoir'.

Caroline Aaron

The actress who plays the spirited Beverly, one of Josh's grandparents, in 'The Reservoir'.

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What’s next

Tickets for 'The Reservoir' are available through the Atlantic Theater Company website, with the production running through March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Plays that tackle serious issues like addiction and dementia through a mix of comedy and drama can provide a unique perspective on how individuals and families cope with hardship, prompting audiences to consider the role humor can play in processing pain and loss.