05/26/2026
Thanks so much for coming to see us and the wonderful words!! We canโt wait to do it again in Keyser this weekend!
JOHN AND JEN SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: Written by Kyle Wolford in Association with Kickinโ It With Kyle
Do you have siblings? Can you relate to loving them, yet also wanting to strangle them at the same time? If you know that feeling, then you will understand this show personally.
John and Jen, presented by Apple Alley Players, is a show about a raw and real story between two siblings trying to navigate life with a promise that theyโll always be there for each other. The best words I can personally use to describe this show are โHeartfelt, Nostalgic, and Lovingโ.
First I want to start with the technical elements of the show, they were simple, yet so effective. The lighting had changes that truly took you into physical and emotional spaces throughout the show. The costumes told a story in themselves from age to personality shift. Quick changes that made a huge difference scene by scene. That bench, filled with everything, was such an amazing choice. Not only was it used as a convenient place to hold everything, but it also symbolized so much. It fits in perfectly with each scene wherever it is moved to.
The direction of this show, done by Jaiden Courrier and Jared Kimble, is phenomenal to say the least. A show in the round is a very hard thing to master, having to somehow block to 4 different sides, but these two not only did that successfully, but every movement they had the performers do was intentional. The way they moved around the stage was natural, even transitions looked so smooth. The show overall felt very intimate, and those are my favorite kind of shows personally.
I donโt think enough praise could be put into one review for the performers of this show. Doing a two-person show is HARD. You must have a lot of stamina to stay on that stage continuously for 90 minutes and they made it look easy. Connecting with a show like this with so many heavy emotions is difficult, but these actors handled each heavy topic with maturity and poise. Their ability to balance vulnerability and humor is spectacular. Not to mention the pure musical talent of these two, every note was on point, every harmony blended beautifully.
The character of Jen is one that I know some can relate to. The older sister who takes the weight of everything so her younger sibling doesnโt have to. Katie Zimmermann took this role and ran with it. She not only brought so much protectiveness to the character but gave so much heart to Jen. Zimmermann lets you in on her emotional journey and you feel as though youโre living life with her.
Jace Courrier plays the younger brother, John. In this role, Courrier shows how versatile of an actor he is, accurately portraying every age and version of his character perfectly. From the little five-year-old, to the mature eighteen-year-old. He made his character so complex, showing his internal struggles growing up through facial expressions and body language. He gave an honest performance, his character feeling truly human in a theatrical setting.
Now the music itself from the show is great, but the woman playing the music is even more spectacular. Kelly Schrecengost was the one-woman-band for this production, playing every note with ease. A true professional, you know youโre in for a good show when she is behind the keyboard.
And you canโt forget to mention the Stage Manager, Dana Bridges. No show can be done without a strong leader and thatโs what Bridges is. Always making sure things are running smoothly, working behind the scenes on things the audience would never know about.
I also want to give a shoutout to Spotlighters Theatre. It was the first time Iโd been there and the experience was phenomenal. I loved the โUnderground Vibeโ of the theatre. Not to mention it was so warm, everyone Iโd met was so friendly and genuine. I HIGHLY recommend going to this theatre in the future!
If you find yourself bored this weekend with nothing to do, this show is a MUST SEE! Be aware that this show contains adult themes, language, talks of abuse, and death/grief.
While you cannot see this show in Baltimore anymore, you can see it THIS COMING WEEKEND in the newly opened Lincoln Event Center in Keyser, WV! Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7pm, and Sunday at 2pm. And be sure to get to the Saturday show at 6pm for a social hour at the Lincoln Event Center building, then stick around after for an Artist Talkback!
Photo taken from Apple Alley Players.
