Octopus’s Garden at Boston Court Pasadena (Photo – Brian Hashimoto)
When Boston Court Pasadena, Circle X Theatre, Outside In Theater, director Jessica Kubzansky, puppets, and otherworldly communication and exploration are mentioned in the introduction to a play, I am instantly intrigued.
By Carol Germain
After experiencing this creative and brain-stretching production, I’m now on the lookout for additional work by playwright Weston Gaylord, artistic directors Jessica Hanna and Jen Kays, and all presentations at these three theaters, hoping to see more collaborations among these creative minds.
Octopus’s Garden is unique in its exploration of connection with living beings in different dimensions and through different means of communication. It explores our options when juggling consideration of unexpected connections with living beings—how far to go in satisfying our desire to understand and document their existence and implications in our world, while simultaneously not affecting their existence. Marine biologists Lars (Tim Cummings) and Tara (Kacie Rogers), along with composer Lucas (Vincent R. Williams), are exploring the implications and possibilities of communicating with an octopus in their cephalopod study — one who displays a never-before-heard musical talent by composing music that drives the scientists to explore the possibility of sharing it with other humans.
How far should they go in exploring, experiencing, and seeking to introduce the octopus’s ethereal talent to the world? Where is the line for balancing our need to experience such a unique discovery with the octopus’s right to be its true self?
There is some humor in the communication among the characters as well — for example, confirming that the plural of octopus is octopuses, not octopi. The decision not to define explicitly or present exactly the never-before-heard music of the octopus works well, leaving the audience considering the possibilities and options rather than humming a tune.
For a split second, the thought crossed my mind that it might have been a better choice to animate the octopus with invisible wires, but within a few minutes it was clear that the directors’ decision to have the octopus animated and escorted by three puppeteers dressed in black (Zachary Bones, Perry Daniel, and Danielle McPhaul) was chosen as another layer of connection and consideration between the worlds of humans and other living creatures.
I had the fortune of attending the performance where the playwright appeared for a question-and-answer discussion with the audience after the play, which added some additional nuances regarding choices for the production. Unique, beautifully staged, entertaining yet thought-provoking, highly recommended. It is a small theater, so all seats are “up close and personal.” Also, there is free parking behind the theater and a variety of restaurants within walking distance.
Tim Cummings as Lars (Photo – Brian Hashimoto)
Octopus’s Garden Director: Jessica Kubzansky Playwright: Weston Gaylord Cast: Tim Cummings, Kacie Rogers, Vincent R. Williams. Puppeteers: Zachary Bones, Perry Daniel, & Danielle McPhaul. Through Mar. 29, 2026 Boston Court Pasadena 70 North Mentor Avenue Pasadena, CA 91106 (626) 683-6801 Bostoncourtpasadena.org
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