‘Eureka Day’ connects with real-world public health issues

Timing in comedy and in theater is everything. The Riverside Theater couldn't have slated "Eureka Day" at a better moment.

"Eureka Day," an inspired satire written by Jonathan Spector, takes place at the Eureka Day School in Berkeley, California. The play is set during the prior decade, but it seems to come right out of today's headlines.

"Eureka Day" takes off during several meetings between parents and administrators regarding requirements for vaccinations after an outbreak of mumps in the student body.

Spector's work, which debuted in 2018, has become even more relevant over recent months due to heightened debates over vaccines and public health.

"’Eureka Day’ feels so timely as if it was being written as news is coming out," Riverside Theater Director Kathleen Johnson said. "What I love most about 'Eureka Day' is that it gets at the heart of listening and communicating with those that have fundamental differences. How do we build community when we disagree on the foundation of a serious topic?"

The Tony-winning comedy is primarily set in a classroom at a progressive private school in Berkeley. A group of reasonable people, who normally agree on everything, find that they have very different takes on how to handle a significant health issue.

"Doing this play is a blast," said Aaron Stonerook, Riverside Theatre actor. "The script is really brilliant."

Stonerook plays Eli, the father of a son who is vaccinated. It's a role that's close to home for the Iowa City native and resident. Stonerook, who comes from a family of scientists, has a son.

"Sometimes you play a part in which you bring pieces of yourself to," Stonerook said. "I understand what it's like being a parent and making decisions about vaccinating a child. I also understand being around parents who might have a different view than my wife and I do."

Even though Berkeley is halfway across the country and the stereotypes suggest that Northern California is very different from the Heartland, Stonerook believes "Eureka Day" will resonate with those from Iowa City.

"I definitely think people here will connect with ‘Eureka Day,’" Stonerook said. "Iowa City, like Berkeley, is a highly educated community with people that have diverse backgrounds. Both cities try to accommodate different viewpoints. I believe when people come out here to see the play, they will see their friends and neighbors on the stage."

"Eureka Day" isn't political. It's not about choosing a side but what's best for a family and a community. The play is also realistic since it's not like a predictable production in which everything is placed in a box with a bow on top. There's friction since the collective has a very difficult time finding a consensus. Comedy and drama come out of the conflict. "Eureka Day" is earnest but funny and also poignant.

Johnson never caught a "Eureka Day" production.

"I'm glad I haven't," Johnson said. "I've done my research. I've read interviews with the playwright and the actors. I prefer not to see the production before I direct it. That's the way I like to do things. I look forward to this show, which is so important. Parents are wrestling with the pressures of what it means to make a choice for this little person's life. It's a very important conversation to have."

Discussions will no doubt commence after the show.

There will also be a Public Health Community Panel Talkback following the Saturday, Oct. 25, performance exploring the play's themes of vaccination, trust and collective responsibility. Dr. Maurine Neiman, Dr. Aaron Scherer, Karrey Shannon and Dr. Peter Wallace will discuss how public health decisions shape and reflect our communities.

The panel is free and open to the public, and you do not have to attend the performance to attend the panel.