Review: ‘Goldfish’ at Noisy Nest

From left: Neo Barnes (Albert) and Jillian Lee Garner (Lucy) in "Goldfish" at Noisy Nest (Photo courtesy of The Nest)

Written by John Kolvenbach and directed by Amanda Bird, “Goldfish” is currently running through Sept. 28 at Noisy Nest in Beverly Hills. The play follows two young adults, Albert (Neo Barnes) and Lucy (Jillian Lee Garner), as they begin to build their own lives at college while navigating the dysfunction of their families.

Themes of family dysfunction and perseverance resonate throughout “Goldfish.” Though Albert and Lucy come from very different socioeconomic backgrounds, they share the same struggle of being raised by stubborn single parents. The play explores how young people define themselves while carrying the weight of family trauma. It also prompts reflection on how resilience shapes the lives we carve out for ourselves, even in the face of hardship.

From left: Lynne Mannino (Margaret) and Jillian Lee Garner (Lucy) in "Goldfish" at Noisy Nest (Photo courtesy of The Nest)

The acting in this production is strong and grounded. Garner brings a lighthearted, comedic touch as Lucy while still tapping into deeper emotional currents, showing the full range of her character with subtlety and ease. Her scenes with her mother Margaret (Lynne Mannino) stand out, with their mother-daughter banter feeling genuine and honest.

And Barnes as Albert delivers a modest, thoughtful performance, intentionally restrained in his interactions with his father Leo (Will Kane). Their dynamic captures the patience and quiet respect of a son grappling with a father’s inability to let go. Kane brings warmth and charm to a flawed character, making the father-son relationship compelling. Overall, the cast comes prepared, and it shows in every scene.

From left: Neo Barnes (Albert) and Will Kane (Leo) in "Goldfish" at Noisy Nest (Photo courtesy of The Nest)

Bird’s direction is where the show shines brightest. Wearing many hats for this production, her strongest work is in shaping its rhythm and movement. The pacing is deliberate and sharp, and the use of a runway-style stage made for a unique experience. Audience members may find themselves shifting focus from side to side as the story unfolds, giving entrances and transitions a dynamic flow.

Bird also designed the set and costumes, both of which effectively ground the story and highlight the economic differences between Albert and Lucy. On one side of the stage, Lucy’s middle-class living room is marked by mustard drapes and a plush beige couch. On the other side, Albert’s sparse kitchen, with bare cabinets, a small white tabletop and a mason jar of quarters, hints at poverty.

From left: Will Kane (Leo) and Neo Barnes (Albert) in "Goldfish" at Noisy Nest (Photo courtesy of The Nest)

Costumes are simple but intentional, which helps in defining each character immediately, and sound design, also by Bird, is minimal but effective. Lighting design by Isa Perez-Flores mostly supports the production, though sound-activated multicolored bulbs occasionally distract from more intimate moments between Albert and Leo.

The audience’s reactions during a recent performance made it clear they were both entertained and moved. Aside from the distracting lights, the production felt grounded, relatable and emotionally accessible. “Goldfish” speaks to anyone who has had to define themselves against the shadow of family dysfunction. It is heartfelt, engaging and well worth seeing.

“Goldfish” continues through Sept. 28 at Noisy Nest, 148 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets and information, visit TheNestLA.org. Run time is 90 minutes with no intermission.