Whirlpool

by Jonathan V. Edmondson

Memories come flooding back when, after not speaking for years, Caleb and Blake reconnect at a party in the same small town that brought them together. Weaving in and out of time from high school to present day, they revisit pivotal moments in their lives to try and make sense of a shattered relationship. By examining key elements of adolescent friendship and exploration of sexuality, "Whirlpool" takes an...

Memories come flooding back when, after not speaking for years, Caleb and Blake reconnect at a party in the same small town that brought them together. Weaving in and out of time from high school to present day, they revisit pivotal moments in their lives to try and make sense of a shattered relationship. By examining key elements of adolescent friendship and exploration of sexuality, "Whirlpool" takes an honest look at a complicated time and questions our ability - or inability - to move on from our past.

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Whirlpool

Recommended by

  • DC Cathro: Whirlpool by Jonathan V. Edmondson
    “

    Unsettling, funny, sweet, painful, and an intimate glimpse into friendship and young love gone wrong. The story is well told in non-linear fashion, giving the reader both history and foreshadowing as they weave the full story together. Great roles for two actors. Beautiful work.

    Unsettling, funny, sweet, painful, and an intimate glimpse into friendship and young love gone wrong. The story is well told in non-linear fashion, giving the reader both history and foreshadowing as they weave the full story together. Great roles for two actors. Beautiful work.

    ”
  • Robynne Graffam: Whirlpool by Jonathan V. Edmondson
    “

    This is a touching, nuanced look at the struggle to find one's identity while navigating the complexities of young friendship and love. The relationship at the heart of the play is beautifully drawn, and you're immediately intrigued to know how Caleb and Blake will resolve the tension between them, and where it began. A satisfying coming-of-age story.

    This is a touching, nuanced look at the struggle to find one's identity while navigating the complexities of young friendship and love. The relationship at the heart of the play is beautifully drawn, and you're immediately intrigued to know how Caleb and Blake will resolve the tension between them, and where it began. A satisfying coming-of-age story.

    ”
  • Julie Zaffarano: Whirlpool by Jonathan V. Edmondson
    “

    A beautiful coming of age story when friendship turns to romance -- and the confusion, longing, struggles, denials, betrayals that the young can't articulate. When these two meet and reflect together in maturity, the healing can begin.

    A beautiful coming of age story when friendship turns to romance -- and the confusion, longing, struggles, denials, betrayals that the young can't articulate. When these two meet and reflect together in maturity, the healing can begin.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

Two male-identifying folx; actors must play characters from age 14 to 24, and back again.
  • Caleb Simmons
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Blake Henderson
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Production History

  • University, Rowan University, 2024
  • Fringe, The Iron Factory - Philadelphia, PA, 2020
  • Fringe, Jersey Fringe Festival, 2019