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Eureka Day




In a child-size library with child-sized chairs, the Executive Committee of elite Eureka Day grammar school in Berkeley meets to resolve school issues. When we first encounter them, they are peddling around whether the races listed on the dropdown of their website are accurate and inclusive enough.

They need to determine whether there needs to be a change in the identity checklist on the school admission form. Should they include Jewish or is white enough? The actors brilliantly satirize the types of parents who would choose to send their children to a progressive school.

Author Spector has an ear for the jargon used by his characters. They constantly interrupt each other using phrases like unpack issues, framing opinions. The audience guffaws.

As they go about this exercise, the personalities of the four parents are revealed. Eli (gesticulating Austin Bean) retired from Facebook and cashed out. He is a stay-at-home dad with time on is hands and a need to be center stage.

Meiko listens quietly to the proceedings as she knits. She’s quiet but not a push over as she tells Suzanne “I find the best way not to put words in someone’s mouth is not to put words in their mouth.” He and Meiko have something going on.
Austin Bean as Eli and Kye Gahyn Kim as Meiko
Photo Ben Krantz Studio
New member Carina (expressive Ashley Jaye) actually has a lot of experience being on boards. Having traveled all over growing up she is skilled at fitting in and deferring to others while pointing out their hypocrisy. She has a Black special needs child.

Alicia Rydman’s Suzanne is an early co-founder of the school and Board member who is completely invested in its survival. She has six children who are enrolled or have been enrolled.

Don (earnest David Bogdonoff) is not a parent but is the head of the Board and an educator. He attempts to guide the group to consensus while avoiding conflicts.
David Bogdonoff and Ashley Jaye
Photo Ben Krantz Studio
They go overboard in their efforts at inclusion. Suzanne in particular, keeps them from making progress. She begs to disagree but blocks others from sharing their opinions.

The third time we see the Board, they have convened to discuss a Berkeley city decree about a medical situation and includes a vaccination schedule.

In order to conduct a Community Activated Conversation, the committee holds an open meeting using Facebook Live. We see the contrast between the committee and the parents of the school projected above the stage. It is hilarious! You can’t follow the dialogue if you try to read the comments of the parents watching the zoom meeting at home. Invisible Leslie Kaufman with her thumbs up icon to every comment cracked everyone up.
Ashley Jaye, David Bogdonoff, Alicia Rydman and Kye Gahyun Kim
Photo Ben Krantz Studio
The rule to reach consensus strains the whole Board when Suzanne uses it to get her way. Don struggles to maintain civility among the group but the once warm new age vibe crumbles to a stand-off.

Although it's a comedy, the play touches on serious issues. The community of Eureka Day is in crisis. The play asks whether the rights of the individual are more important than the community. Can there be free speech along with civility? At a certain point, if you cannot reach consensus, you have to take a vote. You’ll love this fast-paced comedy at Contra Costa Civic Theatre.

Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector, directed by Enrico Banson, set design by Christopher Jones, projection & sound by Michael Kelly & Enrico Banson, lighting by Ashley Munday, costumes by Maggie Carpenter. Production photos Ben Krantz Studio. At Contra Costa Civic Theatre, El Cerrito – to September 27, 2026

Info: ccct.org

Cast: Austin Bean, David Bogdonoff, Kye Gahyun Kim, Ashley Jaye and Alicia Rydman







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