Content Warning: The following article includes mention of suicide. University Counseling services are available at 609-258-3141.
Written by and starring Jeffery Chen ’25, “A Life Worth Living” tells a complex and funny story about platonic love, grief, acceptance, and radical hope. A dramatic-comedy musical, the show follows protagonist Gavin after he is unwillingly sent to a Progressions Residential — a mental health treatment facility — following an unsuccessful suicide attempt.
Gavin develops meaningful relationships with his new peers, including the optimistic Adrian played by Sahaf Chowdhury ’26, feisty Talia played by Sydney Hogan ’26, soft-spoken Khai played by Lucy Grunden ’27, and musical Natasha played by Rosa Hernandez Diaz ’27. Working with the residential leader played by Kareish Thony ’27 and his therapist Cecilia played by Kailani Melvin ’28, Gavin comes to view past conflicts in a new light. Ultimately, he reconciles with his best friend Riley played by Kimberlynn Bjurstrom ’26 and his father played by Nicholas Pham GS.
While grappling with serious themes, such as suicide and grief, the musical accesses surprising levity with a sharp, almost cynical, sense of humor in dialogue and music. One of the opening numbers of the show, “Welcome to the Milieu,” exemplifies this artistry perfectly, as characters express their frustration of feeling trapped at the residential facility while doing jazz hands and kick lines.
The intersection of music and comedy, which gives the show its edgy yet humorous punch, reflects Chen’s own background.
“I started off as a comedian before I made the transition into the performing arts so this is sort of the next step that married my love of performing with singing and comedy,” Chen told The Daily Princetonian.
Despite starting off in comedy, Chen’s music in this show stands on its own. The melodies are catchy and memorable, deriving from influences of pop-rock, hip-hop, and jazz. The show feels right at home in the contemporary musical theater canon with influences deriving from Hadestown and Dear Evan Hansen. The ensemble harmonizes together and displays impressive versatility in their singing, from belting power ballads to rapping about morals learned at the facility.
Drawing from influences in his own life, such as his experience in comedy and studies in neuroscience, Chen brings Gavin to life on stage. He is comical and sincere as his journey progresses from the resentful new kid of the milieu to a supportive friend to those around him. The diverse cast of peers in the residential share this character growth, using their own experiences to support and uplift each other.
The staging was somewhat abstract but effective to progress the story and give the viewer a peek into Gavin’s past. Directed by music theater faculty Chesney Snow, Gavin is physically pulled out of the present world of the residential by Riley to reconcile with the visions of his past. The scenes between the two, despite being confined to a small area of light on a dark stage, are particularly powerful moments in the show. The bond between Gavin and Riley beautifully captures the potency of platonic love and how it brings both joy and pain. Assistant director Ava Adelaja ’27 recounts her own experiences working on the production alongside Snow.
“My favorite part [of the directing process] has been learning from Chesney Snow because I definitely want to direct in the future, and even though I came in blind, he’s given me the lead to block a couple of scenes and become more comfortable with the choices I’ve been making,” said Adelaja.
With an upbeat soundtrack and an overlying message of hope for oneself and the future, “A Life Worth Living” leaves audience members with the lyric that “we’re not broken, just simply unfinished.”
Isabella Rivera is a member of the Class of 2027 and a contributing writer for The Prospect. She can be reached at ir6143@princeton.edu.
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