Francis Jue and Christine Toy Johnson in a scene from What Became of Us – Photo credit Charles T. Erickson
Family dynamics shape and mold us. The opportunity to examine them is often a subject of conversation. What Became of Us, now playing at George Street Playhouse, is about that very topic. Many moments in the show are heartwarming. However, there are also less comfortable times that are examined. What sets this play aside from a usual siblings tell all tale is the way it is presented. This production is sparse on stage props and active scenes but long on emotional moments that define a brother and sister.
Written by Shayan Lotfi and directed by Laiona Michelle, the play stars Tony and Obie honoree Christine Toy Johnson as Q and Tony Award Winner Francis Jue as Z. We never do learn their names nor do we ever find out from what “Old Country” their parents immigrated to the United States. And quite honestly, it does not matter about names or locations. We learn a lot the inner workings of this family from the well written dialog that makes up the show.
Ms. Johnson’s gives a strong and forthright portrayal of Q who was born in the old country, She was 6 years old when she arrived in the United States with her parents. Her memories of that time in the old country are limited but she vividly recalls a few locations the family was at.
A short time later, her younger brother Z is born. Mr. Jue portrays a character who is both independent and yet very emotional and sensitive. As the boy in the family, he sees things quite differently from his sister, or so he thinks he does. It is only after the two reunite after an absence and start talking about how their parents raised them that they finally come together more securely as sister and brother.
Their relationship has a bond that keeps them alerted to what each is going through although their activities do not always intersect. It is only after a number of years that the two start to visit.
Some beautiful moments occur, giving each sibling more than they could ever have imagined. Although we never see Z’s wife or child (referred to in the play as the golden child), they become a part of the story through the dialog of the play. Z’s child comes to visit and stay with Aunt Q giving her the family she never had. Z becomes the person who cares for his sister as she becomes ill.
The Set is Sparse but Telling
This very basic set provides stairs used by Q and Z to move around the stage. Their movements allow the story to show when time is changing. It also shows the distance between the two siblings in a representative fashion.
Dialog Presented in a Unique Way
A very unique feature of this play is the manner in which dialog is presented. It is not in the unusual conversation format. Instead, it takes the form of short soliloquies where each sibling speaks their inner thoughts emphasizing either “you” or “I.” For example, Z shows the sadness he felt for Q when she was not able to go the big University. He tells how their parents held her back from attending and his tone and emotional thoughts come through in a highly sensitive fashion adding depth to his concerns.
There are moments where the story moves forward by one of the siblings stating their actions. For those, we hear “I ” used. The technique allows the audience to gain a better grasp of what is inside of each sibling allowing us to understand their true feelings.
Go to See What Became of Us
This play is a gem.. Between the unique use of dialog, set, and outstanding acting from the two cast members, it is one that you will long remember. The show runs a little over 90 minutes.
What Became of Us runs for a limited engagement through Sunday, April 5, 2026, at George Street Playhouse, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.
Tickets and more information about the show are available on their website at https://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/
