Aurora Theatre - The Golden Bay Times

Brian Copeland’s The Jewelry Box is a heartfelt and sharply witty solo play that takes audiences into the eyes of a six-year-old navigating 1970s Oakland with a mission that feels enormous to him: scraping together enough change to buy his mother a Christmas gift. The treasure he’s after is a small wooden jewelry box spotted at the neighborhood White Front store, and his quest unfolds through a series of humorous, warm, and deeply human encounters with family, neighbors, and strangers. Copeland plays every role himself, shifting voices and gestures so quickly that the stage feels crowded with life, while his storytelling keeps the pace lively and relatable. The piece captures the innocence of childhood determination, the comedy of kid-logic problem solving, and the universal tenderness of wanting to give back to the person who gives you everything. At the same time, it reflects on the city’s culture and community spirit during that era, grounding the story in a real place and time that resonates beyond nostalgia. Though it stands as a holiday tale, its core is universal, highlighting love, resilience, and the kind of generosity that never goes out of style.