‘Spare Parts’ – What Would You Risk to Grow Younger?

By Alix Cohen

The longevity industry in the United States—anti-aging medicine, supplements, biotech research, medical spas, and diagnostics—is worth tens of billions of dollars per year. Anti-aging products market alone garnered $14.05 billion in 2024 and could reach about $27 billion by 2033.

Science fiction,fantasy, and religion have been enamored of this subject as long as stories have existed. One of the earliest well-known works about immortality is the ancient Mesopotamian epic Epic of Gilgamesh (2100–1200 BCE) in which the hero learns about a magical plant that can restore youth. A snake steals the flora before he can use it, however, symbolizing that immortality is beyond human reach.

Bryan Johnson is a (real life) tech entrepreneur who invests millions of dollars each year on a strict health program designed to slow or reverse aging. His routine includes constant medical testing, a highly controlled plant-based diet, intense exercise, sleep monitoring, and experimental treatments guided by dozens of doctors. The goal is not just to stay healthy but to push the limits of human longevity—turning his own body into a long-term scientific experiment on how long a person might be able to live.

Playwright David J. Glass’s tech tycoon, Zeit Smith (Michael Genet), is also determined to “rage against the dying of the light”
(Dylan Thomas.) While Johnson is 48 and in great shape with considerable time to experiment, Smith is 65, slowed down and paunchy. One might ask why he didn’t try to affect his chances before now.

Smith’s good right arm, the much younger, efficient mentee, Ivan Shelley (Jonny-James Kajoba), has been set the task to find scientists in the field, ostensibly in whom to invest. To this end, Ivan has arranged a meeting with Professor Coffey (Rob McClure) and his graduate student assistant, Jeffrey Jordan (Matt Walker.) Funding for their blood-based longevity study has all but dried up. Coffey is nervous, Jordan excited, Smith impatient.

While Coffey’s explanation of what they’re doing and hope to achieve is mired in complicated terminology, Jordan manages to repeatedly clarify, making him the preferable partner. Smith wants to eliminate Coffey. Jordan dissuades him. The geneticists’ trial involving blood transfusions actually exists. It’s called heterochronic parabiosis. Think about this when you see what it entails.

Smith immediately wants the procedure tried on him. “You can’t just jump from mice!” Coffey exclaims. Government rules and regulations apply. It’s not safe! It takes time. Unaccustomed to being put off, the entrepreneur declares he’ll buy the study i.e. put the scientists on retainer, fund research, and salary them beyond wildest dreams.

Jordan volunteers to participate in the name of science, but his blood type doesn’t match that of Smith. Much to everyone’s surprise, a match is found in Shelley- not only of type, but a direct mirror of every element. What are the chances?! His mentor unwittingly reveals a secret association.

Importance of a paper on the human trial convinces Coffey to come on board. He and Jordan argue about whose name goes first. We’re in everyman-for-himself territory.

Shelley is all but conscripted, Smith more gleeful than apprehensive. Like any good Twilight Zone episode, comeuppance occurs in unexpected fashion.

Three cast members are complete personalities. Jonny-James Kajoba’s Ivan Shelley and Matt Walker’s Jeffrey Jordan seem comfortable in their skins. Rob McClure’s Professor Coffey is suitably uncomfortable in his. Only Michael Genet (Zeit Smith)
appears not to have created a whole character, thus paling some in company.

The Play: Tangential narrative finds Shelley and Jordan drawn to one another. Instead of feeling extraneous, the connection works to add perspective. One can only presume technical hypotheses are correctly stated. Characters are deftly drawn. Jordan’s reason for “getting into” science- involving peanut better- is wonderfully imaginative.

Curiously the all seeing/all hearing computer system George is barely employed. Insidious involvement would’ve enhanced atmosphere. Scott Penner’s otherwise appropriate set over emphasizes George.

Sound design and original music (Ryan Gamblin) would be effective were they not loud and dramatic well beyond circumstances. Costumes (Amanda Roberge) are appropriate.

David J. Glass’s play sits on the cusp of tomorrow. It’s entertaining and unnerving, not shocking.

Photos by Russ Rowland
Opening: Jonny-James Kajoba (Ivan Shelley), Matt Walker (Jeffrey Jordan), Rob McClure (Professor Coffey), Michael Genet (Zeit Smith)

Spare Parts by David J. Glass
Directed by Michael Herwitz
Theater Row 410 West 42nd Street
Through April 10, 2026