Tradition can be dangerous. It can drive roots too deep, too strong to not allow for growth. That applies to love, too. The person you love so deeply for so many years could also be the one that’s holding you back from your dreams.

Heritage and history are the central theme of The Wanderers on stage now at Jewish Repertory Theatre. Written by Anna Ziegler (who also penned Photograph 51 from last season at JRT) crafted a mesmerizing story about two couples – a generation apart – and the worlds they live in. Esther and Schmuli are steeped in their orthodox ways until Esther’s curiosity opens her eyes to early ‘70s feminism. Fast forward to Abe and Julia who love each other and their careers as writers and only wink at history, until a distraction tests their resolve and re-directs their future. Yet their stories, their lives are entwined in compelling, heartening ways.

Real life marrieds Arin Lee Dandes and Adam Yellen are exceptional as Esther and Schmuli. They each bring a distinct fire to their characters….he with a passion to preserve and she with determination to grow.

The next gen couple –   Abe (Jordan Levin) and Julia (Alexandria Watts) – share a different spark. Their union is shaken when the glamorous actor Julie Cheever (Aleks Malejs) attends one of Abe’s readings. She’s the coolly elegant foil to his bookishness and their scenes are wonderfully staged and a treat to watch.

The thing I like best about shows in this space is that the productions themselves are very sparse and spare. This keep the focus on the characters and their stories without too many set changes and hoopla. Director Steve Vaughan lets the actors and their story command and enthrall us, and The Wanderers does that perfectly.

The Wanderers runs two hours with a 15-minute intermission to March 2. Find details and tickets at https://www.jccbuffalo.org/jewish-repertory-theatre/.