Alec Ludacka, Naomi Jacobson and Katherine Cortez discuss surfing and life in the heartwarming play "Wipeout," which runs at Studio Theatre in downtown D.C. through July. Photo by Margot Schulman

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At a moment when change is abundant, Wipeout by Aurora Real de Asua — playwright, filmmaker and performer — reminds us that change, growth and reconciliation can come from stepping out of our comfort zones. The production is on stage at the Studio Theatre, located in D.C.’s Logan Circle, through July 27.

In Wipeout, three longtime friends nearing their 70s gather on the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz, California, to learn to surf. More accurately, they wait in the water for their tardy young instructor.

How is a stage an ocean? Thanks to Danilo Gambini, associate artistic director, and Jimmy Stubbs, set designer, the ocean is both real and a metaphor: The actors navigate a small stage with the appearance of a vacation house. When is a couch, table or counter not a couch, table or counter? When it is a surfboard. The occasional water feature also makes it evident that the actors are actually in the ocean.

“The play takes place entirely in the water, largely on surfboards,” said David Muse, Studio’s artistic director. “I had originally assumed that this was unstageable. But Danilo’s staging conceit is canny and delightful.”

Through moody, atmospheric light beyond the windows of the house, lighting designer Andrew Cissna conjures the changing moods of the ocean. While the set doesn’t gel perfectly, it does a wonderful job of freeing the actors to exploit tremendous physicality and demonstrate the joyful, emotional bonds between the women in a way that more literal readings of the setting might not allow.

A unique cast

This play features something extremely rare: In this four-person cast, three characters are “women of a certain age,” who bring rich resumes to the stage. The ringleader of the trio, Claudia, is played with a nimble, tightly wound competence by three-time Helen Hayes award winner Naomi Jacobson. Ulterior motives and small secrets are part of her toolkit, but her primary aim is always to enhance the quality of life of her friends and family. Once a teacher, always a teacher, Claudia constantly introduces psychology and self-help into the itinerary. Jacobson acutely balances her character’s anxious capability with fleeting outbursts of frustration that no one’s caring for her well-being.

Wynn, played by theater, film and television actress Delissa Reynolds, pushes back against self-improvement. She’s fine as she is, she says. With a youthful look, elegant and self-contained in a vibrant dress and coverup, Wynn’s not aging quietly, at least not without some recreational support. Her detachment shields a lifetime of loss (three husbands) and a reluctance to confront the changes facing their long friendship.

Actor, playwright and co-artistic director of the Los Angeles Actor’s Studio Katherine Cortez plays Gary (short for Margaret) with a surplus of energy. A retired lawyer, she’s scruffy, funny and passionate. She seems the most open of the three to embrace what aging will offer beyond senior discounts, or “cash rewards,” as she calls them — along the lines of “Congrats! You made it, here’s two dollars off!” But what’s hidden beneath Claudia’s talk about Gary’s medicine?

When they aren’t connecting over life issues, the three friends, one by one, are led out to find a wave by Blaze, the tardy 19-year-old instructor played by New York City-based actor Alec Ludacka. He suffuses the play with a frothy bro magic and laugh-out-loud humor. (Jaws anniversary summer, anyone?) Although Blaze has his own worries, in the end, the hard lessons that he has already absorbed will save the day.

Is it safe to go back in the water? Absolutely. Just expect the jokes and cocktails to be paired with poignant drama and characters with greater depth than they at first admit to, a depth that will help them meet the challenges ahead.

Wipeout runs 110 minutes with no intermission. Ticket prices range from $55 to $95, with $5 off for those age 62 and over.

Studio Theatre is located at 1501 14th St. NW, Washington, DC. Parking is available in partnership with the Spot Hero app or the Washington Plaza Hotel. For tickets, visit studiotheatre.org or call (202) 332-3300.