Prologue
In the opening act of J. B., we are introduced to Mr. Zuss and Nickles, two carnival workers in a shabby circus. Zuss sells balloons, while Nickles hawks popcorn. They climb onto a sideshow platform to reenact the biblical tale of Job, transforming the stage into Heaven, the earth beneath into Earth, and the lights into stars. Zuss, whose name echoes "Zeus," the ancient Greek deity, assumes the role of God with an air of arrogance befitting someone who deems himself fit for such a part. He is particularly bemused by the notion that Job would dare question divine justice.

Scene 1

Nickles, by contrast, empathizes with Job's plight and challenges the idea that God inflicts suffering merely to reinforce His omnipotence. As Nickles poignantly sings, "If God is God He is not good, / If God is good, He is not God,’’ the paradox of the play is laid bare. His name, a nod to "Old Nick," a colloquial name for the devil, hints at his role as Satan. Together, Zuss and Nickles highlight the perpetual search for someone to assume Job's trials.

Donning masks from a collection of costumes, Zuss and Nickles prepare for their roles. The God-mask is white with closed eyes symbolizing indifference, while the Satan-mask is dark with open eyes, representing perception. Their dialogues are drawn from the King James Bible. As darkness engulfs the stage, a Distant Voice intones, "Whence comest thou?" echoing the words of God, and soon Zuss and Nickles take their places as the lights fade.

Scene 2

The spotlight shifts to J.B., a successful banker, and his family celebrating Thanksgiving. This prosperous New England family gathers around a festive table, where Sarah, J.B.'s wife, urges their children to express gratitude for their blessings. She believes there's a reciprocal arrangement with God: "If we do our part He does His," emphasizing that failing to acknowledge God invites punishment. J.B., however, views his success as a divine gift, feeling his role is to revel in life's abundance.

Scene 3

We return to Zuss and Nickles, who dismiss the acting prowess of J.B. Nonetheless, he remains their "pigeon," destined to embody Job. Nickles is convinced J.B.'s faith will falter once he loses his fortune, paralleling Job's story, but Zuss contends that J.B. will continue to praise God despite his trials. Nickles questions the necessity of Job's suffering if God already knows Job's unwavering faith. Zuss insists that Job must endure the trials to truly perceive God.

Scene 4

Years pass, and two inebriated soldiers deliver tragic news to J.B. and Sarah: their eldest son, David, has died, not heroically but accidentally at the hands of his comrades. Sarah grapples with the reality of her loss, while J.B. remains in denial. Nickles prompts them to challenge God, but his words go unheard.

Scene 5

Reporters direct a young "Girl" to intercept J.B. and Sarah, ensuring they are caught on camera when informed of another tragedy: their children Mary and Jonathan have died in a car crash. Sarah is devastated, questioning God's motives, while Nickles observes with satisfaction. Despite the heartbreak, J.B. clings to his faith, asserting, "Take the good and not the evil." He attempts to comfort Sarah, who recoils from his embrace.

Scene 6

J.B. and Sarah face more anguish as two police officers, representing biblical messengers, inform them of their youngest child's disappearance. J.B. delayed alerting the police, hoping to find Rebecca himself. Sarah, bitter, laments their misplaced faith in luck, which has failed them. They learn Rebecca has been brutally murdered, leaving J.B. to mutter, "The Lord giveth, the...