Sunshine

By William Mastrosimone

The Regional Premiere, with new material from the playwright

Directed by Mel Day

Starring: Sara Marsh* (Sunshine), Tony Sarnicki (Robby), and Nels Lennes (Nelson)

Presented at Artspace’s Grain Belt Warehouse

Creative Team: Jared Zeigler* (Stage Manager), Mary Shabatura (Lighting & Sound Designer), Lisa Jones (Costume Designer), Lizzy Hallas (Set Designer), Rick Miller (Assistant Stage Manager), Jeremy Ellarby (Production Assistant)

Photos: Melissa Hesse

"A gritty and darkly funny one-act play...with acting that delves into the psychological gnarliness of the situation. Lennes, a co-founder of HUGE Theater, is a big, burly fellow who could clearly swing his weight around. But he seems restrained, even gentle...It is Sunshine, played by a petite performer who punches way above her weight, who gives a sense of menace...imagine Lady Macbeth as a working girl, struggling to find a way to get her soul some nourishing light."

— Rohan Preston, Star Tribune

"This production is a gift for audiences willing to embark on a riveting emotional ride...This is the third year in a row that Dark & Stormy has offered audiences a well-made and deeply engrossing December show. It's a Christmas gift I'll gladly take — and so should you."

— Ed Huyck, City Pages

"Sara Marsh is terrific as Sunshine, a part that could have been written for her talents. Nels Lennes as Nelson...makes visible his increasing hurt and vulnerability. Tony Sarnicki makes a palpable leap from innocence to obsession. [Director] Mel Day has created a synergy between these characters that bring meaning beyond the words they utter. Lisa Jones' costumes are spot on, and Mary Shabatura's sound and light designs bring further connections to the reality of Nelson and Sunshine's lives. Dark & Stormy deserves credit for mounting this little known play, and bringing it to the public eye."

— Arthur Dorman, Talkin' Broadway  

"Sara Marsh's Sunshine is splendidly volatile and heartrending. Nels Lennes as Nelson is perfectly intimidating and closed off, but when he sees his judgmental overkill he seems to shift consciousness. This pair is a joy to behold. Tony Sarnicki adds compelling layers...This is a production that raises pertinent questions about the power of sex and desire."

— John Townsend, Lavender Magazine

"Dark & Stormy has done an amazing job with this production...three all-around excellent performances in a tight 90-minute show. Dark & Stormy is a company to watch.”

— Sophie Kerman, Minnesota Playlist

*Member, Actors’ Equity Association