Sean Daniels’ Comedy Unravels an Addict’s Alibis & Lies

by Jenyth Jo

So much depends upon a stylishly seductive bar in this sobriety story. Grey Goose-inspired bottles line vast shelves that light up alluringly. It’s an inviting, contemporary lounge that transforms and deludes the drinker. After a few drinks, our confused hero adopts a brave self-image—or an appealing lover.

Even more depends on the natural acting of lead Ben Clark, who narrates successful theater director Steven’s ups and downs on a series of alcoholic binges. Steven genuinely believes nobody has noticed. After all, in the U.S., celebratory drinking always follows a success. And making money masks and excuses addictive behavior.

Except that people are noticing. And Steven’s wife, boss, and family see the truth.

Lyndsy Kail and Danny Scheie play #1 and #2, placeholders for a myriad of characters in this fascinating yet familiar story. Playing Steven’s touching parents, his conciliatory boss, and his overburdened wife, Kail and Scheie bring humor into Clark’s elegant inebriation.

When they scamper around during the hilarious White Chip dance, or pop up to deliver a single line, they illuminate Steven’s spiral into addiction.

We see how his denial, denial, denial dooms his life. Steven is a charming liar, who explains away his car crashes and broken relationships. Yet Clark makes Steven an Everyman who generates sympathy for his self-delusion.

When he gets busted a few times, he tries AA, and gets his White Chip, a reward for 24 hours of sobriety or for his vow to stop drinking. Steven rationalizes why he drinks, though, which means he keeps failing. Nobody becomes sober alone. And Jesus isn’t helping.

What makes this show different is its critique of religion as the only redemption.  At a hilarious Mormon Summer Camp, folks are “forced to change being gay through the power of musical theater”!

Steven asks, “What if I’m nothing without booze?” Religion doesn’t answer this question, and he relapses again and again.

Just when we’ve given up on him and believe the next scene will be a suicide, enter the “Florida Alcoholics Anonymous Jews.” These folks see the irony of a Hooters next to a beautiful beach. They have ditched the belief that a “higher power” will vanquish physical addiction.

Here, Scheie and Kail shine, with exaggerated accents and funny “tell him like it is” attitudes. We love them for their secret weapon—which I’m keeping secret.

The “Florida Jews” expose the cycle of addiction, the mistake of “handling your alcohol,” and the failure of a higher power to replace the euphoria of getting high. Stay tuned for the little blue ball and the dopamine reward trap.

Sean Daniels’ slapstick humor and Director Lance Gardner’s slick vaudeville routines show how easy it is to deflect the truth. But eventually, Steven must acknowledge his ruined life.

When the Jews declare, “Alcohol owns you – you do whatever it says. You’re not confused. You’re fused with your con,” we beg Steven to recover. Talented Ben Clark makes us care about Steven’s helpless obsession.

This disarming comedy offers hope and provides many moments of self-recognition. Who knew serious revelation could be so hilarious?

“The White Chip” by Sean Daniels, directed by Lance Gardner, costumes by Callie Floor, lighting by Spense Matubang, set designed by Christopher Fitzer, sound by George Psarras, at Marin Theatre, Mill Valley, California.

Info: marintheatre.org – to September 20, 2026.

Cast: Ben Clark, Lyndsy Kail, and Danny Scheie.

Banner photo: Lyndsy Kail, Dannie Scheie, and Benjamin Clark. Photos: David Allen