Sean Daniels’ autobiographical, dark comedy, “The White Chip”, shares his past struggles with alcoholism, the science of addiction and his path to recovery. Though it sounds like this story could easily be an hour and a half depressing lecture, Daniels approaches the topic with wit and humor that captures and holds the audiences’ attention.
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| Cast of "The White Chip" (photo credit: MRT) |
Writing
an autobiographical play about a very difficult time in one’s life can be a
terrifying experience. Not only that but having the play performed in front of
an audience of your neighbors, colleagues, friends and patrons; it’s no wonder
Daniels was a bit anxious about this one. In sharing his story he becomes the
voice that he needed, but didn’t hear, in his own darkest moments, and through this
wonderfully written play he is that voice for others in the midst of their
struggle with addiction.
Fantastically
directed by Sheryl Kaller three incredible actors bring this play to life.
Jeffrey Binder, as Sean, is dynamic, captivating and delivers an emotionally
charged performance. In the first few minutes of the play he grabs the
audiences’ attention and when they start laughing, I realize this play is not
going to be what I expected; it’s going to be better. Isabel Keating and
Benjamin Evett round out the trio playing a variety of characters including:
Sean’s parents, wife, others in recovery, co-workers, and the list goes on.
Their ability to portray so many vital people in Sean’s life ties the story
together perfectly. The connection between this cast is unparalleled and it
demonstrates their 100% commitment to sharing this important, timely and culturally
relevant story.
The
technical aspects of this production really helped put it on a whole other
level. Projections, designed by Aaron Rhyne, and illustrations, by Julie Felise
Dubiner, added both realism and amusement to the play.
While
this play was funny at times and sad at others, throughout it offered the
audience a glimpse into the world of addiction from the addicts’ point of view
rather than that of a bystander. This play is unlike any I have ever read or
seen and I believe it is being performed at exactly the right time based on our
country’s current drug overdose crisis. It epitomizes the notion that something
good can come from something bad. There can be life after addiction and Sean
Daniels is living proof of that fact.
“The
White Chip” plays at Merrimack Repertory Theatre (Lowell, MA) until January 31st
2016 with performances Wednesdays through Sundays. Tickets and more information
can be found at www.mrt.org/whitechip.
