Elaine Jarvik’s ‘Sunny in the Dark’ Explores Faith, Family & Origins | Utah Review

Salt Lake City audiences are currently experiencing a thought-provoking new work from playwright Elaine Jarvik, whose career continues to explore the intersection of personal experience and grand cosmological questions. February 7th marked the world premiere of Sunny in the Dark at the Salt Lake Acting Company (SLAC), and early reviews suggest a compelling and intellectually stimulating production.

Jarvik, known for her ambitious storytelling, frames Sunny in the Dark around a fifteen-year-old protagonist, Sunny, as she grapples with both the everyday challenges of adolescence and the weighty mysteries of the universe. The play delves into themes of truth, belief, and the human need for origin stories, examining how these narratives shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. It’s a continuation of Jarvik’s exploration of complex ideas, reminiscent of her 2016 play, Based on a True Story, which imagined a future with commercial time travel and the societal implications of altering the past.

Sunny in the Dark isn’t simply a philosophical exercise; it’s grounded in the relatable realities of family dynamics and school life. Sunny’s journey unfolds against the backdrop of her mother, Elise, running for a seat on the school board. Elise’s progressive values – allowing Sunny to express herself freely, even with a nose ring – are contrasted with the concerns of her campaign manager, AJ, who fears that the family’s unconventional lifestyle might alienate more conservative voters. This political subplot adds a layer of contemporary relevance to the play, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding education, freedom, and the role of public schools.

The play’s central conflict stems from Sunny’s desire to understand her own origins. She’s frustrated by incomplete answers about her birth and the circumstances surrounding her father’s identity. This personal quest for knowledge is interwoven with broader explorations of cosmology and faith. Jarvik, in a prepared statement, revealed that the play was initially sparked by a question about the necessity of religious affiliation for political success, which then expanded into a wider contemplation of the universe and the search for meaning.

The production benefits from strong performances, particularly from CoCo May Berwald in her SLAC debut as Sunny. Berwald reportedly captures the character’s blend of teenage angst and intellectual curiosity, effectively portraying a young woman wrestling with profound questions. Alexandra Harbold delivers a sincere performance as Elise, while Paul Mulder embodies the complexities of Sunny’s stepfather, Tom. Matthew Ivan Bennett shines as The Astrophysicist, bringing a zany energy to his monologues and serving as a guide for Sunny’s intellectual journey. Jason Andrew Hackney adeptly handles multiple roles – Dad, Priest, and Man – adding to the play’s layered narrative.

Bennett’s performance, in particular, is described as a highlight, drawing comparisons to Dr. Emmett Brown from the Back to the Future franchise. He injects humor and intellectual rigor into the play, prompting Sunny (and the audience) to consider the vastness of the universe and the limitations of human knowledge. The interplay between Sunny and The Astrophysicist is a key element of the play, as he encourages her to embrace uncertainty and pursue bold new avenues of inquiry.

Director Marion Markham skillfully navigates the play’s ambitious scope, blending realistic and fantastical elements to create a cohesive and engaging experience. The production effectively balances the intimate struggles of a family with the grand scale of cosmological questions, demonstrating Jarvik’s mastery of the “intimate epic.”

Jarvik’s work consistently demonstrates a willingness to tackle complex themes with both intellectual depth and emotional resonance. Her previous collaborations with SLAC have established her as a significant voice in contemporary American theater, and Sunny in the Dark appears to be another compelling addition to her body of work. The play’s exploration of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning resonates with universal human experiences, making it a timely and relevant production.

Sunny in the Dark runs through March 1, 2026 at the Salt Lake Acting Company. Tickets and further information are available on the SLAC website.