‘The White Chip’ at Sacramento’s B Street Theatre pours compassion and humor into an autobiographical tale of alcoholism and sobriety  

From left: Greg Alexander, Tara Sissom and Hunter Hoffman in B Street Theatre’s production of “The White Chip,” which runs until Feb. 9. (Photo by Jonathan Martinez, courtesy of B Street Theatre)

By Patti Roberts

“The White Chip,” now having its West Coast premiere at the B Street Theatre, is playwright Sean Daniels’ autobiographical dark comedy about his slow spiral into the depths of alcoholism and his path towards sobriety. 

Steven (a stand in for Daniels) is following his theatrical dreams until he has to face the nightmare of addiction. As he climbs up the ladder to run one of the most successful theater companies in the country, Steven is pulled down by his alcoholism and the dark blanket it provides him. 

Daniels is forthcoming about the trials and tribulations he faced, many of which were of his own making, but he sprinkles it with self-deprecating humor as portrayed by Steven, played by Hunter Hoffman.  

This three-person cast, under the wise direction of M. Graham Smith, also includes B Street company members Tara Sissom and Greg Alexander in various supporting roles.  

Hoffman is continuously on stage throughout the production, giving monologues facing the audience that describe his struggles and triumphs, and then turning at pivotal moments to be joined by fellow cast members. Hoffman delivers, realistically portraying Steven’s denials and justifications of his struggle with alcoholism, and his various attempts toward sobriety. But this is not a preachy play; rather it shows this journey with dashes of humor.

From left: Hunter Hoffman, Greg Alexander and Tara Sissom in B Street Theatre’s production of “The White Chip,” which runs until Feb. 9.  (Photo by Jonathan Martinez, courtesy of B Street Theatre)

The play puts the viewer in Steven’s corner, despite the frustration of Steven’s setbacks. Sissom and Alexander are impressive in the various roles as Steven’s parents, his teen friends, his theater community, fellow partiers and sobriety group members. “The White Chip” refers to gaining a white chip at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings by starting or renewing a commitment to sobriety.  

The stage is sparse — merely a table and various chairs — with a constantly changing collection of bottles, cans, glasses of beer, bourbon and other spirits. The basically bare set allows the viewer to concentrate on the themes presented throughout. 

“The White Chip” plays through Feb. 9; various times, Tuesdays through Sundays. $28-$35. The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre, 2700 Capitol Ave.; (916) 443-5300; BStreetTheatre

This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.

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