By Patti Roberts

Chipmunk and Squirrel are best friends. The two of them go on many adventures together, all for the amusement of young readers. But after starring in a series of children’s books, Chipmunk and Squirrel have come to a roadblock. 

Well, it’s their author who’s hit a roadblock in the form of writer’s block. Thus begins Capital Stage’s “Everything Beautiful Happens At Night,” a tale of a children’s book author who examines his past, present and future.

Capital Stage is presenting this world premiere by playwright Ted Malawer who leads us through the author’s journey of denial, deflection and acceptance through laughter and tears.

Based in the early ‘80s, it brings together the author Ezra (Richard B. Watson), his long-time editor Nancy (Amy Resnick) and his new friend Jake (Nacho Tambunting). It examines the complicated relationships Ezra has with his characters and the two most meaningful people in his life.

The play begins with a sweet and silly interaction between Chipmunk and Squirrel, portrayed by Watson and Tambunting, and then morphs back to reality with Ezra’s frustrations with not being able to capture the essence of his characters again.

This is where we are introduced to Nancy; when they set out to discuss Ezra’s dreads and deadlines. Discussions are mostly one-way, with Nancy in hilarious, endless dialogues full of snarky rants and cynical humor that Resnick masterfully displays.

Then we’re introduced to the third member of this trio: Jake. Ezra, who has wrestled with his hidden sexuality his whole life, has never had a serious relationship. He just dips in for one-nighters, which young Jake is at first. What’s heartwarming is the role reversal, with the older inexperienced gentleman being nervous and awkward while the younger man leads the way.

Watson dives deep with his portrayal of Ezra, displayed in his delivery, gestures and expressions, showing growth and confidence along the way. And Tambunting is equally compelling with his cockiness that melds into neediness and insecurities.

There are purposeful nods to “Frog and Toad”, whose author Arnold Lobel kept closeted, as well as to Maurice Sendak (another children’s book author who was gay), all celebrated by playwright Malawer, who is a publisher and writer of young adult fiction.

Director Conner Mickiewicz keeps the action mindful and even keeled, letting the characters emerge at their own pace. And though it circles around children’s literature, this dramatic play — with comedic elements — is definitely for adult audiences.

While the stage is sparse — usually just a living room couch and chairs, or an office desk and chairs — there are times when the back wall bursts into colorful animated illustrations of Chipmunk and Squirrel. At the end, we find ourselves embracing the heart-tugging stories of everyone involved.

The play is an hour and 40 minutes, with no intermission. 

“Everything Beautiful Happens At Night” plays through April 20; Wednesday to Friday, 7 p.m., Sat, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. 2215 J St. Capital Stage.  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.