By Kori Fay

ANN ARBOR, MI–I will say, having an occult-like show in the middle of the holiday season that is all about peace, love, joy, and light is a daring task, but one that was extremely well pulled off by The Penny Seats Theatre Company in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Going into a show without knowing what it is about is one of my favorite ways to experience theatre, and I got to do just that with Sunrise Coven by Brendan Bourque-Sheil, directed by Amanda Buchalter. 

The story takes place in present day Buckstop, Texas and follows Hallie Heaton (Jeannine Thompson), a beloved small-town nurse who also suffers from an addiction to narcotics (both dealing and taking). Along the way we meet: her “business partner” and fellow dealer, Ethan (David Collins), who quickly becomes a friend; her talkative doctor, Annie (Inchai Reed); Jax (Andy Jones), a townsperson with ties to Hallie; and Winter Moon (Allison Megroet), the owner of a spiritual healing shop and a harbinger for what is to come.

We learn that Hallie and Ethan have been selling narcotics to the community, but when Hallie wakes up in the hospital after an overdose, she slowly realizes this is not the life for her. After meeting Winter Moon at a failed drug meet-up, she begins to learn all about the occult and refuses to accept that she might have a gift as well. Together, the three (Ethan, Hallie, Winter) decide to start their own business to give the townspeople the help they need under the guise of a religion.

It’s a story of people doing their best and doing what they think is best. The rest is up to the audience to fill in.

Overall, this fast-paced show is captivating. It lives lon the border of “this could happen” and “this does happen” with a toe in Halloween territory. It’s a tale of morality, Robinhood, and new beginnings. 

Julia Garlotte’s sound design –her choice of music throughout–sets the scene and makes it feel eerie without feeling “spooky”. Amanda Buchalter’s direction is notable for the easy flow of the storytelling; like watching someone’s life unfolding. Costumer Emily Betz chose the perfect looks for these everyday characters, and it is clear that a lot of time and detail went into Ray Buchalter’s set design and construction.

Jeannine Thompson is a standout in this cast of all-stars; her reactions, timing, and intention all seems lived-in and natural, like she wears Hallie as a sweater and knows her inside and out. David Collins wows with his comedic timing and energy. Andy Jones was incredibly loveable as Jax. Inchai Reed takes the whirlwind that is Annie’s character in stride and Allison Megroet holds the coven fort down with her beautifully grounded performance, just like the crystals she works with in her vocation.

If you have the time this holiday season to check out a non-holiday show, devoid of cheery holiday carols, Sunrise Coven is an antidote for department store Christmas music at The Penny Seats Theatre Company.

For tickets and showtimes go to The Penny Seats website.