by Cari Lynn Pace *

I was hesitant to invite my friend to join me for Marin Theatre’s Bay Area premiere of The White Chip, now running in Mill Valley through Sep. 20. This semi-autobiographical comedy, written by Sean Daniels, is billed as “a humorous and human play about addiction and recovery.” The title refers to the white chip given to AA program participants who have been sober for 24 hours or expressed the desire to stop drinking. My friend’s son just got out of alcohol rehab. Would this play be too depressing?

I needn’t have worried. This smartly written whirlwind depiction of a man who has plumbed the depths of hell and back is not to miss. It’s sadly funny in its relating the power struggles common with alcohol.

I was on the edge of my seat for the show’s hour and 45 minutes as Benjamin Clark portrayed the temptations and misguided justifications of his character Steven. Steven clings to his delusion that he can handle his drinking. It is gut-wrenching to observe as his world falls away from him. The truth is here in The White Chip, and it is powerful indeed.

Director Lance Gardner tapped two phenomenal actors to fill the stage with characters from Steven’s booze-filled journey. Lyndsy Kail and Danny Scheie master their quick-change multiple roles as only actors at the top of their craft can do with gestures and voices. They create tension as they variously tempt and berate Steven from one alcoholic bender to another.

Every detail of The White Chip is stunning. The striking stage set by Christopher Fitzer is a knockout, with its majestic wall of bottles that lure the eye with pulses. George Psarras brings the sounds of an airport bar to life, adding to the lighting designed by Spense Matubang. It almost makes you want to sit and have a drink.

Artistic Director Lance Gardner notes in The White Chip program “Everyone in this room knows someone or is someone struggling with addiction, or working every day to remain sober. You’re not alone.” He will celebrate 20 years of sobriety in 2027.

My reluctant friend completely agreed with the truth portrayed in The White Chip. Don’t miss it!

Playing through September 20, 2026 at Marin Theatre, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley.

Click HERE for more information and tickets.

Photos by David Allen

Cari Lynn Pace is a long-time Bay Area theatre critic whose reviews were regularly featured in the Marinscope Community Newspapers and a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.