Photos: THE WHITE CHIP Bay Area Premiere Opens Marin Theatre 60th Season

Marin Theatre will kick off its 60th season with the Bay Area Premiere of The White Chip. Written by director, writer, and former California Shakespeare Theater Associate Artistic Director Sean Daniels, this sharp-witted comedy is a semi-autobiographical roller coaster ride through the intoxicating highs and rock-bottom lows of addiction and recovery. Check out photos of the production.

Marin Theatre Executive Artistic Director Lance Gardner, who will celebrate 20 years of sobriety in 2027, will helm this humorous, harrowing, and honest play. The White Chip follows Steven, a successful theatre director whose promising career is increasingly overshadowed by his struggle with alcoholism. When his addiction upends both his personal and professional life, he takes a first step toward recovery by claiming Alcoholics Anonymous’ white chip, awarded to those with 24 hours of sobriety or the desire to stop drinking. As Steven navigates the challenges of recovery, he embarks on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, resilience, and hope in this moving story. The White Chip will perform August 27 - September 20, 2026 (press opening: September 1) at Marin Theatre, 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. Subscriptions for Marin Theatre’s 2026/27 season are now available at MarinTheatre.org or by calling 415-388-5208. Single tickets will be available at a later date.

“The White Chip isn’t my story, but the decision to produce it is a very personal one,” said Lance Gardner. “2027 will mark 20 years of sobriety for me. Making the choice to abstain from drugs and alcohol opened the doors that led me to the helm of Marin Theatre and probably saved my life. The White Chip confronts the stigma of addiction and recovery head on with a hilarious and heart wrenching story which has the power to enlighten and inspire audiences whether or not they’ve experienced this kind of thing firsthand.” 

After premiering at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, The White Chip was produced at New York’s 59E59 Theater and was recently seen Off-Broadway at MCC Theater. Praised for its blend of humor, honesty, and compassion, the play has since been produced across the country, resonating with audiences through its candid portrayal of addiction, resilience, and hope. Talkin’ Broadway said, “This unique dramatic concoction is likely to leave you shaken and stirred with plenty of laughter and sobs.” The New York Times gave it a Critic’s Pick, noting its “Delicate equilibrium between laugh-out-loud comedy and gasp-inducing tragedy. Plays save lives in all kinds of ways. I would bet that The White Chip has, and will.

Director Gardner has assembled a talented cast for this premiere. Benjamin Clark makes his Marin Theatre debut as Steven, a theatre director who struggles with addiction. Clark has performed with regional theatres including Asolo Repertory Theatre, Barrington Stage Company, Round House Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Everyman Theatre, and ArtsCentric.

Danny Scheie and Lyndsy Kail round out the cast to play characters in Steven’s life. Danny Scheie was seen in Marin Theatre’s The Cherry Orchard and Lady in the Dark. Scheie directed Marin Theatre’s Splittin’ the Raft and The Pavilion. He has also performed roles at American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, The Magic Theatre, Aurora Theatre Company, Center Repertory Company, South Coast Repertory, Arena Stage, Folger Theater, The Old Globe, Yale Repertory Theatre, Trinity Repertory Company, Arizona Theatre Company, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Actors Theater of Louisville, Pasadena Playhouse, and more. He was artistic director for three seasons at Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Television credits include CBS’ “Nash Bridges,” Fox’s “Almost Family,” and Apple TV+’s “Physical.”

Lyndsy Kail makes her Marin Theatre debut. Kail has acted with California Shakespeare Theater, Center Repertory Company, San Jose Stage Company, San Jose Repertory Theatre, B Street Theatre, and San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. Her voice can be heard in games such as “BioShock Infinite,” “Call of Duty,” “NBA2K,” “Fortnite,” and “Monster High.”

The White Chip features scenic design by Christopher Fitzer, costume design by Callie Floor, lighting design by Spense Matubang, and sound design by George Psarras. Cameron Turner is the stage manager and Morgan Bright is the assistant stage manager.

Photo Credit: David Allen

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