Sunbreak
Two sisters are forced to reconcile their differences on the day of their mother's funeral as they are faced with the difficulty of selling their childhood home. We explore the unbreakable bond between siblings while uncovering the pain that lies beneath each of them to see if our estranged sisters can find a way to trust in their love for each other, once again.
This play was written/directed/produced by Jonathan Goetzman and was produced in partnership with Bella Balsamo. Bella Balsamo originated the role of Madeline Moss and Melany Smith originated the role of Dylan Moss. Shiraz Tzarfati played the role of Dylan Moss in our New York run.
Sunbreak had a 6-week run in Los Angeles at the Whitefire Theater (2024) and a three show run in New York at the New York Theater Festival (2025). Will be playing for a longer run with RJ Theatre Company in New York in the Fall (2025).
Credits:
Original composition by Alex Mansour, original set design by Hannah Freeman and Noah Dains, Poster Illustration by Mae Waite, Costumes by Kaylin George, Production Stage Manager for LA run was Mitch Rosander, Rehearsal Stage Manager was Miles Berman, Lighting Design for LA run was Ella Nelson, Lighting Design for NY run was Alexios Kinney, and Stage Manager/Producer for NY run was Carly Gilmore.
Reviews
"The whole play is this riveting, steady unfolding. It’s sweet and slow and very intimate, in the way cataclysmic events can shake everything up and force us to be real. The mother’s death was very sudden, neither of them was at all prepared and this abrupt adjustment to their lives sends them both spinning. Yet, as they find reminders of their former lives in amongst their mother’s things, they unlock the love they need to survive it...
...It’s a truly wonderful play. The characters are beautifully written and brilliantly played by these two incredible actresses. They seem like sisters. They look so deeply into each other as they share the stage I was almost unnerved to be there, as if I was an uninvited observer. But then, as an audience, isn’t that the best feeling imaginable when sitting in a theatre full of silent souls hoping to be moved and changed a little? It’s the absolute ultimate result, in fact...
...I don’t know Jonathan Goetzman as a filmmaker, although I might look him up now! What I can tell you is that, as a playmaker, he has that singularly special essence, that lightest of touches where what you see is so real and so raw that it bounces around in your brain for days and days to come. Reminding you of important moments in your own life and having you ponder, wonder and reconsider them."
- Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros, NoHo Arts District
Sunbreak Gallery
Playwright/Director's Statement:
In a period of dehumanization, violence, and baseless hatred, we need stories more than ever that connect
us to our humanity and connect us to love. This story shines a light on two sisters who are forced to
reconcile their differences on the day of their mother's funeral as they are faced with the difficulty of selling
their childhood home. We explore the complex and unbreakable bond between siblings to see if our estranged sisters can find a way to trust in their love for each other, once again. The story explores themes of dehumanization, self-love, and the context in which we remember the memories of our past. The positive and negative memories that make up so much of who we are and who we want to become.
The catharsis you feel from healing through art is the most beautiful emotion in the world and shows you the sheer strength and power of love. That warm, infectious feeling is able to spread far and wide to further connect us all as human beings. We have the opportunity to open people's hearts through our work and that is the most important aspect of what we do as artists. It's the key to life, it's how we survive.
Enjoy the show!
For more information on future productions, licensing, or if you want to see a live taping of the show, please reach out to Jonathan Goetzman. Follow @sunbreakoriginalplay on instagram to follow our journey.