“Sugar Daddy” Takes the Stage at The Wallis
BY SOPHIA LOWE
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills is about to host a show that is equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. Sugar Daddy the one-man show by comedian and actor Sam Morrison, will take the stage at the Lovelace Studio Theater from September 20 to October 13, 2024, before making its Broadway debut in 2025. Directed by Tony Award nominee Stephen Brackett, this production promises a unique blend of comedy and poignancy.
Morrison’s journey to creating Sugar Daddy began in Provincetown, MA, where he met his dream partner. Their love story took a tragic turn when his partner died from COVID-19. To cope with his grief, Morrison turned to comedy, leading to the creation of Sugar Daddy.
The narrative of Sugar Daddy is packed with big laughs and tender moments. Morrison recounts the peculiar and comical events of his relationship, from seagull attacks to steamy shower encounters juxtaposed with visits from Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Discussing his work with TheatreMania, Morrison said, "I think I’m learning the more I do the show, the more I have to let the story and art separate from me and stand for itself. People will project their own lives onto the piece and derive their own conclusions, and it’s all just as valid and meaningful as my experience."
The show has garnered critical acclaim for its sharp wit and emotional depth. Tim Teeman of The Daily Beast described it as “beautifully told, sharp, moving, and truly laugh-out-loud funny.” Brian Logan of The Guardian praised it as "a wonderfully intimate offering that stints neither on big laughs nor on honesty."
Directed by Stephen Brackett, known for his work on A Strange Loop and Be More Chill, Sugar Daddy benefits from a top-notch creative team. Scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado, lighting design by Jennifer Schriever, sound design by Sinan Zafar, and video and projection design by Alex Basco Koch enhance the storytelling with rich visual and auditory elements.
Morrison reflects on the show’s impact, saying, "People sharing their own experiences with grief and finding meaning in my story is the most special thing to me and the biggest motivator to keep going."
Tickets at The Wallis are available from $39 to $95. Located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts provides an intimate setting perfect for Morrison’s compelling performance.
To purchase tickets, visit TheWallis.org or call 310-746-4000.