Theater Spotlight of the Week: Mark-Brian Sonna

by Shawn Parikh

Mark-Brian Sonna is a man who wears many hats. He formed his own theater company, called Mark-Brian Sonna Productions. He writes new shows for the company's season, and directs a majority of them and other shows around town. Plus, when he gets a chance, he goes out to review shows for our very own Pegasus News. Currently, the company's most popular show, Theatre of Death, is about to open and not only is he directing, but he is acting and has composed a lot of the original sound design.

We start off by talking about the formation of his theater company and what niche he believes it fills in the Dallas theater community. He talks about the company's mission and what he looks for when choosing or writing new works.

I ask him why Theatre of Death is so popular and what audiences can expect out this fourth installment. He also clarifies what audiences should not expect when going to see this. Finally, we end by talking about the challenge of him sound designing, directing, and acting (since an actor had to be replaced) and how he is able to juggle it all.

This year’s show includes selections of some of the most sensational plays done over the last several years, some of which are: the agonizingly morbid Lament of Ignacio Sanchez Mejía by Federico García Lorca, Floor 13 which is the most popular of the black comedy plays by Alejandro de la Costa, the brutal Father and Mother by Agustín Barrios in which child’s play leads to unspeakable horrors, and the play that caused the greatest sensation by terrifying audiences and critics alike when it first premiered, Mark-Brian Sonna’s Killing Thomas

The show runs from October 18 - October 31 with a special Halloween show that includes a costume contest, seasonal food and beverages after the show and a tricker-treat bag full of goodies: while some are full of munchies and fun stuff, others may also contain free tickets to other theatre events, gift certificates for restaurants, shops, etc. Purchase tickets online or by calling 214-477-4942.

Mark-Brian is a content partner and contributes reviews. The Theater Spotlight will feature a theater artist every week that has an ongoing or approaching show at that time. To suggest someone for an interview, contact Shawn.