Theater Spotlight of the Week: Mark-Brian Sonna

by Shawn Parikh

Interview with Mark-Brian Sonna, creator of stage version of Dante: Inferno

I interviewed Mark-Brian Sonna back in 2007, but found it was a good time to feature him again with the world premiere of Dante: Inferno presented by his theater company, MBS Productions. Mr. Sonna is involved practically in every aspect of this show: acting, designing, translating, choreographing, casting, and creating.

We start off by talking about Dante: Inferno and what attracted him to the piece to put it in the season. He talks about the obstacles of putting on such a huge, spectacular show for the stage and why it has rarely been done.

Dante: Inferno

(Click photo to see entire gallery)

Recently, Mark-Brian had trouble finding an actor to play the title role with several actors dropping out. He talks about why this happened and what are the biggest preconceived misconceptions surrounding the book.

Mr. Sonna also makes a cameo as Satan in the show, so I had to ask him what it is like to play this character and why he decided to take on this role.

I ask him what he wants the audience to walk away thinking, and since he had a preview last night, he mentions whether this vision came true. He talks about the audience responses, and what people should go in expecting.

This last season, MBS Productions has had quite a few hits with Theatre of Love, Theatre of Death, The Beulaville Baptist Book Club, and an already extended run of Dante: Inferno due to advanced ticket sales. I ask him about this growing success and what he sees in the future of this popular theater company.

Dante: Inferno opens tonight, April 10, and tickets can be purchased online or by calling 214-477-4942.

Mark-Brian is a PegNews content partner.