SOBER SONGS
Music, Book, and Lyrics by Michael Levin; Directed by Chris Mackin
Theatre Row - Theatre 3 | 410 West 42nd Street, NY NY 10036
August 30 - September 28
Photo Credit by Shawn Salley.
Returning to my old theatre stomping grounds at Theatre Row, I walked into a quiet theatre underscored by house music filled with sober songs. Anyone who has ever been to a 12-step meeting knows that particular energy: sometimes convivial, sometimes still, sometimes spiritual. What they all share is the commitment to carry a message of healing, and that same spirit fills this show.
Written by Michael Levin from lived experience, Sober Songs feels like a love song to Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) - simple, easy, and full of compassion. The musical opens with “And I’m an Alcoholic,” a darkly humorous piece that sets the stage and frames how this group of alcoholics ended up in recovery. The story unfolds in an A.A. meeting for young people, guided by Cap, a member with long-term sobriety. One by one, the group shares their trials and tribulations through song. Into this world steps Dean, a young star who once lived in the spotlight but whose light dimmed with addiction. His chance at redemption comes through sobriety, and the musical traces his journey alongside the group.
A musical in two acts, Levin’s work spans multiple genres to capture the good, the sad, and the ugly of the recovery process. Director Chris Macken’s staging allows for fluidity through the scene changes, creating different chair arrangements that reflect movement and growth while letting the music and script tell the story. While the score is simple, the cast’s raw talent and vocal power give the songs depth and resonance. This is a powerhouse and multicultural ensemble of singers, notably Bernard Holcomb as Cap, Melani Carrié as Angie, Jason Fio as Roque, Merrill Mitchell as Bri, Henry Ryeder as Dean, and Jocelyn Darci Trimmer as Nina, with the ensemble rounded out by Sarah Sun Park and Jake Kleve. Together they lift the material with passion and authenticity.
Several songs stand out. “Hey, Hey, A.A.” recounts the history of the program, beginning with Bill W. and Dr. Bob’s creation of Alcoholics Anonymous and moving through the program of recovery as told by the Twelve Steps. “Bartender in Heaven” stirred a strong response from the audience as Cap sings about why he would be happy to serve God a drink in heaven - only to conclude, with conviction, that he actually wouldn’t do it. These moments capture both the wit and the depth that thread through the show.
The staging moves beyond the church basement with subtle shifts to a coffee shop, a bakery, and a dressing room. Benches and chairs reconfigure to suggest each new space, while scenic design by Joshua Warner, lighting design by Annie Garrett-Larson, and sound design by Travis Joseph Warner provide seamless transitions and atmosphere.
This musical joins the company of works that take on alcoholism and addiction—such as Days of Wine and Roses, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, and The White Chip - but it distinguishes itself by centering young people in recovery. That choice brings freshness and urgency, underscoring how early sobriety for a young person can look and sometimes feel different. However, the disease does not know age, and recovery is possible.
Alcoholism and addiction remain taboo topics, even when most of us know someone in recovery. What this show emphasizes is that help is available and that no one has to suffer alone.
Want more information: Visit www.aa.org for support and services
Need a meeting? Visit https://www.aa.org/meeting-guide-app
Click HERE for tickets.
Review by Malini Singh McDonald.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on September 5, 2025. All rights reserved.