Melissa Leilani Larson

SWEETHEART COME

Emma Hauck realizes that her husband's political ambitions are changing him—and their marriage. She finds refuge in her writing, and in the unexpected friendship of a new servant. As both relationships grow more complex, Emma must face difficult truths about herself that she never knew existed. Inspired by a heartbreaking true story, this new play explores the intersection between marriage, illness, and the power of a pencil.

“SWEETHEART COME…is one of the most fascinating pieces of small-scale physical stagecraft on a local stage in recent years. Larson’s text provides a superb foundation.” — Scott Renshaw, Salt Lake City Weekly

SWEETHEART COME received its world premiere at PYGmalion Productions in Salt Lake City from May 3 - 18, 2019. The production was directed by Mark Fossen and produced by Fran Pruyn with costumes and hair by Andrea Davenport, set design by Thomas George, sound design by Troy Klee, property design by Barb Gandy and stage management by Jennie Pett. Assistant director, Suni Gigliotti and assistant stage manager, Taylor Wallace. The cast comprised Christy Summerhays as Emma; Roger Dunbar as August; Patrick Kintz as Michael.

“Larson, an award-winning Utah playwright, has produced a fascinating, cogent interpretation of Emma Hauck’s story…. [She] has carved out beautifully an interstitial space between abstract symbolism and literal manifestation.” — Les Roka, The Utah Review

“Melissa Leilani Larson deftly manages to immerse the audience in a world of longing, beauty, passion, and horror.” — Utah Theatre Bloggers

“SWEETHEART COME is worth your time. It is a lovely piece, both terrifying and tender.” — Front Row Reviewers

A 2016 O'Neill National Playwrights Conference Semifinalist, SWEETHEART COME received readings at PYGmalion Productions (2018) and in Plan-B Theatre's Playwrights Lab (2016), and was workshopped in Brigham Young University's Writer/Dramaturg/Actor Workshop (2014).