by ⭐⭐⭐½
The show must go on.
It’s a classic show business mantra. No matter if an act is injured or missing, if a prop doesn’t function as intended, no matter what, just go with it. Improvise!
The Brits adopted the philosophy and expanded it across society in the 20th century to get through wartime without panicking. Keep calm and carry on.
So what’s a two-hander without one hand? How is Lizzy Sunshine supposed to shine if her Jamie Storm no shows? She embodies her name as best as she can, maintaining positive vibes and asking audience members to fill in to read his parts, sing along to show tunes, and even offer up their own problems to distract her. For Liz Coin, a grown-up musical theater kid who moved from Iowa to the Big Apple, it all hits far too close to home. When a loved one is sick and suffering, you want to do everything to help them, but you’re all too powerless over whether they get better. That doesn’t stop you from trying. Or from beaming your rays of sun as a symbol of strength and hope for them, and for anyone who can see them.
So grab a sticker, put your name on it, read lines with Lizzy Sunshine and sing along with her. Hold on for one more day, because the sun will come out tomorrow.
Lizzy Sunshine plays the Coorie room at Gilded Balloon Patter House during the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe.
