Sunshine Cleaning + Tampa Theater

Separately, each of the elements in this equation would be have been perf for a chill Friday night, but together, we almost experienced magic.

I geared myself up for a dramedy in the vein of Little Miss Sunshine, which I was told shared the same director as Sunshine Cleaning. I just learned that I was mistaken, however, there were key similarities that make this surprising. More searching for a common producer will ensue...hoping for a third sunny installment to create a trinity.

While the bright, blinking bulbs illuminating the classic entrance of the Tampa Theater verge on causing seizures, the romantic interior is a soothing caress on the senses. And if that's not enough for you, there is a selection of beer and wine, in addition to your standard candy and corn.

Beginning near concession and proceeding outward, gargoyles guard the ceilings as each level of stairs sneaks upward to the dark entrances that lead to the balcony seating. Of course, we chose the upper level to enjoy the open "sky" hovering over us and the full view of the interior architecture, modeled after an outdoor theater.

While the sound system took some getting used to, the candid portrayal of each of the characters won everyone over. The gritty, middle class realism of anytown, New Mexico instantly struck a chord in portraying a believable struggle. The actors were also left remarkably "real" in appearance which made their rawer emotions and performances stand out, each in her own personal scene.