I dreamed of her again.

That’s what brought me here to begin with: the dreams. They came and went, and I thought nothing of it. Until I saw that ad on Craig’s List…someone looking for dreamers. Dreamers like me.

I met him in Hollywood the other night. He was sitting, studying a map, a literal roadmap of the places he’s been to find her. He asked me if I dreamed of her too, if I could see her in my mind’s eye. He loves her, he claimed…and he wants her back.

From there, I was led to my own thoughts, laying down, as my dreams began to become a reality. And then…there she was. And she had quite the story to tell.

Shine On Collective made their debut last year during the Hollywood Fringe Festival with the impressive show THE TRUTH, and quickly became one of my favorite companies to watch. Especially after their four part DEVOTED series, I knew they truly knew how to deliver an emotionally powerful and breathtaking show.

They have returned to Fringe again with SWEET DREAMS: THE PROLOGUE, their own take on a story that many will remember from their childhoods. However, this version looks very different from what we remember.

Despite its 15 minute running time, the show manages to pack yet another emotional punch that Shine On does so well. The story, expertly written by Anna Mavromati and craftfully directed by Marlee Delia, puts a lot of story on your plate, but not in a way that is overwhelming. Setting up their longer show, which will be staged later this year, SWEET DREAMS: THE PROLOGUE eases its way into the sinister undertones that are bubbling beneath the surface of the story.

Alexander Echols, who many immersive theater fans will recognize, is an emotional powerhouse as Philip. His vulnerability is on full display as he relates the story of the dreaming girl and why he wants to find her again. His natural demeanor will put you at ease, making the really impactful story points even stronger when they arise.

Hannah Faust’s Rose takes you on an incredible journey. In the hands of a less skilled actress, this role would have faltered. However, Hannah does an amazing job of making her character’s plight absolutely believable. Before your time with her is through, you will be fully invested in her story.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the set design. Shine On has done incredible things in the past when it comes to transforming a space into something else entirely. This show is no different. While I do not want to give anything away, I will say there is a particular moment that the seemingly simple space transforms around you into a wonderful WOW moment. It’s impressive and pretty much took my breath away.

Again, I walked away from a Shine On show thoroughly impressed. Everything about it worked, and clicked into place. The characters in the world they have created for this show is truly wonderful, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next.

SWEET DREAMS: THE PROLOGUE runs from now until the end of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. You can purchase tickets online at: http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/4434