Sedona, AZ — The Arts Academy of Sedona warmly invites the community to experience the creative process firsthand at a special open rehearsal of The Sweetest Fruits, an original play by Sedona playwright Sunday Larson. The event will take place on Friday, May 1, from 4:00–6:00 PM in The New Room at Sedona United Methodist Church (110 Indian Cliffs Road, Sedona, AZ 86336), as part of the Arts Academy of Sedona’s First Friday programming.
Both humorous and deeply moving, The Sweetest Fruits is a work in progress that offers audiences a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the development of a new theatrical piece. Inspired by a true story, the play traces an unexpected love story that unfolds across the sunlit calm of a Palm Springs resort, the striking red rocks of Sedona, and the lush landscapes of California wine country.
At its heart, The Sweetest Fruits explores the tender, complicated journey of a widow and a man long divorced who meet by chance when she travels to scatter her husband’s ashes. What begins as a fleeting encounter grows into a slow-burning romance, shaped by timing, distance, health challenges, and the emotional complexities of beginning again. As their connection deepens, the play reflects on love’s fragility and resiliency, reminding us that even the most carefully nurtured bonds can be tested by life’s realities.
The reading will feature accomplished actors Tricia Greer as Audrey, Robert Fleet as Jackson, and James Yaw as the Narrator, under the direction of award-winning director Camilla Ross.
The Sweetest Fruits is slated for a full production in October as part of the celebration for Emerson Theater Collaborative’s 10th Anniversary Season.
The Arts Academy of Sedona is a vibrant educational and cultural hub dedicated to fostering artistic innovation and collaboration across disciplines. Committed to inclusivity and representation, the Academy provides a supportive environment where artists and community members alike can grow, create, and thrive. Through forward-thinking programming and a deep investment in community, the Academy continues to bring fresh, meaningful artistic experiences to Sedona.
Event Details:
Open Rehearsal of The Sweetest Fruits by Sunday Larson
Friday, May 1, 2026, 4:00–6:00 PM
Sedona United Methodist Church – The New Room
110 Indian Cliffs Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
Admission is free. All are welcome.