Every Brilliant Thing

Every Brilliant Thing is a poignant and thought-provoking one-man show that delves into the complexities of depression, suicide, and the unwavering dedication of loved ones. It's a story woven around a young boy's attempt to help his mother through the darkest of times, his unwavering optimism, and the creation of a monumental running list of everything worth living for. The play begins with the young boy, portrayed by Jonny Donahoe as a single actor on stage, standing at the edge of the void, desperately searching for any glimmer of light to grasp onto. The character is struggling with his own sense of despair, and we learn through his recollections and inner monologues that his mother is battling depression, a condition that threatens to consume them both. The weight of responsibility falls on the young boy as he navigates the uncharted waters of adult emotions, his innocence slowly being stripped away by the harsh realities of life. In a bid to ease his mother's suffering, the young boy embarks on a mission to gather every beautiful thing in life, every reason to live, and compile them into an enormous running list. This list becomes a beacon of hope, a shining ray of light in the midst of darkness. As the list grows, so does the character's sense of purpose. He sees the world through different eyes now, every experience – big or small – is a reason to hold onto. Throughout the journey, the young boy encounters a plethora of characters – some of whom are real, while others are figments of his imagination. Each character brings their own unique perspective, some are kind and supportive, while others are cold and unforgiving. The young boy learns from each of these encounters, growing emotionally and intellectually with every passing moment. His interactions with these characters also serve to underscore the complexity of depression, a condition that can be as crippling as it is insidious. As the list continues to grow, the young boy faces numerous obstacles and setbacks. Some of these setbacks feel trivial by comparison, while others are far more profound. However, he never loses sight of his goal. His mother's well-being is of primary importance to him, and he'll stop at nothing to help her through this tumultuous time. His unwavering dedication, a testament to the unbreakable bond of a parent and child, is both poignant and profound. The one-man show format allows for a depth of exploration that might be impossible in a multi-actor setup. The character's inner turmoil, his conflicting emotions, and his struggle to cope with the challenges he faces are all laid bare. We see the young boy as a vulnerable and fragile individual, struggling to come to terms with the complexities of life. At the same time, we see the resilience that lies within him, the strength he's built over the years as he's faced each and every challenge head-on. One of the play's most striking aspects is its ability to balance humor and heartbreak with eerie precision. The young boy's recollections are peppered with moments of dark humor, some of which are laugh-out-loud funny, while others are poignant in their raw emotion. It's this blend of humor and heartbreak that makes Every Brilliant Thing such a powerful and thought-provoking experience. We're reminded that even in the darkest of times, there's always something to laugh about, always a reason to keep going. As the story reaches its climax, we're confronted with the harsh realities of depression and the unforgiving power it can wield. The play is unflinching in its portrayal of this condition, refusing to shy away from the difficult truths that lie at its core. And yet, even in the midst of despair, there's always hope. It's a glimmer of light that guides the young boy through the darkness, a reminder that no matter how low life may take you, there's always a way out. In the end, Every Brilliant Thing is a testament to the power of love and the unwavering support that exists between loved ones. It's a story that resonates deeply, one that cuts to the very heart of what it means to be human. As the young boy delivers the final items on the list, we're reminded of the beauty and fragility of life, and the many reasons we have to live. This poignant and thought-provoking one-man show is a must-see experience that lingers long after the curtain falls, leaving us all to reflect on the brilliance of life and the reasons we're fortunate to be a part of it.