CONTRIBUTED BY AACT
AUBURN — Running for four performances for one weekend only, Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) is excited to present a special addition to its 21st season: the celebrated one-man show Every Brilliant Thing, April 9 through 12. Tickets are on sale now.
Duncan Macmillan’s acclaimed play, concurrently running on Broadway starring Daniel Radcliffe, weaves humor, tenderness and raw honesty to tell the story of a young man coping with his mother’s struggle with depression and suicide. In an effort to help her see the beauty in life, he begins creating a list of every brilliant thing — the small, unexpected moments that make life worth living. Starting with the basics, like ice cream and the color yellow, the list is maintained throughout their lifetime and highlights the narrator’s ever-changing view of what is beautiful about the world as they reach adulthood.
The show explores themes of love and loss while keeping its focus firmly on the moments that bring joy to our lives. Even in the face of hardship, Every Brilliant Thing celebrates gratitude, resilience and connection.
Reflecting on this show, local theater teacher and star Eli Grant says, “Throughout the process of bringing this show to life, I have found myself noticing more of the brilliant little things that can be found in each day. The list started out as a love letter from a son to his mother but quickly turned into a love letter to humanity and life itself. The hope of this story is infectious and I am so excited for the Auburn-Opelika community to get a chance to share in this life affirming experience. As the narrator reminds us, ‘Things get better. They might not always get brilliant, but they will get better.’ I hope to see you at the show and more importantly, I hope you find some brilliance around you.”
Join AACT for this uniquely immersive and life-affirming theatrical experience directed by Lori McCormack featuring Eli Grant in a performance that asks us all to reflect on what we hold most dear.
Performances will take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 E. Drake Ave. in Auburn on April 9, 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on April 12 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Some audience members may be handed a card and invited to read one of the Brilliant Things. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit AuburnACT.org.
Every Brilliant Thing does utilize audience participation to help create the list of Brilliant Things throughout the story. The audience participation is tiered and audience members are not required to take part. There will be very clear instructions, and you will be able to participate in various ways that feel most comfortable to you.
Please do not allow concern for being forced to participate keep you from hearing this wonderful story. Cast and crew will greet you at the door and be sure that you are only as involved as you would like to be.
This show contains discussions of depression and suicide. Audience discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, please reach out to the 988 Mental Health & Suicide Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Auburn Area Community Theatre is a nonprofit volunteer organization offering multiple opportunities for community involvement. There’s something for everyone. To get involved, visit AuburnACT.org to complete a volunteer interest form or email info@auburnact.org. Follow AACT on Facebook or visit the website for the latest information on auditions, volunteer opportunities and upcoming performances.
