Daniel K. Isaac (Photo by Isaak Berliner)
Reviewed by Taylor Kass
Geffen Playhouse
Through October 15
RECOMMENDED
After his mother’s suicide attempt, the unnamed protagonist (Daniel K. Isaac) of Every Brilliant Thing begins to compile a list of every thing that makes life worth living —from ice cream, to staying up past his bedtime, to watching people fall over. As he grows, so does the list: falling in love, when someone actually reads your book recommendation, poring over the sleeve notes of jazz records. But when his own mental health falters, so does his ability to see the beauty in the everyday. Originally conceived as a monologue written by Duncan Macmillan and later developed into a full length play co-written by Jonny Donahoe, Every Brilliant Thing is a poignant but never sentimental love letter to life itself. The Geffen Playhouse’s production, directed by Colm Summers, is a funny, affecting, one-of-a-kind experience.
Isaac may be the only actor listed in the playbill, but he enlists audience members to round out the world of the play by portraying teachers, family members, and love interests. Isaac also occasionally calls on audience members to read entries from the list of brilliant things. The phrase “audience participation” can be enough to send shivers down the spines of some theatergoers, but Summers, with the help of intimacy director Amanda Rose Villareal, has reimagined the role of the audience to create a brand new, communal narrative. Isaac’s witty charm and vivid storytelling abilities also certainly help to make audience members feel called in rather than called out.
The scenic design by Sibyl Wickersheimer and lighting design by Benedict Conran contribute to the warm, inviting atmosphere. Soft twinkling light filtered through an eclectic collection of blankets ensures that performer and audience can always see each other in this intimate theater in the round. And that’s the brilliant thing behind Every Brilliant Thing — as isolating as mental health struggles can be, things feel a little lighter when we turn toward the people and experiences that make life worth living.
Geffen Playhouse, Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood; Wed. – Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; through Oct. 15. https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/shows/every-brilliant-thing/. Running time: 70 minutes with no intermission.
