I think the regular patrons will be pleasantly surprised that Falcon Theater, which normally stages its shows proscenium-style (with some minor adaptions), has turned its theatrical space into a wonderful black box for its newest production. “Every Brilliant Thing,” written by Duncan MacMillan, was originally performed by Jonny Donahoe and filmed for broadcast. (You can see it on HBO, but please don’t until after you see Falcon’s production.)
Trigger warning: it’s a show about suicide and depression. And it’s a deeply emotional roller coaster - with both copious amounts of humor and tear-inducing moments. There is audience participation; I used to hate this as a device, mostly because I am a little shy (believe it or not) and despise being the butt of a joke - unless I made it at my own expense.
Enter actress Eileen Earnest to the rescue. I love her name, as it’s perhaps the aptest (and real) surname of a performer on stages locally. She is infinitely earnest; the warmth she exudes is palpable. She’s kind, genuine, and makes you feel safe. The audience I saw the show with seemed quite comfortable with her, and almost all of us were in on the act somehow. Willingly, even!
The coziness of the staging (thanks to director Tracy M. Schoster) also helps increase that feeling of comfort. It’s a tight space, lightly designed to feel as if we’re in a living room. Our friend, the unnamed Eileen, tells us about her mother’s suicide attempts and the list she made of “every brilliant thing” she could think of - as an attempt to help her Mom find hope. In the hands of a less capable performer, this show could go off the rails, as keeping the audience engaged is as important as regulating their behavior.
From what I understand, more people auditioned for this part than for any other show Falcon has ever produced before. It makes sense; it’s a beautiful script but also could be played by literally any type. (I even auditioned for it!) But there’s no doubt in my mind that the best choice out of all of the folks who showed up was and is Eileen Earnest.
Go see for yourself why. And maybe bring a tissue or two.
EVERY BRILLIANT THING runs through April 1st at Falcon Theatre in Newport, KY. Tickets and more information can be found here.