In March of 2020, San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre had just closed a successful, sold-out production of the musical “Always…Patsy Cline”and was rehearsed and ready to open a new show called Every Brilliant Thing, a touching and funny exploration of depression and the lengths we go to for the ones we love. Unfortunately, that show did not have the chance to take the stage in 2020. The pandemic emergency hit and the theatre closed its doors for 15 months. SLO REP rescheduled the show for August 2021, but the Delta variant turned our lives upside down and it was canceled again. October was the next try, but once again the show was pulled due to health and safety concerns. Now, after two incredible years, we have yet another chance to bring this “brilliant” story to the stage, and this time we are going to make it.
On March 25th, SLO REP will welcome audiences back to a completely reimagined “in-the-round” version of our intimate space when we present “EVERY BRILLIANT THING.” Instead of the usual thrust style of our small stage, the theatre seats will be rearranged and the stage reconfigured so that every audience member has an equal view and equal access to the actor and the action as they experience and help to tell this heartfelt story. The show will run Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., March 25 through April 10at SLO REP, located at 888 Morro Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Ticket prices range from $20-$36 and are available at www.slorep.org or by calling (805) 786-2440.
“EVERY BRILLIANT THING” is a funny, poignant and powerful one-person play written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe which had its premiere in 2013. The show shines a light on the heavy topics of depression and suicide, but does so with hope, warmth, laughter and audience participation. Directed by Suzy Newmanand featuring Kevin Harris, this “brilliant” show is a tribute to resilience and hope, as well as “one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression full stop” (The Guardian).
SLO REP is grateful to Transitions-Mental Health Association for partnering with us on this production to provide resources and information concerning depression, suicide and mental health throughout the run of the show. Many performances will include a talk-back after the show with the cast, the director and TMHA mental health professionals. Additional resources may be found on our website.