Center Repertory Company Presents Heart-Wrenching, Hilarious Hit Solo Show “Every Brilliant Thing”

     Center Repertory Company will ring in the new year with the remarkable, resplendent hit solo performance “Every Brilliant Thing”. Making a list of things that make life worth living would get different responses, and what would be at the top? Ice cream? Family? The even-numbered Star Trek films? For the lead character in this uplifting show, it’s his mother. This surprising and immersive theatrical experience by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe delves into the human experience with playfulness and love. With poignant humor and joy,
“Every Brilliant Thing” takes audiences on a journey through favorite moments such as falling in love, as well as grief, healing, and (re)discovering all that life has to give. Directed by celebrated Bay Area director Jeffrey Lo and starring Oakland Theater Project Co-Artistic Director William Thomas Hodgson, the story is filled with opportunities for warm, fun audience participation. “Every Brilliant Thing” will perform January 6-28, 2024 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek.

     Premiering at Ludlow Fringe Festival then performing Off-Broadway at Barrow Street Theatre where it was filmed for HBO, Every Brilliant Thing has been deemed a “heart-wrenching, hilarious play” as it finds a perfect balance between conveying the struggles of life, and celebrating all that is sweet in it as it blends impactful storytelling with audience interaction.”

     “Every Brilliant Thing” features sound design by Gregory Robinson, lighting design by Spenser Matubang, and props design by Alyssa Tryon.

     Center REP offers Pay What You Can tickets (suggested price of $25) for the January 6-14 performances of “Every Brilliant Thing”, increasing access to theatre and inviting audiences to see the show at whatever price they can afford. ASL interpretation for deaf and hard of hearing patrons is offered at the 7:30 pm performance on Saturday, January 13, 2023.

     For tickets ($35-$40) and more information, the public may visit LesherArtsCenter.org or call the box office at (925) 943-7469 (open Wed-Sun, 12:00pm-6:00pm).

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Photo caption: William Thomas Hodgson stars in Center REP's "Every Brilliant Thing," performing January 6-28, 2024 at Lesher Center for the Arts. Pictured is Hodgson in Oakland Theater Project's production of "Every Brilliant Thing." (Photo Credit: Colin Mandlin)