The Palace opening of Every Brilliant Thing brought a collective electricity of anticipation. The highly acclaimed one-person play immerses the audience, and the Georgetown crowd was ready to participate in the storytelling.
Every Brilliant Thing, written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe, explores the pain of depression versus the joys of life. The one-of-a-kind interactive show premiered in 2013, has been performed across the globe and arrived on Broadway in 2026.
The traditional barrier between stage and audience is broken. Theatergoers are offered slips of paper with “brilliant things” to read out loud, which make up the list of things worth living for. Ice cream is number one! Some attendees take on minor character roles. This shared experience of unpredictability builds excitement, and the stage becomes a community space.
Sandy D’Amato and Jacob Rosenbaum are cast as the alternating stars in this uninterrupted one-act show.
"Because Jacob and Sandy split the run, each performance brings a completely fresh, electric energy to the stage," the Palace says.
Jacob Rosenbaum performed at the opening-night performance with precise timing and skill. His pace was fast, and every line landed. The serious subject of processing depression was treated with dignity. Comedic moments hit the mark with strategic pacing, tempo and well-placed pauses.
The role requires discipline. The memorization of a solo script is impressive. Every Brilliant Thing includes the added challenge of improvisation through audience participation. Rosenbaum trusted his instincts and let the audience characters guide him in a creative collaboration.
Director Morgan Urbanovsky is credited with orchestrating the overall journey so that participating audience members get a meaningful, individualized experience. The piece was staged well, and the performance felt alive and authentic.
Audience participation makes every performance unique, but the compelling storyline of Every Brilliant Thing is consistent. The difference from traditional theater is in the style of telling. Audience participation is a big part but is always voluntary. The move from spectator to performer brings excitement for some and anxiety for others. Thankfully, participation is never imposed in this run.
I found the 90-minute performance to be fast, funny, touching and meaningful. I had one line to read from my seat. Most of the participants seemed to thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to be part of the production, while I was distracted by the small responsibility. Even moments of awkwardness create tender connections and become part of the whole in this engaging and impactful play.
Every Brilliant Thing runs through July 19 at the Doug Smith Performance Center located at 206 West Second Street. For tickets go to georgetownpalace.org.
Linda Dwyer has lived in Williamson County and written for the Williamson County Sun since 2014. Her columns focus on food related topics, theater productions and local points of interest. She can be reached at dwyer@wilcosun.com.