EVERY BRILLIANT THING Closes Out Dezart Performs 14th Season
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EVERY BRILLIANT THING Closes Out Dezart Performs 14th Season
April 1 – 10
Interactive One Person Show is First “Theatre in the Round” production for Dezart Performs
18 March 2022 – Palm Springs, CA: A boy of seven sets out to list every special, ordinary thing that’s worth living for to lift his mom’s spirits: 1. Ice cream. 2. Water fights. 3. Staying up past your bedtime and being allowed to watch TV. As he matures to adulthood, the list grows, and he learns the significance the list has on his own life as he goes to college, falls in love, and builds a home. With that simple premise, the off-Broadway hit EVERY BRILLIANT THING takes the audience on a unique theatrical storytelling experience that is both intimate and immersive, performed as theatre-in-the-round by award winning Dezart Performs of Palm Springs. EVERY BRILLIANT THING is the creative partnership between playwright Duncan MacMillan and actor Jonny Donahoe, and runs April 1 – 10 at the Pearl McManus Theatre.
“A heart-wrenching, hilarious play…One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression – and possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see, full stop!” (The Guardian). “Joyful. Life affirming. Brilliant. These are not words one would normally associate with a one-man play centered around depression and suicide. But Every Brilliant Thing is anything but normal.” (Idaho Press-Tribune)
Dezart Performs is thrilled to bringback the amazingly talentedactor and stand-up comic Joel Bryant in the role of the storyteller. Bryant won the Desert Theatre League Star Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy (Professional) in 2019 for his performance in Dezart Performs’ MAYTAG VIRGIN. Deborah Harmon, who also won a Desert Star Award for Outstanding Director of a Comedy (Professional) for MAYTAG VIRGIN, will be directing EVERY BRILLIANT THING.
“This play is a one-of-a-kind experience that challenges both director and actor not only because of the theatre-in-the-round setting but because of the subject matter,” says director Deborah Harmon. “The story is told with lots of humor and warmth, and reminds us of things both big and small to be thankful for, which is especially relevant for us all right now.” Artistic Director Michael Shaw adds, “This play shines a compassionate light on the impact that mental illness and depression can have, but also provides a life-affirming jolt of humanity, reminding us that hope comes from the joy of life’s day-to-day routines.”
“For the health, safety and well-being of our patrons, staff and artists, Dezart Performs’ COVID-19 policy requires guests to be fully vaccinated,” reminds Shaw. “Upon arrival at all events, guests must present a photo ID along with proof that they meet the CDC definition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, either in the form of a vaccination card or a photo of the card. Also, we ask that patrons please wear their masks when indoors for the health and safety of staff, volunteers and patrons. All staff and volunteers will wear masks at all times.”
Shaw and the company stress, that this policy is subject to changes at any time, in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines. Please check the Dezart Performs website for current policy guidelines before attending any scheduled performance date.
Dezart Performs, one of the Coachella Valley’s preeminent theatre companies, recognizes that the performing arts enrich the life and culture of a community, promote greater understanding and provoke insightful discussion. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company, its mission is to provide an artistic home for bold and cutting–edge plays, creating an atmosphere of artistic growth for actors, writers, and directors who uniquely contribute to the diverse theatrical environment in the Coachella Valley.
All performances take place at the Pearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club) 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs. Tickets prices are $37 – $48 and may be purchased online at www.dezartperforms.org, or by calling (760) 322-0179. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm; Sundays at 2pm.