OCNews

Ice cream. Water fights. Rollercoasters. What are the small pleasures in life that bring you joy? 

In the Red Dot Players’ upcoming production of Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, a man describes his lifelong project of compiling a list of “brilliant things” that helps him appreciate the beauty in life, even when he is experiencing depression, loneliness, and loss. A hilarious, original, and deeply moving play, Every Brilliant Thing reminds audiences of the little things that make life worth living.  

Every Brilliant Thing is directed by Sarah Foss, a computer science professor at Okanagan College, and stars Peter Church in a solo performance. The crew includes Lauren Frost, Miriam Kerzner, DeAnna MacArthur and Jeremy Beaulne.

According to Foss, she was drawn to the script by its emotional range: “This show is so special because it can take you in so many directions. It’s interactive, funny, heartbreaking, hopeful, and incredibly human. One minute you’re laughing, and the next it catches you completely off guard.” Foss adds, “I love how connected it makes a room feel, and I can’t wait for people to experience it.”

Actor Peter Church echoes Foss’s comments about the appeal of Every Brilliant Thing: “There’s something in it for everyone. It’s equal parts tragedy and comedy. There’s improv, there are belly laughs, there’s music, and there are moments that feel like a dirge.” According to Church, “If you like life, if you appreciate beauty, or if you’re looking for community and conversation, this show is for you. It’s the best $30 you’ll spend in town.”

The Red Dot Players are presenting Every Brilliant Thing in Room E202 in the Centre for Learning on the Kelowna campus of Okanagan College. The performance times are as follows:

Thursday, September 24th, 7 PM
Friday, September 25th, 7 PM 
Saturday, September 26th, 7 PM
Sunday, September 27th, 2 PM
Thursday, October 1st, 7 PM
Friday, October 2nd, 7 PM
Saturday, October 3rd, 7 PM

The performances on September 27th and October 3rd will feature American Sign Language interpretation.

Tickets for Every Brilliant Thing can be purchased through the Red Dot Players’ website: www.reddotplayers.com. They will also be available at the door. 

Every Brilliant Thing includes discussion of death and suicide. It is recommended for mature audiences.

The Red Dot Players are a theatre company sponsored by Okanagan College. Their mission is to provide opportunities for creative expression to Okanagan College students, employees, alumni, and community members.