The Catskill Chronicle

By Carol Montana

Some stories are difficult to tell. Witness Arthur Miller’s dramas “All My Sons” and “Death of a Salesman.” When the story is true, it’s even harder to relate the details in a way that doesn’t turn the viewer off. 

Fortunately for theatre lovers, Denizen Theatre in New Paltz, has found not only a play that’s stimulating and well told, but also an actress and a director who are able to translate that play into an energizing and exciting piece of theatre. 

Denizen’s production of “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe tells the heart-wrenching story of a young girl whose mother has “done something stupid.” What she’s done is tried to commit suicide. So the young child starts making a list of things she hopes will keep her mom happy. The list consists of “every brilliant thing” she can think of, everything that makes life worth living, like ice cream and roller coasters, laughing so hard you shoot milk out of your nose … the list goes on and on and on … 

The Denizen audience has the good fortune to witness a truly remarkable performance by Terri Weagant. Listed not as a performer, but as a Narrator, Weagant embodies the wild energies of a young girl, running all over the theatre, crawling on the floor and almost bouncing off the walls. She tells her story with depth, courage, warmth and purpose. Weagant’s performance is vibrant and lively, and she immediately makes the audience comfortable even while dealing with the difficult topic of depression. 

It’s an interactive play, which sees the Narrator call out numbers that have been given to each audience member before the show starts, each number representing one “brilliant” thing. Additionally, certain audience members assist by playing the Narrator’s father, school counselor, a college lecturer, a veterinarian and a date / fiancee / husband.  

The play is performed “in the round,” allowing Weagant to easily engage with everyone in the audience, and it runs 70 minutes with no intermission to interrupt the often acute and powerful emotions and intensity. 

Denizen Theatre’s choice of a director for “Every Brilliant Thing” is as brilliant as the play itself. Eva Tenuto is the co-founder and executive director of the TMI Project, a non-profit dedicated to using true storytelling for social justice movement building. Allowing people who have difficulties telling their stories or parts thereof to become comfortable with relating those and then performing them as solo events. Who better to direct a play about such a difficult subject as suicide and depression? Tenuto’s skill shines through in every facet of this production. 

If you’re fortunate enough to see “Every Brilliant Thing” on a Wednesday, do stay for the “Talk Back” with Weagant, Tenuto and Denizen’s Co-Artistic Director Brittany Proia or perhaps Co-Artistic Director Ben Williamson or Founder / Producing Artistic Director Harry Lipstein. On a recent Wednesday evening nearly every member of the audience took part in the “Talk Back” – that’s how thoroughly engaging this show is. It’s not something you will easily forget.  

“Every Brilliant Thing” runs through April 28 at the Denizen Theatre, Water Street 

Market, 10 Main Street in New Paltz. Showtimes are Wednesday – Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students, $15 if you’re under 30, $24 for senior citizens and $28 for regular tickets. Call the box office at 845-303-4136 or visit DenizenTheatre.com.