Every Brilliant Thing at Farmers Alley Theatre

Farmers Alley Theatre presents the regional premiere of EVERY BRILLIANT THING, a must-see theatrical experience by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, starring Steve McDonagh.

“Ice cream.” “Water fights.” “Peeing in the ocean and nobody knows.” In Every Brilliant Thing a boy’s handwritten list to cheer up his despondent mom becomes a surprisingly funny and poignant ode to humanity. This one-of-a-kind solo performance is a dramatic comedy that will capture your heart and lift your spirit, taking audiences on a transcendent and tender coming-of-age journey that reminds us to pay attention to life’s smallest joys — and to each other.

Bringing this production to life is actor and storyteller Steve McDonagh. A fixture of the Chicago theatre scene with memorable roles in productions at The Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare, Music Theatre Works, and The Court Theatre, he is thrilled to be sharing this beautiful work with Michigan audiences. Steve is also a celebrity chef, best known as the winner of season one of The Next Food Network Star and as co-host of the network’s Party Line with the Hearty Boys.

The run of Every Brilliant Thing includes an American Sign Language interpreted performance on December 10 at 2:00 pm. This performance features live interpretation in ASL for deaf or hard of hearing audience members. Every Brilliant Thing is generously supported by DeMent and Marquardt, Jeanette’s Jewelry, by our season sponsor the First National Bank of Michigan, and by our Season Equity Sponsor The Tyler Little Family Foundation. Additional support for ASL interpreted performances is provided by Theatre Kalamazoo and the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation.