What are the brilliant things that make life worth living? A screened-in porch during a rainstorm. The way trees grow toward the light. Roses. A very cold martini. Things with stripes.
Those are just five things on Alabama native Morgan Smith’s personal list. Soon, Birmingham audiences will have the chance to make their own lists—and experience a remarkable night of theater in the process.
Red Mountain Theatre’s Every Brilliant Thing comes to the Levite JCC on October 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. The intimate, interactive production follows a young girl’s growing list of things that make life worth living as she navigates her mother’s depression and the complicated journey of growing up. RMT describes the production as a story about “hope, resilience, and the small joys that make life worth living.”
At the center of it all is Morgan Smith, whose career has taken her from Off-Broadway to television and film—and to more than 200 national Wendy’s commercials. She is also a Red Mountain Theatre alum, making this Birmingham return especially meaningful.
When asked what it means to bring this particular story home, Morgan said:
“So much of this story is about how we show up for each other, and I can’t think of a better place to have that conversation than in my actual community. Change starts at home right? So if we can help to encourage these conversations or offer support, then we’ve done something good.”
That sense of community is central to the production. Every Brilliant Thing isn’t a traditional theater experience. Morgan performs the story while inviting audience members into the experience. She emphasizes, however, that no one will be forced into participating. “It’s a ride that we’re all going on together,” she says. “I may be steering the proverbial ship but they’re integral to the story.”
And perhaps that is what makes this show so special. It is intimate, sometimes hilarious, sometimes difficult, and ultimately about something we all understand: finding moments of light, beauty and connection, even when life is complicated.
Morgan hopes audiences leave feeling “seen” and understanding that they are not alone. And if you’re wondering whether Every Brilliant Thing is for you, Morgan has a simple answer: “It’s for everyone.”
Every Brilliant Thing is recommended for ages 13+ and contains themes of suicide and depression.
Tickets on sale now.. here.
