(Otisville, NY) The Minisink Valley Rotary, in conjunction with NAMI Sullivan County, NY is sponsoring a performance of a funny, moving play – “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe – a powerful piece of theatre about Depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love. After being told that her Mum can’t think of anything worth living for, a little girl begins a list of everything brilliant about the world; everything worth living for. At seven years old, her list includes ice cream, being allowed to stay up past your bedtime and things with stripes. As the little girl grows up, the entries mature along with her and as the list grows, she learns the deep significance it has on her own life. “Every Brilliant Thing” has been performed around the world and this local production is being done as a fundraiser/awareness raiser for NAMI Sullivan County – the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Mental Health Association in Orange County. The performance will be held at the Mount Hope Senior Center, 11 Baker Street, Otisville on Saturday, May 18th at 2 pm. Please plan on arriving no later than 1:30.
The show shines hilarious and compassionate light in some of the darker corners of the human condition. It’s a reminder that hope is never truly lost and a testament to the healing power of storytelling. While it is a one character show, audience members are given snippets of the list to help tell the story. There are no bright lights with the audience sitting in the dark – it’s an immersive experience with lights up all the way through. The audience shares in something meaningful as a room full of people becoming a community. “Every Brilliant Thing” is directed and performed by Lori Schneider who is both the Executive Director of NAMI Sullivan County, NY and has been involved in local Community Theatre for over four decades as an award-winning director and actress. She combines her passions for mental health advocacy and for theatre in bringing this important work to local audiences. The Times Herald Record says, “everything about this production…is indeed brilliant…funny and poignant, heartbreaking, joy-filled and genuinely wonderful.” The River Reporter calls it a “tour-de-force performance, thought provoking and powerful.” The Sullivan County Democrat says, “Schneider’s portrayal explodes from the heart.”
Seating for “Every Brilliant Thing” is limited and optional Donations are accepted with proceeds from the door (as well as other donations) going to NAMI Sullivan County – the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and MHA Orange. The production is not recommended for children under the age of 16. Come out for an afternoon of theatre you won’t soon forget. For information, phone Susan Jacks (845) 800-1313 or Kathy Hosking (845) 258-0546. “Every Brilliant Thing” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.