Every Brilliant Thing

If "Every Brilliant Thing" is any indication of the Spring season then we are in for a great Spring 2026 on Broadway! Well before the show begins, Radcliffe ("Merrily We Roll Along, Lifespan of A Fact") is frantically recruiting people to play different roles in his 89 minute one man show. The theater is electric with Jazz music and the energy that Daniel Radcliffe brings before the show.

The show is based on Radcliffe's pretend life (the book is not based on the actual actor). Written and co-directed by Duncan MacMillan and also directed by Jeremy Herrin, "Every Brilliant Thing" bases itself on a boy who grows into a man. He deals with his dog's death at an early age (Indiana Bones), and even more so deals with his mother's depression which leaves both he and his father on edge as she has been in and out of the hospital all of Radcliffe's life.

Over the years on Broadway, Daniel Radcliffe has shown his stage acting chops over and over; whether in "How To Succeed In Business" or " Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead", Radcliffe has a deft range in his acting. He is naturally funny on stage, clearly from some of the roles he plays, but he is also a serious actor. He has chosen in his career an array of roles that puts him in an elite category of actors, particularly stage actors.

To say "Every Brilliant Thing" is lite is an understatement. Radcliffe banters with the audience, he is quick witted, he helps the participating audience members navigate their readings throughout the show, and he does it with comedic style! The performance, the writing is both creative as much as it is innovative. I am not sure if there has ever been a show like this on Broadway and it resonates with the audience in a big way as it is fun, high tempo and hilarious!

Set in a three quarter round on the stage, Radcliffe glides about the stage like an ice skater. The square lighting above (Jack Knowles) and Tom Gibbons (Sound) make the show even more effective. At times the lights flicker to emphasize the plot and at other times the lighting is somber. Knowles backstops this very effectively. The sound too adds nicely to the play; the music, the creative sounds work magic on this show. "Every Brilliant Thing" is a whirlwind of fun. It is a completely different play, one that you have never seen before. You will leave the theater as upbeat as the show itself. The plot, the acting is first rate and one for the books. I am hopeful that this is things to come for the Spring 2026 season!

The nexus of the play is that to keep upbeat, Daniel Radcliffe writes out the really good things about living. Hence the title: "Every Brilliant Thing" is based upon that the writings of everything that is good/great about living.

The play uses the audience to move the play along. Picked by Radcliffe himself before the show, these audience members add great flavor to the show; it is fun to watch the solo actor help these people along the show. Sometimes, the audience members are in shock, left to the element of surprise and that is where the fun lies.

"Every Brilliant Thing" is a unique play and one that I have not seen before. The writing, the enthusiasm, the direction and of course, Daniel Radcliffe makes this a must see! The 80 minute show starts quickly and picks up speed at a rapid pace.

#Broadway Bob Massimi, Tony Awards, Daniel Radcliffe, The Hudson Theatre, Harry Potter, Hollywood, New York City, Iran.