‘Every Brilliant Thing’ is one brilliant production at Tipping Point

Ice cream. Winning something. Making up after an argument. Listening to a beloved piece of music. These are but a few of the “brilliant” things on a list compiled by a child to help combat his mother’s depression after she attempts suicide.

If he can come up with a long enough list, a project he continues into adulthood, perhaps his mother will realize that life is worth living.

Such is the premise of “Every Brilliant Thing,” a Michigan premiere now running at the Tipping Point Theatre in Northville. This exceptional and heart-filled play was written by Duncan Macmillan with the help of Jonny Donahoe, a British comedian who developed the role and starred in the original production at Britain’s Ludlow Fringe Festival in 2013. Since that time, the thought-provoking play has been performed at New York City’s Barrow Street Theatre and was the subject of a recent HBO documentary.

Angie Kane Ferrante directs this unique, one-actor play, which is unconventional in terms of its topic and its extensive use of audience participation. The main character is played in alternating performances by James R. Kuhl, Tipping Point’s producing artistic director, and veteran actor Katherine Banks. Before the show begins, Kuhl, who performed the leading role on opening night, walked through the audience passing out numbered sheets of paper, which he instructed audience members to read when he calls out the corresponding number during the show.

Audience members are also chosen randomly throughout the show to play various supporting roles, such as the child’s parent, school counselor and husband/wife, depending on which actor is playing the lead. While this degree of audience participation could hamper a professional production, in this case, it works seamlessly. The audience becomes part of the community sharing the lead character’s angst and rooting for his success as his own depression threatens to overpower his adult years.

Another nontraditional aspect is the house lights: They remain bright throughout the production. While this is probably done to help the audience members read the words on their papers and find their way to and from the stage when asked to assume various parts, it is also symbolic of the show’s willingness to shine a light on topics too often kept behind closed doors; namely, suicide and depression.

Kuhl’s performance was marked by his extraordinary acting skills and his big heart; both were evident as he went from naïve boy to cynical teenager to hopeful romantic to melancholy adult.

His message to those who might be considering suicide was forthright.

“Don’t do it. Things will get better. They may not be brilliant, but they will be better.”

It also helps to remember the play was originally written in England, where “brilliant” is used to connote things that are wonderful and life-affirming ... things such as ice cream, staying up past bedtime to watch TV or that amazing riff by Ray Charles.

Sonja Marquis’ sound design includes some great musical interludes used to illustrate the mood of Kuhl and his father at various times during the show.

And, to make sure the conversation about mental health continues, a post-show panel discussion was led by a group of mental health professionals from St. Mary Mercy Livonia, Tipping Point’s partner in this production. Moderated by journalist and former health reporter Lila Lazarus, the panel answered questions submitted by the audience and explained available treatment options for those struggling with mental health issues.

With suicide and depression at an all-time high, this is a conversation that cannot take place too soon or too often.

• If You Go: “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe plays through Feb. 25 at Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St. in Northville. Tickets start at $25 and are available by phone at 248-347-0003 or online at tippingpointtheatre.com. Senior discounts and group rates available.