What makes life worth living? IRT will start New Year with this classic question

What makes life worth living? IRT will start New Year with this classic question
Lessons in loss and laughter told through warmth and wit in a one-man show

Indianapolis, Ind.—To start the New Year, the Indiana Repertory Theatre asks patrons to think about what items, experiences or emotions make life worth living in the production of the one-of-a-kind Off-Broadway hit, Every Brilliant Thing. Written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, this one-man show will run from January 8 – February 10 on the IRT’s Upperstage.

A life-affirming examination of loss, laughter, relationships and change, Every Brilliant Thing follows a man’s story as he navigates growing up with a mother battling mental illness and multiple attempts of suicide, how that impacted him, and the power of an evolving list originally created for his mother to capture all of the beautiful, positive and brilliant things about life.

Guiding each performance as “The Man” will be Marcus Truschinski. Truschinski’s past IRT appearances include The Hound of the Baskervilles (2015) and The Mystery of Irma Vep (2016), and while he has acted across the country, this will be his first time working on a solo show. To help tell the story, Marcus will rely on audience interactivity by inviting patrons to read an item from the list or create a character’s response, which Marcus will then adapt for the show.

“This is a very moving, human play. Every Brilliant Thing is uplifting, practical, and sometimes hilarious in its dealing with heavy subjects, and I hope it inspires people,” Truschinski said. “It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of this production.”

Directing the production is Tim Ocel, whose first introduction to the show was at The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University where he teaches. Immediately struck by the show’s warmth, approach to handling difficult topics with the audience, and the overwhelming feeling of hopefulness, Ocel will work to showcase the relatable and moving moments in the play of pain, wit, loss and healing.

“Part of the show’s magic is that it warmly welcomes the audience into the story and it creates this feeling of community, of togetherness. You can’t help but start your own list,” Ocel said. “The play is not solely about suicide and depression; it’s about all the positive things worth living for in the world.”

With the play’s focus on mental health, Associate Sponsor Community Health Network will be working with the IRT to connect themes in the play to community resources.
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Join Marcus and the IRT in this bright and brilliant take on what makes life worth living. Tickets for Every Brilliant Thing are available now, including options for onstage seating!

DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES:  January 8 - February 10, various times. Every Brilliant Thing is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes with no intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com.

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy.  We are also offering the rare opportunity of onstage seating for Every Brilliant Thing. To purchase seats onstage, please call the Ticket Office directly at 317.635.5252.



CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:

MARCUS TRUSCHINSKI | The Man
TIM OCEL | Director
REUBEN LUCAS | Scenic Design
GUY CLARK | Costume Design
ALLEN HAHN | Lighting Design
TODD MACK REISCHMAN | Sound Design

SPECIAL EVENTS:

OPENING NIGHT
Friday, January 11, 2019 | Performance at 7:30 PM
Raise a glass and salute the cast at IRT’s Opening Night! After the show, the marquee lights shine bright as you’re treated to a champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres, and invited to a one-time-only chance to explore the set with IRT Artisans. 

IRTEA TALK
Sunday, January 20, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
After the performance enjoy tea, cookies and coffee while engaging in a post-show discussion with IRT actors, cast and guests.

ASL/AD PERFORMANCE
Sunday, January 20, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
The IRT offers ASL/AD services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance. To learn more visit irtlive.com/accessibility.  

HAPPY HOUR
Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM | Performance at 6:30 PM
Imbibe like a local at IRT’s Happy Hour! Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM, an hour before the performance. Sip on local libations and then nosh on mouth-watering nibbles.

COOKIES & COFFEE
Thursday, January 31, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Cookies and coffee will satisfy your sweet tooth, and our production will leave you wanting more! Luckily, you can have a sweet experience at the IRT’s Cookie and Coffee matinee where cookies, coffee and tea can be enjoyed before the 2 PM performance. 

BACKSTAGE TOUR
Saturday, February 2, 2019 | Following the 8 PM performance
Immediately following this performance, join IRT staff for an explorative and informative backstage tour. Tours typically last 30 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Sunday, February 3, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

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