Broadway Bob’s

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!

In its 57th year, The York Theatre company still impresses audiences across New York City! Last night I had the pleasure of attending ”Monte Cristo” at the bucolic St. Jean’s Theatre. This theater is the new home of The York Theatre company and it is more fitting for the make-up of The York Company. It has an orchestra pit, the stage is bigger and more elegant.

With a great cast, even better staging and phenomenal music by Peter Kellogg and Stephen Weiner (book and lyrics Kellogg, Music Weiner) the shows length is not an issue, the time and pace go by quickly. 

The plot is steadfast to the book by Alexandre Dumas; it takes us through the turbulent life of Edmund (Adam Jacobs). Jacobs is both a talented actor and singer (Aladdin), as is the whole cast. His love for Mercedes (Sierra Boggess) never dies, even when he is jailed for 18 years on false charges; their chemistry onstage is thoughtful and well directed by Peter Flynn.  

What makes “Monte Cristo” stand out is several fold: The staging (Anne Mundell), the deft projection (Shawn Duan); the incredible costumes that define the period(Amanda Roberge); the sound design (Joanna Lynne Staub) and the lighting (Alan C. Edwards) that captures the mood and the feel of this edgy at times musical! 

The York Theatre Company has been continuous in it’s first rate theatre, from the Mufti’s and it’s musicals over the years. I think like “Cagney” and “Desperate Measures” to name a few, this great show will make it’s way to an off Broadway house for a commercial run because it is that good by all aspects! This show is by far and away one of the best off off Broadway shows that I have seen in years! Nothing about this show was spared, the acting, the singing, the orchestrations and everything else was thoroughly professional! Well Done!.