Collide Theatrical Dance Company's new original jazz dance musical is inspired by the British play
Every Brilliant Thing, of which
I saw two local productions in 2021, and is now having its
Broadway premiere (starring a little-known actor called Daniel Radcliffe). It's a beautiful and bittersweet solo play, in which the narrator tells the story of his life, including past and present traumas, all while constructing a list of "every brilliant thing" he encounters, or in this version, a "joy list." As usual, Collide has expertly transformed this narrative story into one told primarily through dance, and captures that beautiful and bittersweet feeling in about 75 minutes. Coming out of a difficult winter (for multiple reasons), it's good to be reminded of the little and big things that bring us joy, but also that we can't fully appreciate the joy until we acknowledge and deal with the pain.
The Joy List continues at Luminary Arts Center through April 12.
