Everybody
written by Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins
directed by Erin Shea Brady
This modern riff on the 15th-century morality play Everyman follows Everybody (chosen from the cast by lottery at each performance) as they travel down a road toward life's greatest mystery. Making its regional premiere in Chicago following its 2017 world premiere off-Broadway, playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Gloria, An Octoroon) bases his new play on a medieval morality play that instructs sinners on how to repent and seek redemption.
"EVERYBODY harnesses theatricality to drop these conversations into our laps in a way that is hopeful, engaging, and unique," says director Erin Shea Brady. "The actors literally get to try on different roles. They literally get to step into different points of view, giving us a new opportunity to explore bias and conditioning. There will be some permutations of this piece that have never happened before, that an audience is seeing for the very first time. It's a huge, exciting experiment and it is electric. EVERYBODY is in on the rarity, taking 'different every night' to a whole new level."
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Extremely Catholic monks of old probably wouldn’t approve, but the talented cast assembled for director Erin Shea Brady’s production is evidence enough that those monks can stuff it.”
Reviews
— TimeOut
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This production is fueled by its text and its actors. Erin Shea Brady’s DIY, “bare bones” aesthetic inherently lifts up the cast’s abilities. … Brown Paper Box Co’s EVERYBODY goes beyond conventional theatrical experience. It compels viewers to be vulnerable and reflective of their own morality; what an incredible experience to share with a room full of “Somebodys.””
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In any case, however cunning and convincing the staging by Erin Shea Brady, Everybody is, for better or worse, a comically hip, multi-winking “meta” piece fit for the present.”
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Director Erin Shea Brady and her game team of actors and designers, led by the indefatigable Chelsea David, have created an immersive and thought-provoking Everyman for the internet age.”
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Under the direction of Erin Shea Brady, the nine-member ensemble led by Chelsea David as the Almighty-in-usher-uniform ( complete with Saints badge ), discharge their tasks—ranging from quasi-balletic terpsichore set to Saint-Saens "Danse Macabre" to a nearly-nude exercise workout—with unflagging energy and aplomb.”
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And in my experience, strong ensemble casts are led by strong leaders, so director Erin Shea Brady should be given props as well.”
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This play, written by Branden Jacob-Jenkins (the first time performed outside New York City), expertly expressed by the Brown Paper Box Co., has healing powers for that loss, and inspirational powers for the “life” that is left after such loss.”