Every Brilliant Thing Comes to a Close: The Tour in Review

The Festival is extremely proud of the inspiring production Every Brilliant Thing, which for the second year traveled all across the state of Utah, with over forty performances in schools and communities in 2024.

With the intention of “cultivating the use of proactive, life-affirming communication when you or those you love are confronted with depression,” this is one of the most critical pieces of work the Festival has ever produced, according to Director of Development and Communications Donn Jersey.

“Young people need the affirmation that they are not alone. Each and every student that will watch this production will be reminded that they are needed, they are loved, and they belong here,” Governor Spencer J. Cox said.

The tour was funded by the Utah State Legislature and recently received formal recognition for their work in collaboration with SafeUT from the legislature.

“This tour is about saving lives,” Tour Manager Jordan Simmons said.

Simmons noted that the project had five goals, the first being to create an active dialogue between all stakeholders about emotional and mental well-being in regards to depression and suicide.

Another goal was increasing awareness in Utah schools of mental health resources available for students and to find applicable ways to use these resources. The tour also strived to provide an artistic experience that enabled young people to see things from a new and positive perspective, provided opportunities for students to both practice and participate in a number of skills related to Utah Core standards, and inspired people to see the beauty in life.

The tour began January 4 and will conclude March 23, with two free public performances in Cedar City at Southern Utah University’s Auditorium Theatre. The public is invited to attend on Friday, March 22 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 pm. These performances are in collaboration with SUU’s Storytelling Festival, Creative Outreach Collaboratory, and SUU Health and Wellness.

The tour was directed by Britannia Howe, who will also be writing and directing this season’s Greenshow. The traveling company consisted of Tour Manager Jordan Simmons, Stage Manager Kathryn Whilden, and actors Angelique Archer and Marco Antonio Vega.