This holiday season, celebrate the irrepressible resilience of the human spirit!
“Ice cream.” “Water fights.” “Peeing in the ocean and nobody knows.” A boy’s handwritten list to cheer up his despondent mom becomes a surprisingly funny and poignant ode to humanity. Steve McDonagh takes audiences on a transcendent and tender coming-of-age journey that reminds us to pay attention to life’s smallest joys—and to each other.
Credits
WRITTEN BY
Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe
Jeremy Koch - Director
Brilliant thing #33: making your directorial debut! Jeremy is ecstatic to guide this inspirational production alongside his mentor, Kathy Mulay. Jeremy is an award-winning, professional actor, singer, model, voiceover artist and theatrical producer. He is a co-founder, Managing Artistic Director and frequent performer here at Farmers Alley Theatre. Favorite roles include Robert in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, Jimmy Ray Dobbs in BRIGHT STAR (2022 Wilde Award for Best Lead Actor in a Musical) and Ed Boone in THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME (2019 Wilde Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Play). Jeremy recently made his debut at Mason Street Warehouse in Saugatuck, MI, as Gyp DeCarlo in JERSEY BOYS. He has performed off-Broadway and played the part of “Tony” in the National Tour of WEST SIDE STORY. You may have seen Jeremy recently as the quirky dentist in a national commercial for TireRack.com. Jeremy dedicates this show to his brother David, who will always be on his list of Brilliant Things.
Steve McDonagh*
Steve has been waiting to share this beautiful work since he first read it. He most recently appeared as Roger DeBris in THE PRODUCERS at Music Theatre Works. Other Chicago area credits include THE COMEDY OF ERRORS at Chicago Shakespeare, THE MUSIC MAN and
several New Stages readings at Goodman, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE; Court Theatre, BELLS ARE RINGING; Porchlight Music Theatre, THE ELEPHANT MAN; Williams Street Rep, and productions at Drury Lane, Royal George and Marriott Theatre. Off-Broadway credits include Lamb’s Theatre and regional work at The Kennedy Center. Television credits include multiple appearances on CHICAGO MED and TWISTED LITTLE LIES as well as numerous ‘exasperated dad’ commercials. In his life as celebrity chef, Steve was the season one winner of NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR, co-host of PARTY LINE WITH THE HEARTY BOYS and co-author of “Talk With Your Mouth Full” and “The New Old Bar.” He co-hosts the ‘eatertainment’ podcast “But I Digest.”
*Indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
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Running Time
70 minutes, no intermission.
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Content Advisory
Farmers Alley does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 269.343.2727
Content Advisory: This production contains discussions of depression and suicide.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about self-harm or suicide, there is help available. Call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Click here for resources on mental health support and suicide prevention from our friends at Gryphon Place. Additional resources will also be available in the lobby post-show.
Age Recommendation: 13+