Tracee Ellis Ross recently celebrated a significant milestone in her career as she made her Broadway debut in the acclaimed play ‘Every Brilliant Thing’. The Golden Globe-winning actress has taken centre stage at the Hudson Theatre in New York City, where she has captivated audiences since performances began on July 7, 2026. Ross describes the role as a long-held dream, expressing her delight at the opportunity to perform in such a powerful one-person show.
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In a candid conversation on the show Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, Ross shared her excitement about leading the production, stating, “Everyone’s like, ‘Are you scared?’ No! It’s my dream!” Her enthusiasm shines through as she embraces the chance to bring this story to life. With a playful attitude, she remarked, “I don’t have to share with anybody!”—highlighting the unique nature of a solo performance.
The play, which has received critical acclaim, was originally written by Duncan Macmillan in collaboration with Jonny Donahoe and is directed by Jeremy Herrin. It delves into the protagonist’s life experiences as they create a list of the small joys that make life meaningful. Ross reflects on her reading of the script, noting the immediate connection she felt: “For me, always, it’s about the material,” she explained, emphasizing how it ignited her passion for storytelling.
At this stage in her career, Ross is eager to fully embody her character and immerse herself in the story’s world. “The fun part is going past that,” she noted, highlighting her process of discovering the character’s background and motivations. She aims to construct a comprehensive understanding of the role to engage more deeply with the narrative and the audience.
Ross shared some insights into her approach to the demanding nature of the show. While she found memorisation came easily during her time on ‘Black-ish’, learning the extensive dialogue for ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ required a new technique. “For me, it’s about inhabiting story,” she explained, revealing her focus on connecting with the character’s essence to facilitate a smooth and natural performance.
The play’s intimate format, which invites audience participation, contributes to its charm. “My favourite thing in life is connecting with people,” Ross said, expressing her joy in engaging with the audience. She highlighted that the atmosphere allows for a collaborative experience between performer and viewer: “I’m the host, for lack of a better word, in the room. And I get to be in this exchange.”
Ross also addressed the delicate themes woven into the narrative, such as mental health, suicide, and depression. However, she is keen to emphasise that the show ultimately conveys a message of hope and joy. “The story is strung together by a list of everything brilliant worth living for,” she remarked, describing the playful yet poignant aspects of the material. “Just the most delicious things,” she added, reinforcing its uplifting nature.
In an attempt to explain the impact of the play to her mother, legendary singer Diana Ross, Tracee coined the word “buoyant” to capture its essence. She elaborated, saying, “Imagine not a balloon that feels airy, but a ball on the pool that never will sink.” This imagery encapsulates the light-hearted yet grounded feel of the production, warning against the languishing effects of despair while celebrating life’s beautiful moments.
Despite tackling challenging subject matter, Ross asserted that ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ stands out as “one of the most life-affirming, beautiful pieces of material I have ever read.” She believes the work encapsulates the shared human experience, fostering connection among everyone involved. “Because we are all doing this together,” she concluded, inviting potential theatre-goers to experience the warmth and insight of the play firsthand.
With tickets now available for purchase, audiences can immerse themselves in the heartening narrative led by Tracee Ellis Ross, a performance that promises to be both impactful and uplifting. ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ continues to resonate with viewers, making it a must-see event in the theatrical calendar.