Daniel Radcliffe Charms, Cajoles, And Comforts Audiences Through Depression And Suicide In "Every Brilliant Thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                      Girls, if you are expecting another emotional slog like "Death Of A Salesman," think again!!!!!!!!!!!!  Would I do that to my darlings???????????  Just as Laurie Metcalf takes command of 'Salesman,' here Mr. Radcliffe, the moment he is spotted in the audience, takes complete command of this show.

                                       Displaying a plaintive charm so keen, like it was in 'Merrily,' and performing on the same stage that earned him a TONY Award--the Hudson Theatre--Mr. Radcliffe athletic energy, which he first demonstrated in his 'How To Succeed' revival--is easily suited to do "A Chorus Line," but his prominence would overshadow the ensemble concept.

                                          Here, he is the entire show, musing on a mother's depression and ultimate suicide.  The writing, and his rendering are emotionally arresting, but I was never sure if it was taking place in real time or not.  It seems to be a reflection of looking back, which resonated with me, as during my youth I had to watch my mother die of inoperable lung cancer.  Not exactly a suicide but the incident that turned out to be thus far the biggest life changer for me.

                                         I found myself reflecting all through the play, as the actor keeps producing words which are reasons to live.  Everything from ice cream to holding the one you love.  How about movies?  For me, it would be, like, "The Wizard Of Oz," "The Song Of Bernadette," or "Meet Me In St. Louis," among others.  And, girls, you know me, it would have to include "The Bad Seed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                            It is to Mr. Radcliffe's credit that, while I reflected throughout, I did not emerge from the show emotionally drained, as I did with 'Salesman.'  Another credit due to Mr. Radcliffe is his being one of few of today's child actors who have successfully transitioned into adulthood.  His past career and repute draw audiences, but what makes him stand out for me is his growth as an actor.  He broke my heart in 'Merrily,' and he was touching in this.  I only wish I could have been picked to be in the show.  Well, that's show biz, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Though all the audience, in their Playbills, are given one line to say when a number is said, so, in a way, we are all picked!  But only a few get on stage!

                                             Vicki Mortimer is credited with the sets and costumes.  The set is an interesting concept, enveloping the audience without tearing apart the theater, as in "Cabaret."  As for costumes, when Mr. Radcliffe hits the stage, he looks so comfortable, fashionably so, that it would seem he came to us straight from his apartment.

                                                   Jeremy Herrin and author Duncan Macmillan are credited with the direction, but one would not know it form Radcliffe's ease. He is so perfect for this show, because he makes the audience comfortable and at ease through stages of unpleasantry.  Few actors can do that.  Like Jonathan Groff, over at "Just In Time," Radcliffe would be a hard act to replace here.

                                                      I hope he gets a TONY nomination.  I am not sure how long this show is running, but I urge my girls to go out and see this show.  It will leave one charmed and meditative.

                                                      And there is NO lack of clarity, here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!