Scott Greer returns to Arden Theatre this month to reprise his role in Every Brilliant Thing. The local actor is no stranger to the Philadelphia theatre scene. Greer has performed throughout the area for over 30 years. The six-time Barrymore winner talks about the one- man show, which opens November 9th.
Debra Danese: What drew you to this role?
Scott Greer: I have a background in improv and I’ve never done a show that engages the audience in this way. I also love language and the playwright’s art. This show has both.
DD: What are some of the challenges of performing a one-man show?
SG: Well, it gets pretty lonely in the green room. Seriously, in most cases, it’s you against the world, with nobody to bail you out if things get dicey. This show is different though. The audience are my cast mates.
DD: The play touches on some difficult subject matter. What do you hope audiences take away from it?
SG: Depression and suicide are obviously thorny and dark subjects. This show is about making a list of things that make life worth living. I can say, having performed it three times now, that the audience feels uplifted.
DD: The show requires audition participation. How do you select audience members?
SG: I distribute numbered cards with list items on them. Throughout the show, I call out the number and people read their card. No one is forced to participate. If they don’t want a card, I don’t make them take it. The last thing I want is to ask people to do anything that makes them uncomfortable. For the most part, people are generous and game. It’s really inspiring.
DD: What three things would you add to the list of Brilliant Things?
SG: Pont-l’Évêque cheese, Willie Nelson, my daughter’s laugh.
Every Brilliant Thing starts previews October 31st and runs through December 5th, 2022 at Arden Theatre. [40 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106] ardentheatre.org/