Tracee Ellis Ross Makes Broadway Debut in Challenging One-Person Show, “Every Brilliant Thing”
Tracee Ellis Ross is set to make her long-awaited Broadway debut in the one-person show Every Brilliant Thing on July 7. At 53, Ross will take over the role from Mariska Hargitay, who is currently performing, and Daniel Radcliffe, who initiated the run at the Hudson Theatre this spring. This production features a 40-page monologue and significant audience interaction, marking a significant milestone in Ross’s career.
A Journey from Television to the Stage
Ross, a Brown University graduate with a degree in theater, has enjoyed a successful television career with notable roles in Girlfriends and Black-ish. Despite her achievements in television, she has always harbored a desire to perform on stage. This aspiration first manifested when she rented a small theater for her 40th birthday to present a one-person show she wrote for an intimate audience.
The opportunity to perform in Every Brilliant Thing aligns with Ross’s personal and professional journey. The play, written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe, explores themes of depression and the importance of finding joy in everyday life. The narrative follows a character who creates a list of things that make life worth living in an effort to uplift their mother after a suicide attempt.
Embracing the Challenge
Ross expressed her enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing the importance of discussing mental health openly. She noted that the play’s tone balances exuberance and sentimentality, which resonated deeply with her. “There’s a buoyancy to it that just moved me,” Ross stated, recalling her emotional response while reading the script aloud.
Understanding the demands of the role, Ross approached rehearsals with the script already memorized. However, she acknowledged the challenges of preparing for her debut in just three weeks. The rehearsal process has been a roller coaster of emotions, with Ross experiencing both confidence and moments of self-doubt. She described her feelings during rehearsals as “uncomfortable, scary, awkward, unsteady, raw, weird and wobbly.”
A Unique Approach to Preparation
In a departure from traditional preparation, Ross has chosen not to watch performances by Radcliffe or Hargitay before her debut. She believes in finding her own inspiration and prefers to embrace the unknown. “I like to find my own inspiration and not be guided by what I already know,” she explained.
Ross has also devised a flexible plan for audience interaction, which is a key component of the show. Audience members will take on various roles, including that of her father figure and love interest. This collaborative aspect of the performance is something Ross finds comforting, as it emphasizes the shared experience of life.
The Significance of Solo Travel
In addition to her Broadway debut, Ross is preparing for the release of the second season of her travel show, Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, premiering on July 20 on the Roku Channel. This season will feature her revisiting her Swiss boarding school after nearly 40 years and learning to surf in Australia.
Ross humorously refers to this period as her “summer of solo.” She has been vocal about the empowerment that comes from embracing solitude and self-discovery. “I actually love it. I mean, it’s the truth of my experience right now in my life,” she remarked. She believes that solo travel is a metaphor for self-exploration and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship with oneself, regardless of one’s relationship status.
A Message of Connection
Ross’s perspective on solo travel and self-discovery is particularly relevant in today’s society. She views her journey as a revolutionary act, especially for women and people of color who often face societal expectations. “It’s something that we don’t often talk about,” she noted, highlighting the importance of sharing these experiences.
As Ross prepares for her Broadway debut, she remains committed to conveying a message of connection and shared experience through Every Brilliant Thing. The play aims to remind audiences that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences, reinforcing the idea that life is a collective journey.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section: https://famedelivered.com/magazine/
Published on 2026-07-02 16:45:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk
