Exceptional presentation by Western Canada Theatre. Audience participation brought the story to life, examining depression through the eyes of a child.

Actor Dawn Petten thoughtfully examines the issue through the interaction of numerous characters portrayed by audience members.

Actor Dawn Petten (left) performs a scene featuring WCT artistic director James MacDonald, who stands in for an audience member and the character's soon-to-be husband during a rehearsal for Every Brilliant Thing at the Pavilion Theatre. Dave Eagles/KTW

"(1) Ice cream, (2) rollercoasters, (3) the smell of old books – as a mother battles chronic depression, a child creates a list of everything that makes life worth living. As time passes and the list grows, what began as a simple attempt to deal with childhood sadness becomes an epic and heart-warming chronicle of life's joys, both big and small. Staged in an in-the-round setting, this touching, funny, and intimate solo piece charts the lengths we will go for those we love."

Actor Dawn Petten (left) performs a scene featuring WCT artistic director James MacDonald, who stands in for an audience member and the character's soon-to-be husband during a rehearsal for Every Brilliant Thing at the Pavilion Theatre. Dave Eagles/KTW

Although not the WCT presentation, this is the play in its entirety.