EVERYONE at the Santa Fe Playhouse

What happens when we die? What really matters as long as we’re alive? And why not know the answers to either of these questions before it’s too late?

A modernized version of a 15th-century morality play—the original of which is probably only generally known in theater history classes—currently addresses the aforementioned issues while simultaneously providing Santa Fe audiences with a delightful ( and completely accessible) 90 minutes of theatre. Everyone, written by Brandon JacobsJenkinsis currently in the midst of a run at the Santa Fe Playhouse, and this reviewer encourages audiences to make it a point to check it out while they can.

For those who may have never met, or may have slept since the last time they were exposed to the original, Everyone is a take on what is arguably one of most famous character pieces, Everyman, in which the titular character essentially examines what they have enjoyed throughout their lives as they near death, and whether it really matters.

It’s not too spoiler to say that Everyone follows the same general plot, but with significantly more contemporary language and approaches to themes, as well as a very fun and unique twist: five actors within the ensemble main learn the roles of the titular Everyone, as well as those of allegorical characters such as Kinship, Stuff and Friendship – the kind of things that people appreciate throughout life, but can very well let them down when it comes. really matters. The show is effectively “distributed” by lottery at the start of each performance, with the actors learning the results in real time with the audience. This basic set, including (in alphabetical order), Antonio Mininoto, Emily Neifert, Koppani Pusztai, David Stallings, and Malcolm Stokes (who won the role of Everybody at the performance the reviewer attended), absolutely shines in this production. Each actor is dynamic, compelling, and always fun to watch – it might even be the kind of production one might want to see multiple times just to see how these talented performers take on all the different roles.

In addition to this set, the role of death is played engagingly by Dharm Andrew Segal, and Usher, who serves as a guide in the world of this piece, is played by a very warm and welcoming Bianca Thompson (who was also privacy director and children’s advocate on production); Jess Haring gives a surprising and powerful portrayal of Love, and several young people (Annabelle Briggs, Mazen Litz, Rosa Maria Marsh-Martinez and Amaya Thompson) share the important starring role of Time.

The Playhouse continues its strong technical design trend, with lighting by Rob Siler, costumes by Lauren Chacon, sound by Deon Custard, stage/projection design by Andrew Freeburg and prop/puppet design by Katy Williams . Everyone was directed by Andy Gustke and Madrone Matysiak; it was directed by Zoe Lesser and the artistic director of Playhouse Robyn Rikoon.

Important information on the Santa Fe Playhouse website:

DURATION: 90 minutes

INTERRUPT: None

HOURS OF REPRESENTATION: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to July 10.

“Content Disclosure: This production includes conversations about death, identity, race, religion, sexuality, mental illness and existential issues, brief mention of incest, examples of secular and ableist language , and scenes with actors in a state of stripping down to their underwear. also be aware that this production contains the use of water-based strobe lighting and mist effects.

In light of the recent incident at a Broadway performance of Take Me Out where an audience member illegally and without consent took a photo of an actor performing nude and uploaded it to the internet, Santa Fe Playhouse would like to unequivocally state that taking photos and videos during this production is strictly prohibited. Violators will be escorted out of the theater, asked to remove any content from the show, and may no longer be welcome in this space. The safety of our community is our first priority, and we thank you for your cooperation.”

For more information, please visit https://santafeplayhouse.org/events/everybody/