Tracee Ellis Ross Tackles Depression on Broadway

Tracee Ellis Ross is making her Broadway debut in "Every Brilliant Thing," a one-person play exploring themes of depression, grief, and hope. The production, which opened on July 7 at the Hudson Theatre, aims to remind audiences that mental health struggles are not faced in isolation.

Ross shared that the play has been thoughtfully reimagined from the perspective of a Black woman, incorporating Black cultural references and lived experiences. This adaptation includes swapped cultural touchstones, such as replacing a British sandwich with a baloney-and-yellow-mustard sandwich, and mentions of Queen Latifah and "Living Single."

The actress described the role as "daunting" but a perfect match, appreciating the material's ability to balance difficult conversations about mental health with joy and optimism. The play, which uses audience participation, continues its run at the Hudson Theatre through August 9.