Unless we’re in a yoga class, New Yorkers rarely take time to meditate. Perhaps its the constant din of city life or the feeling that unless we are moving and creating something, we aren’t doing enough. One New Yorker bucked that trend.
Patrick Bringley is currently sharing his story in his solo play, All the Beauty in the World, based on his New York Times bestselling memoir of the same name. After a successful, but unfulfilling career as a journalist at the New Yorker–and learning that his older brother was diagonsd with incurable cancer–Bringley left his job and became a security guard at the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Using only a sparse, but effective set of 3 benches and 3 frames, designed by Dominic Dromgoole (who also directs the play), Bringley brings the Met Museum to life and gives much overdue and overlooked credit to his fellow security guards. Austin Switser‘s projections of several artworks are displayed on the frames as Bringley unravels his tale.
Throughout the 90 minutes, Bringley imagines the lives of both the artists and their subjects and draws parallels to our current moment. He also spotlights the relationships he forged with the guards, a large, global group of individuals, each of whom have fascinating stories to share from their native lands.
Bringley is obviously well educated and informed, but he is never pretentious or snooty with the museum’s patrons. He understands that for some, it might be their first time visiting such a place. Another time, he shows understanding and grace when a family with small children asks where the dinosaurs are.
Director Dromgoole guides the piece with a gentle hand and never allows Bringley’s story and acting to become overly sentimental or sappy. Instead, he allows the audience to find their own reactions, creating a unique experience for each theatergoer.
This is not spectacle theater, but it is spectacular in a way that elevates the humanities and makes us appreciate the Met Museum (an edifice New Yorkers often take for granted). the celebratory moments, and even the most mundane routine of life.
All the Beauty in the World is now playing Off-Broadway at DR2 Theater 103 E. 15th Street NY NY through May 25th. For tickets and information, click here.