These Two New York City Productions Make You Part of the Show
By The DivaGals | April 3, 2026 | Celebrity & Culture
There’s nothing quite like a night on Broadway—the lights, the costumes, the music, the magic. But what if you didn’t just watch the story…what if you became part of it? Right now in New York City, two unforgettable productions — Every Brilliant Thing and Masquerade — are flipping the script and inviting audiences to step directly into the action.
Every Brilliant Thing
In Every Brilliant Thing, Daniel Radcliffe delivers a powerful solo performance as a man reflecting on a lifetime shaped by his mother’s struggles with depression. What begins as a childhood coping mechanism—a list of “every brilliant thing” worth living for—becomes a heartfelt journey through love, loss, and resilience. But here’s where it gets special: the audience becomes part of the storytelling. Select theatergoers are given numbered prompts and asked to read aloud the “brilliant things”—simple joys that stitch the narrative together. For those feeling bold? You may be invited onstage to play pivotal roles in his life. Get ready to put on your “yes, and” chapeau and tap into your improv skills if you take on this challenge. But it’s worth it to be able to say, “I’ve starred on Broadway.” See and experience this play for an intimate, moving, and deeply human community experience.
Every Brilliant Thing is now playing at the Hudson Theatre in New York City. Get tickets at thehudsonbroadway.com.
Masquerade
Inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, Masquerade transforms the phenomenon into a walking, immersive theatrical performance that lets us become part of the world of the Opera. Guests are encouraged to come dressed the part, and masks are mandatory as you journey through a labyrinth of rooms, each unfolding a different piece of the Phantom story. Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s most iconic musical numbers are performed, along with some new backstory that makes the Phantom a more sympathetic soul. Then there are the dramatic encounters with Christine, Raoul, and the Phantom himself. In a moment of surprise, I locked eyes with the Phantom as his masked face bore into my soul. The fourth wall is broken as you travel through Phantom lore, complete with light cast interactions, songs delivered intimately and that grand chandelier closer than you could have ever imagined. Diva Tip: Wear smart, comfortable shoes; this is nearly 2 1/2 hours of walking and experiencing.
Masquerade, now playing at 218 W. 57th Street. Get tickets at masqueradenyc.com.
Photo credits. Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade; Oscar Ouk
