The program lists Stephen Thorne as the sole actor in Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe’s one-act, 70-minute production of “Every Brilliant Thing,” the poignant-memory play that fills your heart with love, hope and a million reasons to cherish your life.

The audience enters the theatre-in-the-round and is greeted by Thorne, who hands them a piece of paper with a number and some scribbled words. They have become an intimate, non-threatening and integral part of a unique theatrical production.

The success of the play depends on the narrator who must earn the trust and support of his audience before the play begins. Thorne succeeds with his friendly, warm approach, gaining the trust of what will become his supporting cast. (Note: The play could be cast with a woman or more than one actor.)

The play begins. We meet a seven-year-old boy who has just visited his mother in the hospital after she “did something stupid.”

How can he cope? How about making a list of “every brilliant thing” he can think of, beginning with ice cream, water fights and staying up late watching TV.

The dark, poignant comedy is filled with a touch of despair mixed with inevitable hope as he matures, befriends a teacher, faces the death of a dog, meets a girl, marries, copes with his mother’s suicide, and during all the stages of his life makes lists of his favorite things.

Thorne is brilliant as he gains the sympathy and support of his audience, calling out numbers and eliciting responses without intimidation.

The joy of participation is a big part of the success of the evening, which will be different every night. Some of the participants really get into their roles. Thorne never misses a beat as he calls out a number and responds to their comments. (A few need to speak louder.)

A play that deals with depression and suicide walks a fine line. Director Angela Brazil (Stephen’s wife and fellow Trinity actor) guides him well through the process.

“Every Brilliant Thing” is at Burbage Theatre in Pawtucket through September 25. If you want a different, satisfying evening at the theatre, get your tickets today at burbagetheatre.org/ebt.