Love, Loss and a Storybook Rewrite Take Center Stage in Everything Beautiful Happens at Night.

April 5th, 2026

Island City Stage presents one of the most enjoyable plays of the season with the surprisingly delightful Everything Beautiful Happens at Night by writer Ted Malawer (Prime Video’s Red, White and Royal Blue).

Set between 1984 and 1985, the story centers on a closeted, middle-aged children’s book author named Ezra (Christopher Dreeson). The backbone of his literary career is a beloved series following best-of-friends Squirrel and Chipmunk, reminiscent of Frog and Toad. Following the death of his partner, Ezra falls into a creative slump. Much to the consternation of his agent and close friend Nancy (Laura Turnbull), he struggles to produce the next installment of Squirrel and Chipmunk, despite already receiving his advance.

One fateful night, Ezra meets Jake (Aidan Paul), a young, “temporarily unhoused” actor. Jake is so young, in fact, that he recalls being read Ezra’s books as a child. What begins as a one-night stand gradually evolves into something more. Though the pairing feels unlikely, their connection arrives at exactly the right moment for both of them. The comfort they provide each other begins to reshape Ezra’s creative vision. His latest Squirrel and Chipmunk story takes a bold turn, exploring the possibility that the two characters may be more than just friends. That shift sparks tension with Nancy, who sees the move as risky for Ezra’s career.

Nancy’s quick wit and razor-sharp tongue don’t always lend themselves to warmth. Guarded by her own emotional barriers, she expresses concern for Ezra through practicality, focusing on long-term career stability rather than emotional healing. The result often makes her appear more mercenary than compassionate.

Turnbull is pitch-perfect as the fast-talking, opinionated Nancy. She remains grounded in her professional mission while convincingly revealing her discomfort with personal vulnerability.

Dreeson’s Ezra is at times fussy, occasionally awkward, but consistently sincere. There’s an everyman quality to him, or perhaps more accurately, an every gay man quality, that makes him instantly relatable. Even when his choices are questionable, his search for happiness feels earned. Dreeson excels at building that connection with the audience.

Paul’s Jake walks a fine line between streetwise hustler and unexpectedly domestic partner. The audience is never entirely certain how deep his feelings for Ezra run. Some moments feel genuine, others feel opportunistic, which speaks to the character’s immaturity. Paul navigates that ambiguity effectively, grounding Jake in a moment-to-moment truth.

There is also a fourth presence in this production: the illustrations by Bong Redila. Styled like pages from a children’s book, these projected visuals of Squirrel and Chipmunk add an extra layer of storytelling. They bring warmth and sentiment without tipping into predictability. It’s hard to imagine the play without them. Credit goes to Managing Director Martin Childers for integrating such a thoughtful and effective element.

Direction by Bruce Linser keeps the pacing crisp and focused. At one hour and 45 minutes without intermission, the show moves effortlessly, never feeling long or in need of a break. It’s a testament to both the storytelling and the performances.

Everything Beautiful Happens at Night is tender, funny, and quietly powerful. It explores the life you have, the life you want, and who remains beside you when everything else fades into silence.

Island City Stage continues to stand as a professional theater rooted in excellence. Known for sharing stories that resonate across audiences while maintaining strong ties to LGBTQ+ storytelling, the company consistently delivers productions that entertain, challenge, and connect. Their foundation remains strong even as they continue to grow their reach within the Broward County theater community.

Located at 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, Florida, Island City Stage can be reached at 954-928-9800 or online at Island City Stage.

As the organization looks ahead, its mission continues to be guided by PRIDE:

P – Professional in everything we produce and present

R – Relevant to the conversations and experiences of our time

I – Innovative in our storytelling and theatrical vision

D – Delightful in the experience we create for our audiences

E – Entertaining while inspiring connection and community