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

April 5th, 2026 by John Lariviere for SOUTH FLORIDA INSIDER

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.

Read the entier review here: https://sflinsider.com/2026/04/07/everything-beautiful-happens-at-night/