Selah Hagler, playing Abilene, holds her rabbit, Edward Tulane, in Whitefish Theatre Company’s production of "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.”
“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” called a “captivating and enchanting show for every age” by the Chicago Sun Times, opens with a sneak preview, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. This family-friendly production continues at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23- 24 and March 2-3, and 4 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 25 and March 4.
Based on the beloved book by Newbery-winner Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux), “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” is a breathtaking story of finding friendship, finding yourself, and eventually finding your way home. The story follows Edward Tulane, a dapper china rabbit who is given as a birthday present to 10-year-old Abilene, who loves him almost as much as Edward loves himself.
Edward Tulane: Dapper rabbit with lots to learn
But when he accidentally gets tossed overboard a cruise ship, self-absorbed Edward finds he has a lot to learn. As he embarks on an unexpected 20-year journey, Edward is caught in a fisherman’s net, lands in a garbage dump, travels with a happy hobo, and comforts a sick child, and encounters along the way a series of people who take him into their homes and hearts.
Called “one of the most touching journeys I ever could have imagined” by DC Theatre Scene, Edward Tulane teaches us all that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.
“I love those moments in life when you discover a new favorite thing,” says director Rebecca Spear. “I fell in love with this play when I saw the Metro Theatre Company’s production in St. Louis last December.”
“Kate DiCamillo’s wonderful tale, full of warmth, humor and sentiment, just cracked my heart wide open,” she adds.
Spear is reuniting with Whitefish Theatre Company for this show after directing “Seussical: The Musical,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “The Hobbit.” The cast of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” is comprised of 26 talented adult and young actors from all over the Flathead Valley, including Corey Burke who plays Edward Tulane. It also features original, live music provided by Nick Spear.
“This production of Edward Tulane is quite unique from shows that I have done in the past with WTC, as half of the actors are adults and half of the actors are young people,” says the director. “This rare collaboration of adult and young actors has been a magical undertaking, watching this remarkable group of people of all ages bring this play lovingly to life.”
Adventurous journey to unexpected places
Spear adds, “This is truly a story for the entire family as Edward’s adventurous journey takes you to so many unexpected places.”
Tickets for the sneak preview on Feb. 22 are $12 for adults and $10 for students and are available only at the door with general seating. Tickets for other performances are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students with reserved seating.
Tickets may be purchased at the Box Office at 1 Central Avenue in Whitefish, by calling 406-862-5371, or online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org.