Photo courtesy of Metro Theater Company
Staging a play with a protagonist who can’t move or speak presented some unique challenges for the cast and crew of Metro Theater Company’s production of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
But original music and imaginative acting and writing helped bring the toy rabbit of the play’s title to life, says Ron James, Metro’s marketing and communications director.
“He’s personified by an actor who stands behind him and kind of reflects what he is thinking or what he might say in a situation,” James says. “The actor who portrays Edward, Pete Winfrey, also plays the guitar music, so it comes across beautifully.”
Photo courtesy of Metro Theater Company
Music is an integral part of the play, which features a score by composer Jay Flood written specifically for Metro’s production. The story follows Edward, a self-centered china rabbit who is separated from his doting owner. Over the course of the play—based on the children’s book by Newbery Medal-winning author Kate DiCamillo—Edward’s long road home takes him everywhere from the ocean floor to a trash heap. In the end, the true miracle of his journey is the lesson he learns about love and life.
Although Edward begins the play content with his life as a pampered plaything, through his adventures “he realizes he needs to open his heart... in order to be whole, even though it can be hard sometimes,” James says.
Likewise, James thinks audiences who take time out from harried holiday routines to see Edward Tulane will leave the 70-minute show with a true sense of what the season should be about—and plenty of important topics to discuss.
“They’ll come out with a renewed sense of value for their family, their friends, and their home,” James says.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is showing in the Missouri History Museum’s Lee Auditorium through December 30. Tickets are $16–20 or $14 for museum members and groups of 10 or more. The school matinee group rate is $8 per ticket. For tickets and showtimes, visit Metro Theater Company's website.
