Stages Theatre Presents ‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane’
Stages Theatre Co. in Hopkins has a story about how love changes you. Actors are performing a stage adaptation of Kate DiCamillo’s “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.”
The book-turned-play is the tale of an imperfect toy rabbit and those around him. Maple Grove’s Leah Rimstad plays Abilene.
“The whole show is all about his journey of meeting a ton of different people and learning how it is to love,” Leah said.
Edward is a rabbit made of china, but he’s voiced by one of the actors, Asher Rilen. His character is intentionally imperfect, as made evident by the side comments he makes as Abilene fawns over him.
In one scene, while Abilene gets him dressed for the day, Edward’s heard saying: “Don’t hold me so tightly, you’ll wrinkle the jacket. And fix the tie! I’m sure it’s crooked!”
Edward the bunny sits next to his voice actor.
Throughout the story, though, Edward grows and changes. The full cast changes roles throughout the show, but everyone stays on stage. They stay beside Edward during his journey.
“The main message of the show is learning how to love, and what it means to love,” Leah said.
A Tale of Transformation
The story came to life through the actors, immersive set pieces and director Anna Crace. She said it’s the show’s third iteration with Stages Theatre and the first time at Hopkins Center for the Arts’ Mainstage. A different stage, Crace said, allows for interesting creative interpretation.
“It’s about Edward’s transformation, so I’m really interested in how transformation happens on stage,” Crace explained.
As characters grow and change– including Leah morphing into different roles– her first character, Abilene, remains constant for Edward.
“Her connection with the rabbit sets us on our journey,” Crace explained.
The journey isn’t easy. With Edward’s prickly personality in early scenes, he’s forced to adapt as he learns from those around him.
“So when he’s lost and found and lost and found again, it changes him. It changes fundamentally how he sees himself, and how he sees other people, and how he understands other people,” Crace said.
As Edward works and searches to find his way home, the audience does alongside him. Crace said it’s a powerful message for kids to hear.
The show is recommended for those 7 and older. The show runs through Oct. 27, with school performances on weekdays and public performances on weekends.
Leah Rimstad, as Abilene, fawns over Edward.
