Morehead State University’s theatre program will bring a beloved story of love, loss and hope to the stage with its production of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.”
Performances will take place Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 24-26, at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Sept. 27.
Based on the award-winning book by Kate DiCamillo and adapted for the stage by Dwayne Hartford, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” follows the extraordinary journey of a vain and self-centered toy rabbit who learns the importance of opening his heart to others. Tena Dean, a theatre education junior from Wheelersburg, OH, directs the MSU production.
Edward Tulane is an expensive China rabbit belonging to a young girl named Abilene, who loves him deeply despite his inability to return her affection. When Edward is accidentally thrown overboard during an ocean voyage, he begins a years-long journey that takes him through the lives of a variety of people.
Along the way, Edward encounters an older couple coping with grief, a hobo and his dog, a farmer, a young boy and his seriously ill sister, and a doll mender. Through these encounters and the love and loss he experiences, Edward gradually learns compassion and discovers the courage to love others.
The story has long held special meaning for Octavia Biggs (Class of 1987), theatre lecturer and director of The Little Company.
"This story has been one of my favorites for many years. I think it will give our audience pause to reflect on their own lives and the people they love,” she said. “Even though you may have experienced huge, devastating losses and immense sadness in your life, I think we mostly agree that we would never trade those feelings to have never loved at all."
Biggs said the production also provides an opportunity to showcase the work of MSU students, including Dean's leadership as director.
"I personally am extremely excited and proud of our student director, Tena Dean. He and the design team, cast, and crew are working so hard to bring this story to life and have put many hours into the production,” she said. “I am excited for our community and their families to visit our campus, see this beautiful ‘Theatre for Young Audiences’ show, and then take it on the road so hundreds of young people can experience The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane."
Following its September performances at MSU, the production will become the Little Company’s Spring 2027 touring show. The tour will run from Feb. 23 through April 29, beginning with schools throughout MSU’s service region before traveling to other parts of Kentucky.
The Little Company will conclude the tour with a performance for friends and families on May 1.
For more information about the fall season, contact Biggs at obiggsfleck@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2759.