People's Light Presents a Theatrical Adaptation of THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE

People's Light presents the Philadelphia premiere of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a breathtaking adventure story based on the novel by two-time Newbery Award recipient, Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux). Adapted by playwright Dwayne Hartford, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane follows a very dignified china rabbit on an epic journey from the arms of a child to worlds beyond, and reminds us of the transformative power of love and friendship. Director Stuart Carden collaborated with composers Jessie Fisher and Erik Hellman to create a highly-acclaimed 2016 production at Chicago Children's Theatre that the Chicago Sun Times deemed, "captivating for every age whether you happen to be accompanied by children or not." Carden, Fisher, and Hellman reunite for a scaled-up incarnation at People's Light, designed for adults and youth alike. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane plays on the Leonard C. Haas Stage from April 29 through June 4, 2017. People's Light is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA 19355. For tickets, call 610.644.3500 or visit peopleslight.org.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, adapter Dwayne Hartford said that he found himself inspired by the central theme of DiCamillo's novel. "When I read the book, I was blown away by the story and this idea of learning how to love. It's a powerful, beautiful message."

Hartford noted the tale's intriguing mix of rousing adventure and poignancy. "It's an intimate story over this 20-25 year arc. Learning how to love is about as intimate as it gets."

To honor that intimacy, Carden's production uses four versatile actor-musicians to play multiple roles in Edward Tulane's decades-long journey around the world.

"I read the novel with my son," says Producing Director Zak Berkman, "And marveled at how DiCamillo could tell a story that enthralled my son with its humor, adventure, and distinct characters, and stole my heart with its immense understanding of loss and longing."

"Before seeing the Chicago production, I felt skeptical that any stage adaption could capture those qualities. But Dwayne's script, Stuart's interpretation, and Jessie and Erik's original music inventively use theatrical magic to cast the same spell DiCamillo achieves in her novel. Whether you're 8 or 80, this story will speak to you."

Director Stuart Carden brings with him the design team that earned raves for the Chicago production. John Musial designs the set. Rachel Healy creates costumes. Lee Fiskness lights the production, and Mikhail Fiksel designs sound. Jessie Fisher and Erik Hellman compose the music for the production, and also serve as Music Directors. Eva Breneman assists as Dialect Coach and Lauren Bieber (The Harassment of Iris Malloy) returns to People's Light as Stage Manager.

Four actors tell the story of Edward's journey. All four make their People's Light debut; Emily Peterson plays The Traveler, who serves as the main storyteller, Dana Omar is The Woman, and Reggie D. White plays The Man. Local favorite Charlie DelMarcelle plays The Musician, who voices Edward's thoughts and feelings throughout the story.

Approximate run time for The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is 80 minutes with no intermission. Best enjoyed by ages 8 and up.

CONNECT, ENGAGE, INTERACT AT PEOPLE'S LIGHT

Join us for AfterWORDS, post-show conversations with the artists after every performance of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.

Enjoy a prix fixe Dinner and a Show package for $76 (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday matinee, Sunday evening) and $85 (Friday, Saturday evening, Sunday matinee) at The Farmhouse Bistro prior to the Wednesday through Sunday evening performances. That's a savings of up to 15% off the single ticket price. Call the Box Office at 610.644.3500.

Located next to the Bistro is a full service catering venue, The Farmhouse at People's Light, perfect for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations. Contact the Sales Team at 610.647.1631 x156 or thefarmhouse@peopleslight.org.

People's Light will present Open Caption performances of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane May 31 at 2pm & 7:30pm and June 4 at 2pm.

Relaxed Performance Sunday, May 28 at 2pm

Enjoy an arts experience that welcomes your whole family, and lets you be who you are. These specially-designed live performances invite and encourage individuals with Autism, ADD, ADHD, Dementia and sensory sensitivities, and anyone else who'd benefit from a non-judgmental environment, to attend and enjoy the show. Performance adjustments include:

· Soft house lights that remain on in the theatre during the performance

· Lower sound levels

· Less-startling lighting effects, and no strobe lighting

· A "shush-free zone" throughout the theatre, meaning patrons can talk and vocalize during the performance

· Open space throughout the theatre where patrons can stand and watch, or move about

· Quiet space in the theatre lobby for patrons who need to leave the performance for a while

We will provide stress sensory toys for patrons to borrow during the show, and disposable ear plugs for anyone who'd like them. We also invite attendees to bring noise-cancelling headphones, their own fidget toys, or any other small items that might contribute to their comfort and safety. This performance will also feature Audio Description.

People's Light is a participant in the Audience (R)Evolution Cohort Grants program, funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for the professional not-for-profit American theatre.

TICKET INFORMATION

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane previews on Saturday, April 29 at 7pm, Sunday, April 30 at 2pm, Wednesday, May 3 at 7pm, Thursday, May 4 at 7pm, and Friday, May 5 at 7pm. The play opens on Saturday, May 6 and runs through Sunday, June 4.

Standard single tickets start at $38. Community Night tickets are only $28 to the preview performances on April 29, April 30, May 3, May 4, and May 5. For tickets, call the Box Office at 610.644.3500. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information or to purchase group tickets, call 610.647.1900 x111 or email benedict@peopleslight.org.

8-play subscription packages for the 2017-2018 season are available for purchase and start at $192. Productions include Lights Out: Nat King Cole (October 11-December 3, 2017), Aladdin: A Musical Panto (November 15, 2017-January 7, 2018), Morning's at Seven (January 10-February 4, 2018), The Diary of Anne Frank (February 21-March 31, 2018), I Will Not Go Gently (March 21-April 15, 2018), Romeo and Juliet: A Requiem (April 25-May 27, 2018), Skeleton Crew (June 13-July 8, 2018), and Mark Twain's River of Song (August 1-26, 2018). Visit peopleslight.org or call 610.644.3500 to order.

Actors, prices, productions, performance dates and times are subject to change. Additional service charges will apply. Contact the Box Office for more details.

ABOUT PEOPLE'S LIGHT

Now in its 42nd season, People's Light, a professional, not-for-profit theatre in Chester County, Pennsylvania, makes plays drawn from many sources to entertain, inspire, and engage our community. We extend our mission of making and experiencing theatre through arts education programs that excite curiosity about, and deepen understanding of, the world around us. These plays and programs bring people together and provide opportunities for reflection, discovery, and celebration. Founded in 1974, we produce eight to nine plays each season, in two black box theatres with 340 and 160 seats respectively, mixing world premieres, contemporary plays, and fresh approaches to classic texts for our 7-Play, Spark, and Teen Series.

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