Review: THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE, a Journey Everyone Should Take

Astonishing best describes The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, which opened Friday January 23 at the Coterie Theatre in Crown Center. David P. Saar directs a production that begins as just another children's story and quickly transforms into one of the most charming, enchanting, heartwarming, and sensitive tales told on a Kansas City stage. Everything about the show, lighting, sound, costumes, performances, etc. comes together in such grandeur that I personally believe it is one of the best productions presented on any stage in the metropolitan area.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is from the book by Kate DiCamillo, adapted for the stage by Dwayne Hartford. A quote from the book best describes the foundation of the play: "If you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless." Jeff Church, Artistic Director for the Coterie, says of the UMKC co-production, "We are asked to experience life through the eyes of a china rabbit. . ." This is one experience the audience will not soon forget.

The journey begins as Edward, a china rabbit, is given to Abilene a ten-year-old who treats him more like a human than a rabbit. While crossing the ocean the vain, self-centered Edward is tossed over the rail by bullies, sinking to the ocean floor where he remains for 297 days. Scooped up in fishing nets he is taken to the wife of an angler who makes him, to his dismay, wear a dress. His journey continues when he is taken in by a hobo, tossed from a train, and found by a young boy who takes him to his dying sister. In the city, he is smashed against a tabletop, but saved and repaired to sit in a doll store window for years. His trip is not only physical it is emotional as he grows from the selfish rabbit he once was to one that learns to love and be loved.

Joseph Fournier plays The Musician and the voice of Edward's thoughts and emotions. His portrayal is so powerful that quickly he becomes the rabbit and we begin to ignore the china rabbit that appears on the stage. He is a MFA Acting Candidate at UMKC, having performed with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KC Rep), UMKC Theatre, and Kansas Classical Repertory Theatre.

Nicole Marie Green is outstanding as The Woman, playing several parts including Abilene, a marvelous portrayal of Lucy the Dog, and Sarah Ruth among others. She previously appeared at the Coterie in Afflicted: Daughters of Salem. She has appeared with the KC Rep, UMKC Theatre, and at Heart of America Shakespeare.

Emily Van Phillips returns to the Coterie as The Traveler, The Storyteller, Jack the Watchman (who throws Edward from a train), and Martin among other characters. She persuasively moves from one character to the next with ease and deliberation. She previously appeared in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Musical, and with Green in Afflicted: Daughters of Salem.

Spencer Christensen makes a fabulous debut at the Coterie as The Man, Abilene's Father, Bull, Lawrence, and various hobos among others. His performance as the hobo who finds Edward in a garbage dump is splendid as he interacts with the china rabbit and Lucy the Dog. He has appeared with the KC Rep, UMKC Theatre, and the Riverside Theatre.

The Traveler says, "Once, oh marvelous once, there was a rabbit who found his way home." The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a must see for parents teaching their children about life, loving, and relationships. I cannot think of a more entertaining and thought provoking way for a child (or adult) to learn these attributes of growing up. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane continues at The Coterie Theatre through March 1. Purchase tickets by calling the box office at 816-474-6552 or visit The Coterie Theatre website. Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre.

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