Finding friendship story at center of 'Edward Tulane'

The Whitefish Theatre Company is delighted to present the extraordinary tale of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.”

This family-friendly production opens with a sneak preview night on Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Performances continue on Feb. 23 and 24 and March 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are on Feb. 25 and March 4 at 4 p.m.

Based on Newbery-winner Kate DiCamillo’s (“Because of Winn-Dixie,” “The Tale of Despereaux”) beloved book, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” is a breathtaking story of finding friendship, finding yourself, and eventually finding your way home. The story follows Edward Tulane, a dapper China rabbit who is given as a birthday present to 10-year-old Abilene, who loves him almost as much as Edward loves himself. But when he accidentally gets tossed overboard a cruise ship, self-absorbed Edward finds he has a lot to learn. As he embarks on an unexpected 20-year journey, Edward is caught in a fisherman’s net, lands in a garbage dump, travels with a happy hobo, and comforts a sick child, during which he encounters a series of people who take him into their homes and hearts.

“I love those moments in life when you discover a new favorite thing,” says Director Rebecca Spear. “I fell in love with this play when I saw the Metro Theatre Company’s production in St. Louis last December.”

The cast of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” is comprised of 26 talented adult and young actors from all over the Flathead Valley, including Corey Burke who plays Edward Tulane and featuring original, live music provided by Nick Spear.

“This production of Edward Tulane is quite unique from shows that I have done in the past with WTC, as half of the actors are adults and half of the actors are young people,” says Rebecca Spear. “This rare collaboration of adult and young actors has been a magical undertaking, watching this remarkable group of people of all ages bring this play lovingly to life.”

Tickets for the sneak preview on Feb. 22 are $12 for adults and $10 for students and are available only at the door. Tickets for other performances are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students with reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office at 1 Central Avenue in Whitefish or by calling 862-5371. Individual tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. The show is sponsored by Harlette, Underscore Art, and Flathead Electric. American Bank is sponsoring the education outreach for this show.