The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Adapted by Dwayne Hartford. From the book by Kate DiCamillo.
Product Code: MQ8000
Full-length Play
Drama
Cast size: 2m., 2w.
Livestream and Record & Stream Rights Available
Awards: AATE Distinguished Play Award
Rights and availability
This title can be licensed and sold in the following countries:
Canada, United States
Please note this title may be restricted in your area and may require additional processing time.
* Please note the royalty rate listed is the minimum royalty rate per performance. The actual royalty rate will be determined upon completion of a royalty application.
Synopsis
Edward Tulane is an expensive toy rabbit made of china. He is loved by a little girl named Abilene, but Edward doesn’t care. He is vain and self-centered. He has no interest in anyone other than himself. On an ocean voyage, Edward is accidentally thrown overboard and sinks to the bottom of the sea. So begins his journey—a journey over which he has no control, for he is a toy rabbit. He can neither move nor speak. As years pass by, Edward meets many different people in many different situations: an older grieving couple who find comfort in Edward’s presence, a hobo and his dog who introduce Edward to a whole community of homeless wanderers, a farmer in need of a scarecrow, a sad little boy and his very ill sister, and finally a doll mender and an old doll who teach Edward an invaluable lesson. Through this miraculous journey, Edward learns what it is to love, what it is to lose that love, and how to find the courage to love again. Based on Kate DiCamillo’s beautiful novel of the same name, the play is a theatrical tour de force for a small ensemble of actors and musicians.
Notes
Livestream and Record & Stream Rights Available
Details
- Status In stock
- Type of Show Full-length Play
- Product Code MQ8000
- Minimum Cast Size 4
- Pages of Dialogue 65
- Min. Royalty Rate $110.00/perf
- Approx. Run Time 80 min
- Staging Unit set.
Categories
- Target Audience Young Audiences | Middle School | Family (all ages)
- Performing Group High School | College Theatre | Community Theatre | Professional Theatre | TYA | Touring Group
- Genre Drama
- ISBN(13) 9781619591752
Customer Reviews
This was my favorite play I have ever produced. I loved the suggestive setting and the flexible casting....two MUSTS for my small program. I also deeply appreciated the wholesome story which expanded my audience tremendously ...
This is a beautiful adaptation of Kate DiCamillo's novel that will satisfy those who have read the book and engage those who haven't. Many of our patrons arrived "not knowing what to expect" and left absolutely enchanted. For actors, this is a delightful piece as they have the fun challenge of portraying multiple and varied characters in the course of one evening. A nice family-friendly production that is appropriate for young audiences but is also meaningful for older audiences.
It was very well received by our community and a joy to perform for the actors. I would definitely recommend doing this show. It is a wonderful story and people of all ages enjoy seeing it.
Great show to produce if you're looking for a wide range of technical opportunities for various age levels.
Edward Tulane is a very heartwarming tale and a great conversation starter no matter the age of the performer.
Preparing and performing this show was a very sweet journey. The story needs to be told, for it will touch every person in your audience in many different ways. How the story is told on stage is imaginative, visually appealing and creative. Although written for children, this story goes way beyond that.
Hints, Tips, and Tricks
We made 6 Edwards for his various journeys in the play. We also did the show with 7 actors to divide up the responsibilities.
Finding the Edward props is key! The more Edwards you have the better. Also, if you can actually smash the doll during your performance it will make a HUGE impact. Pun not intended!
In working with a Middle School on this particular production, one of the most crucial elements was to adhere to the ensemble feel of the piece however expand the opportunities by subdividing all the characters to fit my cast of 23 students. This was achieved by breaking the play into several "scenes" and creating a rotating cast of "Travelers" per each scene. Each "Traveler" played at least one additional character outside the core group that Edward interacts with during his "dream sequence" later in the play.
The Edward Dolls are KEY. There are many theatre's that have spent the time and money to build those and now offer rentals. We used the beautiful dolls from Chicago Children's Theatre.
Creating multiple rabbits is a great necessity. We had nine rabbit made. The sets can be very simple and creating the different scenes can also be very simple. This play can be performed with as little as 4-5 actors. We used 15 for our production.
Media Reviews
“Beautifully written story … far more profound exploration of human (and canine) loneliness than you find in most works for children.” —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
“This really is the most charming of narratives … you should be able to enjoy some post-show discussion as to why our attachments to our dolls or stuffed animals are so intense.” —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
“Beware: You might just fall in love with that elegant, somewhat self-satisfied white porcelain rabbit by the name of Edward Tulane.” —Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
“So captivating—such an enchanting show for every age (whether you happen to be accompanied by children or not).” —Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
“Renders every element of DiCamillo’s book with faithfulness and flair.” —Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
“It comes alive before your very eyes and sweeps you up into the warmth and comfort of its arms.” —Valley Screen and Stage: David Appleford’s Film and Theatre Reviews
“Your heart will both soar with the magic of what great theatre can create—and this is quite simply great theatre—and break with the heartache of loss and loneliness.” —Valley Screen and Stage: David Appleford’s Film and Theatre Reviews
“Hilarious and heart-wrenching. … Edward Tulane is a triumph.” —azcentral.com
“It’s a fine story and one that challenges rather than coddles its audience.” —azcentral.com
“What’s truly wonderful about this adaptation is that it creates a world that couldn’t exist anywhere except on the stage.” —azcentral.com
“A testament to the (non)human spirit … an allegory of survival and hope.” —Chicago Reader
“If you are looking for a safe place to introduce your children to the harder truths of life, then this is a perfect opportunity to start these conversations.” —DC Metro Theatre Arts
“This wonderful story is about the transformative power of love.” —Chicago Critic
“The play was miraculous in that every feasible emotion is felt while watching it!” —Momcapade
“Powerful storytelling. … Parents may want to tuck a tissue in their pockets.” —TheaterJones
“It is almost unbelievable that such an emotionally rich tale, full of heartbreak and loss, could entertain children. But, that is part of the magic of this beautiful story.” —The Column
“If you and your family only see one show this year, make it this one.” —The Column
“A work of magic.” —The Column
“Fully captures the imagination of adults and children alike, sweeping them away on this unforgettable epic journey that is, at times, heartbreaking and—ultimately—incredibly fulfilling.” —The Column
“Hartford treats DiCamillo’s book as delicately as he would … a china rabbit.” —The Column
Production Map
| Location | City | State | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Charles Community College | Cottleville | MO | 03/06/2025 | 03/09/2025 |
| South Coast Repertory | Costa Mesa | CA | 03/22/2025 | 03/30/2025 |
| Liberty High School | Liberty | SC | 04/03/2025 | 04/05/2025 |
| The Story House | Niceville | FL | 03/28/2025 | 04/12/2025 |
| Mesquite High School | Gilbert | AZ | 04/15/2025 | 04/16/2025 |
| Rock Hill High | Rock Hill | SC | 04/17/2025 | 04/18/2025 |
| Lafayette High School | Lexington | KY | 04/24/2025 | 04/25/2025 |
| Henrico High | Richmond | VA | 05/02/2025 | 05/03/2025 |
| Kelsey Theater | Northfield | MN | 05/01/2025 | 05/04/2025 |
| Hillwood Middle School | Fort Worth | TX | 05/09/2025 | 05/10/2025 |
| Cloverdale Playhouse | Montgomery | AL | 07/17/2025 | 07/27/2025 |
| Roycroft Pavillion | East Aurora | NY | 07/18/2025 | 08/17/2025 |
| 03/13/2026 | 03/22/2026 | |||
| McKeesport Little Theater | McKeesport | PA | 05/08/2026 | 05/17/2026 |
Downloads
| File Description | File Format | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Poster | Download |
Poster Suggestions
- Each poster includes a text box which allows you to customize it with your production information. Once a poster has been opened, position your mouse over the lower third portion until you see a label with instructions on entering your production information. Use the Text Select Tool to customize your poster.
- You can print the poster in its original format and hand write your information.
- Your local copy shop should be able to create prints from a file saved to disk. They might even be able to increase the size of the poster for you (although some loss of resolution will occur).
Gallery
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane-Childsplay at Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe, AZ
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane-Unity Christian High School, Orange City, IA
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Waterloo Community Playhouse, Waterloo, IA
Also By These Authors
Joanna Gerdy, Davidson Day School, Davidson, N.C.