Coming up next at South Carolina Children’s Theatre is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a play based on the children’s book of the same name by the award-winning children’s literature author Kate DiCamillo (of the Mercy Watson series and The Tale of Despereaux). The story follows a toy rabbit whose capacity for love grows through loss. It is an epic tale of resilience and empathy. The imaginative stage adaptation will run January 27th – February 5th on the SCCT Bell MainStage, and is directed by one of Greenville’s most accomplished directors, Jay Briggs. A skilled cast of 5 actors will bring to life over 20 characters with original music composed by upstate musician David Sims over 80 magical minutes. We sat down with director Jay Briggs to hear more about what audiences can expect from this magical production.
Director, Jay Briggs
SCCT: Is this your first time directing at SCCT?
BRIGGS: Yes! This is my first time directing for SCCT, and I was thrilled to accept the opportunity for professional and personal reasons. SCCT is an excellent, well-respected theatre, and I have several personal connections to the organization. As a high-schooler, I took classes with Betsy Bisson at Flat Rock Playhouse in North Carolina, and my eight-year-old daughter has been taking classes at SCCT since she was in pre-school. In my past experiences being a part of and directing theatre for young audiences, I’ve found that it is exciting and vital work. Then, when SCCT Artistic Director Matt Giles sent me the script for The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, the beauty and heightened theatricality immediately caught my interest.
SCCT: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a popular book. Had you read it before signing on to direct this play?
BRIGGS: I had read some of Kate DiCamillo’s other works, but not this one. While I highly recommend the book, reading it to enjoy this play is not necessary. The theatrical adaptation is beautifully engaging and imaginatively tells the same story.
Scenic Designer, Genesis Garza leads the cast through a tour of the set (in process)
SCCT: How will the play’s scenic design help tell the story of Edward Tulane?
BRIGGS: SCCT Technical Director Genesis Garza’s scenic design will set our actors in an old attic full of lost treasures and surprising stories. It is a beautiful representation of a child’s imagination, with endless possibilities for magic.
SCCT: What are the major themes of the story?
BRIGGS: The primary lesson in this play is the importance of resilience and that sometimes love deepens through loss. This is a critical message for young people, especially in light of the past 2-3 years. Kids and families have been through a lot. And there are a couple of different ways to react to the trials we’ve been through – either by closing off and convincing yourself that it is the best way not to get hurt or by keeping your heart open and allowing yourself to grow as a result of tough times.
SCCT: Why do you think families will enjoy this play?
BRIGGS: This play reminds families of what’s truly important – love and relationships through a story of resilience told dynamically with compelling performances, imaginative scenic design, and original music.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane opens Friday, January 27th and closes on Sunday, February 5th. The show runs for 80 minutes and is recommended for ages eight and up.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased:
in person at the SCCT Box Office at 153 Augusta Street
by phone 864-235-2885
and online at scchildrenstheatre.org/the-miraculous-journey-of-edward-tulane/
‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane’ to Open at SCCT was published in The Greenville Journal January 5, 2023.
