Metro Theater's Newest Production Explores the Meaning of Love, the Importance of Family

When all of the holiday madness gets to be too much this December, take a breather by taking in a remarkable show with your favorite kiddos.

(GET 20% OFF TICKETS TO PERFORMANCES ON DEC. 26-30 WITH PROMO CODE PARENT.)

Beginning Dec. 5, Metro Theater Company will present a new family favorite, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at the Missouri History Museum. Following the adventures of a toy rabbit who longs to return to the little girl who loves him, this magical fairy tale and modern American classic is the perfect holiday gift to share with your little theater fans.

Edward Tulane is adapted from the critically-acclaimed and fan-beloved book of the same name by Kate DiCamillo, Newbery Award-winning author of favorites like Because of Winn Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux and Flora and Ulysses.  

In this tale, Edward, young Abilene’s cherished toy china rabbit, cares for no one but himself. But when he ends up in the ocean during a voyage with Abilene and her family, his comfortable world is turned upside-down. To once again find the love he took for granted, Edward must journey to the ends of the earth, and along the way, he meets new friends who will teach him the importance of acceptance and compassion. From a railway boxcar to a diner in the heart of Memphis, your kids will join Edward for a miraculous journey that culminates in an even more miraculous ending.

It’s DiCamillo’s exploration of empathy and redemption that truly makes Edward Tulane such an ideal family outing for this special time of year.

“With themes of family, selflessness and home, this play is the perfect way for families and friends to celebrate the love and warmth of the holiday season,” said Ron James, marketing and communications director for Metro Theater Company.

“Like all Metro Theater Company plays, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane will inspire wonderful conversations between generations. A big part of all of our lives is the moment when we discover that the holidays are much more about giving than receiving. And when we discover that, we learn the holidays and life itself is so much richer when we give to others. That, in a nutshell, is what the play is about.”

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane will be held on Dec. 5 at 1 p.m., Dec. 9 and 16 at 7 p.m., Dec. 11 and 18 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Dec. 26-30 at 2 p.m. at Missouri History Museum at Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for students, military and seniors, and can be purchased through the Metro Theater Company website. The play is best enjoyed by adults and children ages seven and older.

Before every performance, kids will will have the opportunity to create holiday cards for children who aren’t able to celebrate the season at home due to an illness or crisis. After the play, the actors will offer an interactive discussion with the audience, allowing your kids to ask questions and learn more about the themes and ideas in the play. In addition, Metro Theater Company will honor a person or organization who is making a difference in the community at the first seven public performances.

Your family can also stick around at the Missouri History Museum and enjoy its new TOYS of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s exhibition, featuring Gumby, Barbie and other treasured toys from the 20^th century.

With The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Metro Theater Company hopes the audience will walk away with their hearts touched and with a new eye on the world around them.

Said Julia Flood, artistic director, “As we approach the end of what for many of us has been a turbulent year, it’s pleasant to be reminded that life is full of miraculous moments. For most of us, those moments arrive through the open-hearted gesture of another human being. A new year, filled with new adventures, will soon be upon us. It’s our hope that by taking this moment to share in Edward’s journey home, we can all open our hearts to each other and perhaps, in doing so, allow a miraculous journey to begin.”

_{Photos courtesy of Metro Theater Company}