Shining a Spotlight on Students

As one of the Youth Theatre Conservatory’s directors of the popular Players productions, Erin McNally always has her eyes open for productions that put her students on the spot as much as in the spotlight. She strives to find a production that stretches the students’ abilities, features plenty of nuance and relatability and—above all—provides a learning experience.

With The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, McNally checked off all those boxes—and more. Adapted by Dwayne Hartford from the book by Kate DiCamillo, the Junior Players production begins this Saturday and runs through Mar. 30 in the Nicholas Studio. Tickets are on sale now.

The Junior Players, students in grades 5 through 8, are advanced students in SCR’s Youth Conservatory. McNally tasked them with telling the story of Edward Tulane, a dapper china rabbit and a gift for 10-year-old Abilene, who loves him almost as much as he loves himself. When Edward gets lost at sea, a series of adventures takes him far from home and far from the vain and selfish rabbit he once was, as he discovers the transformative power of love.

McNally took time away from a busy rehearsal schedule to talk about why she chose this play, the precocious talent of the cast and how those actors handle multiple roles on the fly in the SCR Blog.

Q: Tell us why you chose this work.

ERIN MCNALLY: “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a beautifully moving story about love, loss, and transformation. It’s a tale that resonates with audiences of all ages, but especially with young performers who are beginning to understand the complexities of empathy and connection. I was drawn to this play because it offers rich storytelling opportunities and challenges the actors to embody multiple characters, making it an excellent learning experience. Plus, its themes of resilience and change feel especially meaningful in today’s world.”

Q: Tell us about directing this work. What special challenges and nuances does it present to you and the actors?

EM: “This production is unique in that it relies heavily on theatrical storytelling—using movement, sound, and imagination to create an entire world on stage. One of the biggest challenges has been helping the actors bring to life a journey that spans different locations and time periods, all with minimal set and props. Additionally, Edward, the central character, is played by both an inanimate prop rabbit and an actor voicing his thoughts (Yunah Choi). The other characters don’t hear or see the actor voicing Edward’s thoughts. So, much of the emotional weight of the play comes from how the other actors interact with him as a doll.  That requires a heightened level of specificity in their performances. I have also chosen to have them sing a cappella in 3-part harmony for a few crucial moments in the show.”

Q: Which leads into our next question: bringing out the best in your actors tasked with playing multiple roles. What tips and advice do you give them on how to do this as seamlessly as possible?

EM: “I encourage the actors to think about distinct physical and vocal choices for each character. We explore how posture, gait and gesture can define a person, as well as how changes in pitch, rhythm and tone create different voices. We also discuss the internal life of each role—what motivates them, how they see the world and how they interact with Edward. Another important aspect is transitions—how do we move fluidly from one character to another without losing clarity? I have some of their costume pieces hanging on the stage, so they will literally change characters before the audience’s eyes. We must make those shifts with confidence and specificity so that the storytelling remains honest and engaging. Ultimately, I remind them that if they believe in the world they’re creating, the audience will too.”

Q: What is it about this talented group that people should know? Tell us what makes them stand out.

EM: “This cast is incredibly imaginative, committed and fearless in their storytelling. Middle-school actors often have a raw, unfiltered enthusiasm for the work, and this group brings that energy while also embracing sophisticated themes with maturity. They are collaborative, supportive of each other and willing to take risks. I’ve been especially impressed with their willingness to explore emotional depth in their characters. Edward’s journey is sometimes a heavy one, especially for people their age. But they bring such heart and generosity to every rehearsal. I know audiences will be moved by their performances.”

Q: What do you hope audiences take away from this production?

EM: “I hope audiences walk away feeling the power of connection—that love, in all its forms, leaves a lasting impact. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane reminds us that we are shaped by the people who enter our lives, even for a short time. It’s a story about transformation, about learning to open one’s heart even after loss, and about the unexpected ways we find our way home. I also hope audiences appreciate the artistry of live theatre—the magic of storytelling when a group of young actors, through their distinct voices, movements, and creativity, can transport us. We can’t wait to take everyone on this miraculous journey!”