‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane’ puts selfless love center stage

By Josh Ball

To love is to lose. This reality makes us question whether “‘tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Cedarville’s theater department seeks to answer that question with their performance of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.” 

Edward Tulane is a porcelain rabbit who cares only for himself. As the story progresses, he must learn to love. This journey unfolds as the little rabbit’s world expands to others. Tragically, he faces loss and must learn how to respond to it.

The student actors graced the stage with their abilities. Judah Ennis, who plays the titular character, perfectly captured the mannerisms and attitude of a porcelain rabbit who is totally self-absorbed. Grace Merryman enchantingly encapsulates the narrator, Pellegrina. The little girl, Sarah Ruth, is acted superbly by Kendall Daniels. All the other actors deserve praise for their performances, but these three lead the way and set the tone.

It was doubtless hard to interact with a 3D-printed doll, given life by the simultaneous performance of Judah Ennis, yet the cast handled the challenge with grace and expertise.

One of the tenets of live performance is nothing ever goes the same way twice. Cedarville’s performers demonstrated immaculate professionalism as they handled the ups and downs of show business. Inevitably, things go wrong, and these performers rise to the task and handle them with ease.

The story follows closely the template laid out in “Beauty and the Beast.” In Cedarville’s play, Edward Tulane must learn to love someone other than himself. Yet this play portrays a fuller arc of love and life. On his miraculous journey, Edward Tulane meets a remarkable cast of incredible characters. Each one breaks down his vanity and teaches him a little bit more about love.

One of the most striking themes is the interplay between love and happiness. As Edward learns to love, he becomes happier, more excited and more vivacious. The change in emotions and attitude is captured perfectly by Judah Ennis. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the laugh on his face as he sacrificed his wishes for the good of another: little Sarah Ruth.

Here the story displays a misunderstanding of what love is. Love is not simply wanting the person you love to be happy, it strikes at an eternal truth: love means sacrificing yourself and your own desires. In learning to overcome himself and his desires, Edward Tulane learns what it means to love.

Unlike the Beast of Disney fame, Edward and Sarah Ruth do not get a fairy tale ending. As soon as he learns to love, Edward learns what it is to lose. He even declares: “I’m done loving. I am done being loved. It’s too painful.” This is the fundamental challenge Edward faces: how to respond to the pain of a lost love. The show presents the audience with the same challenge. Will they respond with the resolute, defiant stance “‘tis better to have loved or lost than never to have loved at all” or declare “it’s too painful?”

The serious themes are simplified so children can digest them but remain important in the life of adults. Yet a story that could easily come away heavy-handed always finds a way to lighten the mood. Comedic moments land throughout, but never undermine the more somber moments.

Not everything is perfect. While performed exquisitely, there was too much of Pellegrina. Her interjections distract from the story. They take time to explain trivial information about setting changes. The audience picks up on these changes within seconds of the main action resuming, rendering Pellegrina’s speeches utterly pointless.

Another weakness, though of less significance, can be found in the set. I understand, and respect, the choice, but while used well, the small set never changes. This poses an insurmountable challenge to the realism required of a live performance. It is simply not possible to see the attic setting, complete with flights of stairs, as a series of boxcars. But the actors and crew do a wonderful job working around those challenges as best they can.

Imperfect, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” tells a quaint family-friendly story of love and loss portrayed miraculously by Cedarville’s talented performers. Powerful, heartfelt moments challenge the characters and the audience to grapple with deep themes. But all the while, comedic moments keep the audience engaged and the mood bearable. The actors performed well and professionally. I hope everyone enjoys it.

‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane’ will be in Devries Theater through October 11

Josh Ball is a senior history major. He enjoys classic literature and deep themes. He now further distrusts dolls.

Photos courtesy of Scott Huck