The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane the Musical - Field Trip
By Dwayne Hartford, Music by Kyle Sorrell
Most enjoyed by Grades 1-6
Field Trip: Weekdays, April 21st- May 15th, 2026
M,T, Th, F- 9:30 am and 11:30 am
W- 10:30 am
Location: Herberger Theater Center - Stage West
Price: $15 per person, Field Trip Plus: $18 per student
Runtime: 70 minutes, including talkback.
Tomás Rivera travels with his Amá, his Apá, his Grandfather, Papá
Grande, and his little brother Enrique from Crystal City, Texas, all the
way to Hampton, Iowa, to find work picking corn, spinach and beets.
Tomás is haunted by memories of a teacher in his Texas school who
punished him for speaking Spanish. His parents are worried about him,
but reassure him that he is smart and talented, and that his Papá
Grande thinks he will become a writer or a painter some day.
When the Riveras arrive in Iowa, they discover that their new home is
little more than a chicken coop. But the family carries on, getting
occasional treats like pan dulce, (sweet bread) and listening to Apá
Grande’s stories. One day Tomás’ Amá sends him to the post office,
and he discovers the Carnegie Library next door. The Library Lady
invites him in and introduces Tomás to books about anything and
everything he can possibly imagine. Tomás enthusiastically shares the
new stories that he has found with his family, and he and his brother
Enrique find other books in the town dump. Tomás teaches the Library
Lady some Spanish, while he becomes more confident in English and
realizes that he doesn’t need to be afraid of the Nightmare Teacher any
longer. Then comes the day when Tomás comes to visit the library with
his Papá Grande and tells her that he must teach her a sad word in
Spanish: Adiós.
Tomás Rivera grew up to become the father of Chicano literature, as
well as the Chancellor of the University of California at Riverside. The
library there bears the name of the boy who was encouraged to read
by a library lady in Iowa.
Based on the true story of Tomás Rivera and the book by Pat Mora,
this play is a celebration of reading, imagination and creativit
With his handmade silk suits, wide array of hats, and tiny gold pocket watch, Edward Tulane is the most exceptional toy in Abilene’s room—and he knows it. Selfish and self-centered, Edward cares only for himself, unaware of the love surrounding him. But when he is accidentally thrown overboard during an ocean voyage, his world changes forever.
Based on Newbery-winning author Kate DiCamillo’s beloved novel, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane the Musical brings this breathtaking story to life with beautiful new songs and dynamic storytelling. As Edward’s journey takes him from the ocean floor to a fisherman’s shack, from a hobo camp to a hospital room, he meets a series of strangers who show him the transformative power of kindness, compassion, and love. Through joy and heartache, Edward learns that even a heart of porcelain can break—and be made whole again.
Big Idea: Hope and Belonging
Book Field Trip
Questions?
Contact Us at CEducation@childsplayaz.org of 480-921-5759.
Interested in Field Trip PLUS?
"Plus up" your field trip experience and extend your learning with interactive drama activities connected to the themes of the show! Want to learn more? Contact CEducation@childsplayaz.org
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Dwayne Hartford and music by Kyle Sorrell produced by special arrangement Dramatic Publishing.
Field-trip discounted ticket prices are underwritten by Cheryl Mandala
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