A universal truth is that we all need a little more empathy and compassion — and humor — in our lives.
The Marion Art Center’s production of Tiny Beautiful Things explores what makes us human and highlights the power of listening and really seeing one another. Based on Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling book and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, the play dramatizes an unusual phase of Strayed’s career before she found fame for her 2012 bestselling memoir Wild.
At the time, Strayed admired an anonymous online advice column called “Dear Sugar.” She wrote a fan letter to the columnist, who replied, revealing his identity as a fellow writer she had once met. He invited her to take over the column. Despite knowing she’d get no writing credit and no pay, she said “yes.”
From 2010 to 2012, Strayed used empathy and her personal experiences to help people overcome obstacles, both large and small. The questions and answers published online form the backbone of Tiny Beautiful Things.
“I really loved the structure of it and the fact that the letters revealed in Tiny Beautiful Things are all true letters that went to and were answered by Cheryl Strayed,” said director Jennifer Palmer.
“Cheryl [Sugar in the play] was so forthright with her answers and pulled from her own life experiences to respond,” Palmer said. “I think that’s so brave and generous … there is so much trust back and forth in the letters.”
The honesty of the letters is especially relevant today, Palmer said. “We certainly are experiencing a time period where we are expected to believe what we are told even though most of it is lies and misrepresentation.”
“In Tiny Beautiful Things, there’s none of that … it ‘pulls off the band-aid,’ so to speak, and all parties are very honest and true. It’s refreshing in that way … and, while there are some difficult subject matters, there is also humor and awkwardness in them. It is very healing!” said Palmer.
Actor Macy Kinney plays Letter Writer #1, representing several people who write to Sugar for advice.
“As an actor, this has required finding the motivation for numerous different voices, some of whom only say a couple of sentences but need to be distinct from each other,” Kinney said.
Kinney said she hopes audiences leave the show thinking about the emotions and nuances of the human experience. “This show really runs the gamut of experiences, and as we’re reminded in the show, all of the letters and advice given are real. The things in this play aren’t made up, and I think they inspire an emotional reaction.”
Actor Amy-Susie Bradford plays Letter Writer #2 and also gets to represent a wide variety of people seeking advice from Sugar.
“[This] has given me a unique chance to explore the nuances of so many different voices. The show is deeply heartfelt and focused on real human connection,” Bradford said. “It really forces you to look at yourself, and I hope audiences walk away with that same thing: a little more compassion for their own lives and the comfort of knowing we’re all in this together.”
As stage manager, Sarah Jick helps coordinate all the moving parts, including the multiple characters, that bring the story to life.
“The cast and crew have been delightful; everyone is so nice and lovely to work with. It’s been amazing to see the show grow and get better and better with each rehearsal,” Jick said.
Palmer hopes audiences take away a message of self-forgiveness, support and hope.
“That we all do the best we can in a world that can be very difficult and non-forgiving at times … that it’s OK to feel the joy … and OK to be supportive and get support from outside your own sphere,” Palmer said. “That it’s OK to forgive yourself and move forward toward that joy!”
Palmer also praised the cast and crew’s dedication to the production.
“The actors have dedicated a chunk of their lives to learn these lines, of which there are many, with so much determination and love. They ‘own’ them, in a way, now! It’s incredible to hear and see,” she said.
Palmer also said of Jick: “This is Sarah’s first time working with us and the MAC, although she has tons of prior experience. So glad that she volunteered.” Steve McManus is technical director, with Hannah Bessey serving as technical assistant. Other actors featured include Margo Ruggiero, Stephanie Lawrence and Frank Mitchell Scanzillo.
Tiny Beautiful Things opens on Friday, October 16, at 7:30 pm at the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater, 80 Pleasant St., Marion.
Subsequent performances are October 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25, with Friday and Saturday curtains at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $23 for members and $28 for nonmembers; for details, visit marionartcenter.org/events.
By Laura Pedulli