A talented cast of theater artists is now in rehearsals for Book-It Repertory Theatre’s world premiere adaptation of novelist David Wroblewski’s best-selling novel, “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle,” to be presented by Vashon Repertory Theatre from October 10-20 at Vashon Center for the Arts.
The adaptation was originally intended for the stage of Book-It, a 33-year-old Seattle institution that closed its doors in 2023 due to financial losses following the pandemic. The closure stunned and saddened the theater community in Seattle and beyond.
But now, Book-It’s work — to create vibrant theatrical adaptations of works of literature — will live on in “Sawtelle,” which was adapted for the stage by Book-It’s co-founding artist director Jane Jones and writer Kevin McKeon. Jones — a revered and multi-faceted theater artist — is also directing the Vashon Rep production.
“Finally bringing this heart-rending story to life with Charlotte Tiencken and Vashon Rep is an opportunity to complete the process of many years of work bringing our adaptation to the stage,” Jones said. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate and reintroduce the Book-It Style to theater audiences throughout the Puget Sound region.”
Vashon Rep’s production, according to Jones, will be worth the long wait.
“David Wroblewski has written a profound piece of literature, full of stunning imagery, and we feel privileged to bring his story to the stage on Vashon,” she said.
Wroblewski’s critically acclaimed coming-of-age story is centered on a farm boy without a voice, and his deep, unspoken bond with his beloved dog, Almondine. Set in the pastoral plains of America’s heartland, the book unfurls as a classic tale of a family torn apart by feuding brothers, an unexplained death, the banishing of a much-loved son, and the havoc that ensues upon the visitation of a vengeful ghost.
Shakespearean in scope, “Sawtelle” is a story of long-held family secrets, betrayal and murder.
It’s also a story with staying power: “Familiaris,” Wroblewski’s recently released sequel to the book, was a featured 2024 summer selection for Oprah Winfrey’s book club.
Members of Vashon Rep’s “Sawtelle” company performed a reading of a portion of the play for a Vashon audience in May to rave reviews.
For the full production, island actors Mik Kuhlman and Chris Boscia have joined the play’s cast, which includes artists familiar to the Seattle theater audience, including Jen Taylor, Chris Morson and Brian Gunter, last seen on the VCA stage in Vashon Rep’s production of Kat Eggleston’s original play, “The Cyclone Line.”
For Charlotte Tiencken, Vashon Rep’s founder and producing artistic director, bringing “Sawtelle” to the stage on Vashon has been a deeply familiar labor of love — she served as Book-It Repertory Theatre’s managing director from 2007-2014. The production, she said, will reflect the high artistic values of Vashon Rep.
“At Vashon Rep, we are celebrating our fifth season with high-quality and innovative material,” she said. “From an original play in August to this Book-It style revival, readings of five new women-penned plays, and the West Coast premiere of a David Auburn play, we are looking forward to making our mark on the Puget Sound regional theater scene in 2024-25.”
“The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 (a pay-what-you-will preview); 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct 12; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20.
Find out more and get tickets at vashonrepertorytheatre.org.
This article, as originally published, contained a misspelling of the name of a cast member of the play. It is spelled properly here: Chris Morson. We strive for accuracy and regret the error.
