Stage Write

Interview With Wanda Boe

Director of Tiny Beautiful Things

Written by: Margaret Zatloukal

Why did you choose this play? What makes Tiny Beautiful Things special?

I think this play is very special. It is a heartwarming story about how a struggling writer becomes an advice columnist by happenstance and then becomes a success on the internet. It is based on the true story of Sugar. Nia Vardalos does a spectacular job of mining letters and answers from Dear Sugar’s body of work and then weaving them into a beautiful, intricate quilt that tells the story of Sugar, the advice columnist and Sugar, the person. Sugar’s message of love and acceptance communicated with wit, wisdom and raw honesty shines throughout this play. It is a play that connects all of us through the common experience of struggling and finding a way through with Dear Sugar shining a light compassionately.

How does Dear Sugar from traditional advice columns?

Sugar doesn’t profess to know the answers but she does commit to “work really really hard to see what [she] can find.” She often doesn’t tell her readers exactly what to do, but rather encourages them to reach, to take emotional risks, to connect and find forgiveness. Dear Sugar uses her talent as a storyteller, drawing from her own past and life experiences to connect to readers with radical sincerity and unconditional positive regard.

What do you want people who haven't read the book to know about this show?

While the show touches on potentially sensitive topics, the play is uplifting and heartwarming. Even faced with the most painful of letters, Sugar finds a way to welcome, soothe and encourage with words that are healing, like a salve for an aching soul. You will hopefully laugh, and possibly cry, and feel your heart open.

What do you want to say to people who know and love Sugar?

You will not be disappointed. Vardalos does a great job of taking Sugar’s immense body of work and turning it into a staged play that captures Sugar’s big heart, while portraying the multitude of letters she received from people vulnerably sharing their personal struggles. Sugar fans will recognize many of the letters and will be happy to know that Cheryl’s precise, inspiring and lyrical writing has not been compromised in the adaptation.

How did you find out about Sugar?

In 2010, I noticed friends were sharing Dear Sugar posts on Facebook. One click and I was hooked. Thursdays a new column would be published and I was eager to read it whenever I could find a moment at work. After a while, I received a private message from Sugar sharing the secret of who the writer was behind the exquisite essays. I had discovered the amazing work of Cheryl Strayed when I read “Torch,” a few years before. After reading the novel, I read the acknowledgements and discovered Cheryl’s husband was a longtime friend that I met in the 1980’s working in Alaska. I sent an email to Cheryl and received a warm response. I reconnected with Brian and met Cheryl in person. Cheryl is as warm, kind, sincere and welcoming in person as she presented as Sugar.

How did you get involved in theatre? What is your story?

I have always loved live theater and was an occasional audience member at VCS dating back to when it started. It became a family tradition to see A Christmas Carol. At the time, I was the event coordinator at Si View Metro Parks and met Gary Schwartz and Tina Brandon, the founders of VCS, through various events at the community center. Through that friendship, I started helping Tina with concessions, then moved to Box Office. I loved watching the plays and would see each play several times. Rich Wiltshire, a director, asked me to be his Assistant Director and Stage Manager for a play he was directing. I had so much fun that I continued volunteering to help backstage with productions. After several years, I directed An Evening of One Acts and knew I wanted to direct again.

How long have you been involved in VCS? What do you like best about VCS?

I’m not exactly sure, but I believe I have been involved with VCS for over 10 years. I love VCS. It is a wonderful place to meet people in the community whether they are directly involved in the theater or are regular audience members. I have made many wonderful friends through VCS that I trust will be in my life for the long haul.

Written by Margaret Zatloukal