Photography by Patrick Huber

Tiny Beautiful Things

MAX & LOUIE PRODUCTIONS JOYFULLY PRESENT
“TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS”
July 29 through August 8th, 2021

Max & Louie Productions joyfully announces its “Comeback” with the St. Louis premiere of “Tiny Beautiful Things” based on the New York Times bestseller, “Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar” by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Oscar nominee, Nia Vardalos, playing at The Grandel Theatre July 29-August 8,2021.

“We are so pleased to reopen safely, and welcome back St. Louis audiences with a powerful, dynamic, and empathetic play about words and the power of words to connect with one another. It’s the kind of connection that we have had to be extremely grateful for this past year,” said Stellie Siteman, Producing Artistic Director of Max & Louie Productions.

When life is hard, turn to Sugar. “Tiny Beautiful Things” follows Sugar, an online advice columnist who uses her personal experiences to help the real-life readers who pour their hearts out to her. Rich with humor, insight, compassion and absolute honesty, “Tiny Beautiful Things” is a play about reaching when you’re stuck, healing when you’re broken, and finding the courage to take on the questions that have no answers.

 

Contains some strong language and adult content.

 

“Tiny Beautiful Things” will be performed without intermission and runs approximately 80 minutes.

Local St. Louis Reviews

By Calvin Wilson – St. Louis Post Dispatch, August 2, 2021
Max & Louie’s ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ is a warm hug

By Lynn Venhaus – PopLifeSTL, August 1, 2021
Max and Louie’s ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ Resonates In Mighty Waves

By Mark Bretz – Ladue News, August 4, 2021
Max & Louie’s Production of ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ Has Big, Complicated Heart

By Richard T. Green – Talkin’ Broadway, August 2, 2021
In any good art, we should find a way to rediscover our humanity—as an invitation to return to the dance of life.

By Ann Lemons Pollack – St. Louis Eats and Drinks, July 31, 2021
‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ hits the sweet spot between easy and serious, with notably fine work from all hands.

By Gerry Kowarsky – HEC Media, August 5, 2021
The stage adaptation of Tiny Beautiful Things needs a compelling performer in the leading role. Max & Louie Productions has one in Michelle Hand.

By Michelle Kenyon – Snoop’s Theatre Thoughts, January 30, 2020
Max & Louie Presents a Memorable, Thoughtful “Tiny Beautiful” Production

By Judy Newmark – JudyActTwo, August 6, 2021
A Little Free Advice at Max & Louie

By Rob Levy – Broadway World, August 9, 2021
Words and Language Propel Max & Louie’s Production of Tiny Beautiful Things

Print Interviews & Articles

St. Louis Post-Dispatch article, July 27, 2021
Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ moves from page to stage

St. Louis on the Air interview with Cheryl Strayed and Michelle Hand, July 26, 2021
‘We All Need A Dose’ Of Sugar: Cheryl Strayed On ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ At The Grandel

STL Jewish Light interview with Sydnie Grosberg Ronga, July 25, 2021
Lived advice from the heart animates ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’

Gazzelle interview with Cheryl Strayed, July 19, 2021
Cheryl Strayed: Turning Tragedy into Tiny Beautiful Things

St Louis Magazine interview with Cheryl Strayed, July 14, 2021
Cheryl Strayed talks ‘Tiny Beautiful Things,’ advice columns, and radical empathy

Radio Interviews

Cheryl Strayed and local actor Michelle Hand both joined host Sarah Fenske on St. Louis on the Air


Lynn & Carl along with special guest, Stellie Siteman – Artistic Director of Max and Louie Productions, discuss her new show Tiny Beautiful Things on PopLifeSTL.com Presents.


KTRS interviewer Ray Hartmann speaks with actors Greg Johnston and Wendy Renee Greenwood starring in “Tiny Beautiful Things”

Reviews

Critics Pick! “Tiny Beautiful Things” is about the endangered art of listening to-and really hearing and responding to-other people… it works beautifully as a sustained theatrical exercise in empathy.” – The New York Times

“…a show that aims to open our eyes to the tiny moments when the world surprises us with care.” – New York Magazine

“Heart-tugging and emotionally rewarding.” – The Huffington Post

“… a theatrical hug in turbulent times” – Variety

 

“Tiny Beautiful Things” will run at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, Missouri 63108. The dates of the production are July 29-August 8,2021. Tickets are on sale at metrotix.com or by phone at (314) 534-1111 – Hours 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Monday-Sunday. Tickets are priced from $25.00 – $300.00 (for a booth of 6).

**Max & Louie Productions has received its Missouri ArtSafe certification. To ensure that we may create safely, present safely, and attend safely we pledge to Covid-19 safe protocols which patrons are encouraged to view at Max & Louie Productions’ website at www.maxandlouie.com.

Author

Cheryl Strayed

Playwright/Adaptor

Nia Vardalos

Director

Sydnie Grosberg Ronga

Cast

Michelle Hand – Sugar
Wendy Renee Greenwood – Letter Writer 2
Greg Johnston – Letter Writer 1
Abraham Shaw – Letter Writer 3

Production Staff

Emily Ann Fluchel – Stage Manager
Rachel DeNoyer – Assistant Stage Manager
Lexie Godefroid – Covid-19 Safety Officer
Dunsi Dai – Scenic Designer
Patrick Huber – Lighting Designer
Phillip Evans – Sound Designer/Audio Engineer
Eileen Engel – Costume Designer
Katie Orr – Props Designer/Scenic Painter
Zak Metalsky – Master Electrician
Mason Hagarty – First Electrician
Isabelle Scheibe – Technical Director
Patrice J. Nelms – Assistant Technical Director / Wardrobe Supervisor
Taylor Gruenloh – House & Box Office Manager
Kevin Bowman – Production Manager

Play Times and Venue

Preview
July 29, 2021
Opening Night
July 30. 2021
Closing Day
August 8, 2021

The Grandel Theatre
3610 Grandel Square
St. Louis, Missouri 63108

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