“A play about reaching when you’re stuck, healing when you’re broken and finding the courage to take on the questions which have no answers’’. These are the words Mayaan Haputantri, the director, used, when asked to describe the play that he so passionately chose to direct. Set to be staged on the 28th, 29th and 30th of January this year at the Lionel Wendt Theater ”Tiny Beautiful Things” is one of the first plays to take the stage after a lapse of almost 2 years.

Based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, the play follows the online advice column called “Dear Sugar” and how Sugar, the advice columnist, uses her empathy and her personal experiences to help those seeking guidance for obstacles both large and small.

The play is organized by Clutch Plays Theatre, a relatively new theatre company born during the heat of Covid. “We created Clutch Plays Theatre around July 2020” says founder Mayaan Haputhantri. “I was going through a rough time mentally like most people, and a big part of it was because I wasn’t able to do drama anymore. So, my girlfriend threw out the idea of why not just start that theatre company you’ve been wanting to? And here we are. Clutch Plays Theatre was created to have a positive effect on those who would watch our plays and join us on our journey.” 

The cast consists of 4 actors namely Tracy Jayasinghe who portrays the title role Sugar, Tahiri Perera who plays the role of the letter writer, Ruvin De Silva who is also a letter writer, and Saranie Wijesinghe who opted to be shrouded in mystery said that it’s a character we can all relate to, but to find out who it is we’d have to come and watch! The play is directed by Mayaan Haputantri and Tashiyana Devarajan. 

Speaking about directing a play during the pandemic. Mayaan said that they already had some past experience staging  “Boys Play’’ by Jack Heifner ‘’ so it wasn’t a completely new experience. “It goes without saying that this pandemic changed how we would usually conduct rehearsals, however when you are in the zone with your script and an incredibly talented cast, you feel unstoppable. It was a challenge at the start for us as directors and for the cast to adapt to the new normal. However, we made it work and made sure to maintain a safe environment. There are a lot of factors that are out of your control. As Sugar says, keep the faith and do the work” elaborated Tashiyana. 

When the cast was asked what it was like working together, the most memorable response was from Tashiyana who said “Simply amazing, this is a cast you won’t forget! They have such amazing energy and always enter the rehearsal space with a smile across their faces. As cliché as it sounds, we have become a little family. I’ve absolutely loved working with Mayaan who brings such positive energy to the rehearsal space and has never failed to challenge us with his tongue twisters!” she added. 

“The play celebrates the beauty in some of the darkest moments of the human experience. It will make you happy, it will make you sad, it might even shock you. But it will leave you with a good feeling in your gut and a sense of hope to take back into your life” concluded Mayan reiterating his message as to why people should come watch the show. 

While Tickets can be purchased from the Lionel Wendt Box office or digitally through the Lionel Wendt website it should also be pointed out that all safety precautions are being adhered to, some of which include wearing masks, distanced seating, and reduced audience capacity for all shows. So make sure to check out this amazing play and join the cast of “Tiny Beautiful Things” as they take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and leave you with an experience you aren’t likely to forget!