Book-It Repertory Theatre Set for a Remarkable Return with New Vision

After closing its doors in 2023 following a 33-year run, Book-It Repertory Theatre is preparing for an inspiring return. Founders Jane Jones and Myra Platt, who had previously stepped away from leadership in 2020, were recently asked to reignite the company’s non-profit status and restore the beloved Seattle institution’s mission to bring literature to life on stage. While Book-It won’t immediately resume large-scale productions, Jones and Platt are dedicated to ensuring that its signature “Book-It Style” adaptations continue to engage the Puget Sound community.

Book-It Repertory Theatre is known for adapting literary works into stage performances that preserve the author’s narrative voice alongside traditional dialogue. From its beginnings in 1990, the company developed a unique method of storytelling that garnered a loyal following of theatregoers and book lovers alike. The company adapted everything from classic works of literature to contemporary novels, with the text itself serving as a narrative guide. This method of storytelling was an integral part of Seattle’s cultural scene for over three decades.

Yet in recent years, financial struggles and shifting priorities in the arts landscape forced Book-It to cease operations. The closure in 2023 marked the end of an era for a company that had contributed so much to Seattle’s arts community. However, behind the scenes, Jones and Platt never stopped thinking about how they might transform great literature into great theatre once again. Their ongoing passion for the art form kept the door open to the possibility of a return, even as the company’s future remained uncertain.

“We are committed to honoring the 30-plus year legacy of Book-It, but we’re also creating a new paradigm to bring our unique adaptations to a wider audience.” — Jane Jones and Myra Platt

This year, an opportunity emerged. The outgoing board of Book-It Repertory Theatre approached Jones and Platt, asking if they wanted to step back into leadership and keep the organization’s non-profit status alive. The timing felt right, and the founders agreed to take the reins once more, with a clear intention of moving forward with a refreshed vision for the company’s future.

However, the plan for Book-It’s revival won’t be an exact return to its former structure as a production company. Instead, Jones and Platt are focused on reimagining what Book-It can be, building on its legacy while exploring new avenues for artistic expression. “We are committed to honoring the 30-plus year legacy of Book-It,” they shared in a press release, “but we’re also creating a new paradigm to bring our unique adaptations to a wider audience.” As part of this vision, they’ve assembled a new board of directors, which will help guide the company into its next chapter.

One of the first projects under this new phase is an exciting collaboration with Vashon Repertory Theatre. Book-It artists will present the world premiere of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, adapted from the best-selling novel by David Wroblewski. Originally scheduled for Book-It’s 2020 season, this production was postponed due to the pandemic. Now, with new energy and a fresh partnership, the long-awaited adaptation will come to life at the Vashon Center for the Arts in October 2024.

Directed by Jane Jones, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle follows the journey of Edgar, a mute boy with a remarkable connection to the dogs his family breeds in rural Wisconsin. Set against the backdrop of the American Midwest in the early 1970s, the story explores profound themes of family, loyalty, and sacrifice, echoing Shakespearean influences. The adaptation, penned by Jones and longtime collaborator Kevin McKeon, captures the emotional depth of Wroblewski’s novel while maintaining the signature Book-It style. This performance marks a significant moment for Book-It, as it brings one of its hallmark literary adaptations back to the stage.

Director Jones was initially drawn to the book out of a deep love for dogs. “David Wroblewski has written a profound piece of literature,” she said. “It is full of stunning imagery, and we feel privileged to bring this story to the stage on Vashon.”

The production will run for ten performances from October 10–20, 2024, at the 315-seat Vashon Center for the Arts. The cast includes several prominent Seattle actors, including Jen Taylor, Chris Morson, Brian Gunter, and Jon Stutzman. The creative team behind the production reflects the collaborative spirit of Book-It’s past, with Jones directing and McKeon contributing as both adapter and set designer. Additional creative talent includes Annastasia Workman, who composed an original score for the show, with live performances by Musical Director Edd Key. The visual elements will be crafted by Costume Designer Tesse Crocker and Lighting Designer Robin Nettles, ensuring that every aspect of the production honors Book-It’s commitment to storytelling.

While The Story of Edgar Sawtelle represents a key moment in Book-It’s reemergence, the company’s revival is still in its early stages. Jones and Platt are carefully considering how to reshape the organization moving forward. They’ve expressed a desire to keep the core elements of Book-It alive—its dedication to preserving the narrative voice of literary works—while exploring new ways to connect with contemporary audiences. Future plans may include additional partnerships with regional theatres, smaller-scale productions, and educational initiatives designed to inspire new generations of theatregoers and literature lovers.

As Book-It enters this new phase, one thing remains certain: the company’s passion for bringing great literature to life has not waned. With over 30 years of history behind it, Book-It is poised to continue its mission of making literature accessible, engaging, and transformative for audiences in Seattle and beyond. And though there’s much left to figure out, Jones and Platt are ready to carry the legacy forward with fresh energy, creative ambition, and a renewed commitment to storytelling.

For those eager to see Book-It back in action, the upcoming production of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is an opportunity not to be missed. Set against the intimate backdrop of the Vashon Center for the Arts, this world premiere adaptation promises to be a compelling and heartfelt return to the stage for one of Seattle’s most cherished theatre companies. As Jones and Platt put it, “If you ever yearned for the classic style of Book-It including it's original 'simple and sensitive production' values, this is a show you'll want to see.”

With the return of Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle’s literary theatre scene regains an essential voice, one that continues to champion the power of storytelling in all its forms.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is presented by Vashon Repertory Theatre at Vashon Center for the Arts. The play runs October 10–20, 2024. Tickets are available online.