Based on the real-life stories that inspired the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed (writer of the bestselling memoir Wild) that launched the acclaimed Hulu series, Tiny Beautiful Things is a play rich with humor, insight, compassion – and absolute honesty. When “Sugar” agreed to take over an online advice column, she was still putting her life back together. What seemed like a part-time undertaking transformed into an enrapturing, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting journey. You will be forever changed after witnessing this unforgettable collection of true tales about reaching out when you’re stuck, recovering when you’re broken, and finding the courage to ask the questions that are the hardest to answer.
“Leading lady Saverino follows her Scenie-winning lead performance in Chance Theater’s Cry It Out with the most radiant of star turns, investing Sugar with so much compassion, wisdom, and depth that the cumulative effect of all three is downright stunning… Longtime Chance favorites Lamer and Richardson and charismatic young newcomer Mistry create one indelible character after another.”StageSceneLA
Executive Producer Laurie Smits Staude
Associate Producers Susan Bowman & Freddie Greenfield and Linda Maggard
Executive Season Producers Bette & Wylie Aitken
Associate Season Producer The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar
7:00 p.m. - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks. Be sure to meet our Community Partners!
8:00 p.m. - Tiny Beautiful Things begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
9:45 p.m. - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and our Community Partners.
10:15 p.m. - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
10:45 p.m. - Last call! The event comes to an end.
Are you part of a Community Organization? Contact us at info@chancetheater.com for information on special discounts and fundraising opportunities.
Tiny Beautiful Things is a moving, emotionally powerful, hopeful piece that we feel privileged to present. And there are also a lot of complex topics discussed, as the letter-writers reveal some of their most profound struggles.
To prevent anyone from experiencing profound anxiety or discomfort by being confronted with triggering subject matter, we’ve listed them below:
Adult language
Discussion of sexual assault, drug use, suicide, and animal cruelty
Miscarriage
Child abuse
Rape
Death of an adult child
Drug abuse
Misgendering/rejection by parents
Suicide
IN PERFORMANCES
Jonathon Lamer, Jennifer Richardson, Aubrey Saverino, and Sam Mistry in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
Jonathon Lamer, Aubrey Saverino, and Sam Mistry in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
Jonathon Lamer and Aubrey Saverino in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
Jennifer Richardson and Aubrey Saverino in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
Sam Mistry and Aubrey Saverino in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
Jennifer Richardson, Jonathon Lamer, Aubrey Saverino, and Sam Mistry in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
Jennifer Richardson and Aubrey Saverino in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
Aubrey Saverino and Jonathon Lamer in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
Jennifer Richardson, Jonathon Lamer, Aubrey Saverino, and Sam Mistry in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
Aubrey Saverino and Sam Mistry in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
Aubrey Saverino and Sam Mistry in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at Chance Theater. Playing April 5-28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos, directed by Katie Chidester. Photo by Francis Gacad.
IN REHEARSAL
The cast in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Aubrey Saverino and Jonathon Lamer in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Aubrey Saverino and Jennifer Richardson in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Sam Mistry and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Aubrey Saverino in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Jonathon Lamer in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Jennifer Richardson in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Sam Mistry in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
The cast in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Jonathon Lamer and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Sam Mistry and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Jennifer Richardson and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Aubrey Saverino in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Jonathon Lamer, Aubrey Saverino, and Sam Mistry in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
The cast in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Aubrey Saverino and Sam Mistry in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Aubrey Saverino and Sam Mistry in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Jonathon Lamer and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Aubrey Saverino, Jennifer Richardson, and Jonathon Lamer in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Sam Mistry in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Sam Mistry, Aubrey Saverino, and Jennifer Richardson in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on the best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
Sam Mistry and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsals for “Tiny Beautiful Things”. Based on Cheryl Strayed’s best-selling novel and adapted for the stage by Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”), “Tiny Beautiful Things” will play April 5 – 28, 2024 at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed; Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos; Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos; Directed by Katie Chidester. Photos by Shinshin Yuder Tsai & Casey Long.
The performances and the set were excellent. The situations explored were insightful. Although, the person with me found it a little dark. It was much better that the Hulu series based on the same book.
— Jenny Richenburg
Supporting local theater is important to our family, and we want to share these amazing performances with others.
— Landon B.
Amazing actors, actresses and sets. So much talent and imagination. I’m amazed how actors/actresses can remember so many lines and motions.
— Nelida Mendoza
Enjoyed the adaptation from the book. Acting excellent.
— Anonymous
Subject matter makes me hesitate on full endorsement, excellent acting, set etc! Keep up the high quality
— Anonymous
Thought provoking! It’s a tear jerker! But I learned something.
— Marsha Lindsey
Very interesting, moving subject matter and of cotse, the incomparable lead actress. The acting was outstanding.
— Leslie Brown
The plot was engaging and the actors who portrayed it were impecable!
— Claire Manson
It was wonderfully written and performed.
— Anonymous
Inspiring. Hopeful. Heartfelt. Acting is superb.
— Anonymous
poignant & well acted I’m answering “above expectations”, but actually, my expectations of CHANCE are always high – and they are always fulfilled.
— Anonymous
I would like to have then experience Abigail Burgess performance and her fellow cast members. The way this topic was presented was amazing, tear jerking, loving, blatantly honest. Love Chance!!!
— Liz Corbett
It really does get to the nitty gritty about actual life situations that is worth listening to the advise that Sugar gives.
— Elan Patton
Acting was brilliant!!! Everything was done beautifully! Aubrey Saverino is literally so amazing! Y’all did amazing on casting!!
— Anonymous
It was well olayed out
— Steffie Dee
Superior performance!
— Carrie McFarlane
I loved it.
— Anastacia Garo
Dear Chance theater.
I am really wanna wok in your theater. I am from Mongolia and professional an actress. Do I have a chance to play a small role or supporting role in your play.
best regards Zula
The performances and the set were excellent. The situations explored were insightful. Although, the person with me found it a little dark. It was much better that the Hulu series based on the same book.
Supporting local theater is important to our family, and we want to share these amazing performances with others.
Amazing actors, actresses and sets. So much talent and imagination. I’m amazed how actors/actresses can remember so many lines and motions.
Enjoyed the adaptation from the book. Acting excellent.
Subject matter makes me hesitate on full endorsement, excellent acting, set etc! Keep up the high quality
Thought provoking! It’s a tear jerker! But I learned something.
Very interesting, moving subject matter and of cotse, the incomparable lead actress. The acting was outstanding.
The plot was engaging and the actors who portrayed it were impecable!
It was wonderfully written and performed.
Inspiring. Hopeful. Heartfelt. Acting is superb.
poignant & well acted I’m answering “above expectations”, but actually, my expectations of CHANCE are always high – and they are always fulfilled.
I would like to have then experience Abigail Burgess performance and her fellow cast members. The way this topic was presented was amazing, tear jerking, loving, blatantly honest. Love Chance!!!
It really does get to the nitty gritty about actual life situations that is worth listening to the advise that Sugar gives.
Acting was brilliant!!! Everything was done beautifully! Aubrey Saverino is literally so amazing! Y’all did amazing on casting!!
It was well olayed out
Superior performance!
I loved it.
Dear Chance theater.
I am really wanna wok in your theater. I am from Mongolia and professional an actress. Do I have a chance to play a small role or supporting role in your play.
best regards Zula
Dear Zula, we hold open auditions for all of our productions. To receive casting announcements delivered directly to your email inbox, sign up for our audition email list at https://chancetheater.com/join-our-lists-2/. Also, be sure to check out the current audition notice at https://www.chancetheater.com/get-involved/auditions-2/. We hope to see you here soon!