Walk Two Moons, the Newberry Award-winning novel by Sharon Creech, is a classic taught in schools across the country. This season is a great time to revisit the story – or to experience it for the first time – as the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre is set to premiere the stage adaptation of the book on Friday, Jan. 9.

Part mystery, part coming-of-age tale, the story follows 13-year-old Sal on an emotional cross-country road trip with her grandparents to see her mother, whom she hasn’t seen in a year. Along the way, Sal tells the story of her friend, Phoebe, whose own mother has disappeared under curious circumstances. As the two girls attempt to uncover the truth of what happened, Sal gains important understanding and insight into why her mother left, and whether or not she will see her again.

Sal is a young and relatable narrator, cooking up imaginative conspiracy theories with her friend while they travel. We learn about how she perceives the world around her and how she copes with the potential confrontation of her mother.

The production includes a cast of 11 young people and adults. According to ECCT executive director Wayne Marek, translating the book to stage allowed the storytelling to get a little creative by presenting the story through several different narrative frames and flashbacks.

Using alternative narrative schemes allows the play to leap back and forth through time and memory as the mystery unravels, making for a more interesting and exciting show for all audiences. It might even challenge them, perhaps, to examine their emotions and what it’s like to grow up in unfamiliar and unsettling situation.

The novel, published in 1994, grapples with themes of relationships, grief, love, and cultural identity. It explores the hardships of life and coming to terms with reality. It’s a touching story, that as a stage play in other regions has been well received by young-adult fans and critics alike.

“As a dramatic non-musical, the show is an opportunity for the Children’s Theatre performers and audiences to broaden their theatrical horizons with a show that will remain with them well after the closing curtain,” Marek said.

The play has a valuable message for audiences of every age, urging viewers to “never judge a man until you’ve walked two moons in his moccasins.”

Eau Claire Children’s Theatre Production of Walk Two Moons • Fridays, Jan. 9 and 16, 7:30pm; Saturdays, Jan. 10 and 17, and Sunday, Jan. 11, 1:30pm • The Oxford, 1814 N. Oxford Ave., Eau Claire • $8 youth and student, $12 adult and seniors • (715) 839-8877 • ecct.org