While still in his early 20s, Stephen Crane wrote “The Red Badge of Courage.” Born seven years after America’s Civil War, and yet to witness combat situations as a war correspondent, Crane nevertheless wrote what is acknowledged as a masterpiece of American literature. The timeless story of Henry Fleming, an 18-year-old who must come to grips with his own fears in a long and bloody battle during America’s Civil War, speaks to the terrors and doubts besetting soldiers then and now. But the novel also speaks to the courage they somehow find in the midst of carnage.

Adapting this great novel for the stage presents both great opportunities and tremendous challenges. Our intent from the beginning was to preserve the integrity of Crane’s masterpiece - its essential characters, its language, its probing of young Henry Fleming’s mind and heart. In doing our adaptation, we were going to stay true to the story Crane wrote. And why wouldn’t we? The novel has captivated readers for more than 100 years. The audience for our adaptation whether they had read Crane’s book or not, would not see a prettied-up or fanciful version of “The Red Badge of Courage.” They would see the real thing-the novel transformed-on stage.