(L to r) Justin Porath as Miles Tuck, Ford Warner as Angus Tuck, Madelyn Luebbers as Mae Tuck, and Cole German as Jesse Tuck. Photo by Wendy Hickok Photography.
Since it was published in 1975, Natalie Babbitt’s novel, Tuck Everlasting, has sold more than five million copies. This children’s literature classic has been the basis of two films and a musical. Children’s Theatre of Annapolis is currently presenting the musical, which features a sweeping folk score by Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen. With wonderful direction by Ally Tierney, this production of “Tuck Everlasting” features a splendidly talented cast of young performers, as well as exquisite set and costume designs that beautifully bring the story to life.
…a splendidly talented cast of young performers…a visual delight…It is a perfect family outing for all ages…
“Tuck Everlasting” revolves around 11-year-old Winnie Foster whose father has died. Now living only with her mother and grandmother, Winnie dreams of fleeing her strict home life for exciting adventures. When a parade promoting the town fair passes by her house, this hope is amplified. Frustrated by her family’s overprotectiveness, Winnie escapes to the woods where she encounters Jesse Tuck drinking from a spring. While talking with him, she discovers that this is no ordinary spring, as its water holds the power of immortality. To keep her from revealing this secret, Jesse and his brother, Miles, kidnap Winnie and bring her back to the Tuck family home. There, she meets the boys’ parents, Angus and Mae. The family confesses to Winnie that they are all immortal from drinking the enchanted water. Mae then invites Winnie to spend the night at their house. Shortly afterward, Winnie and Jesse sneak away to the town fair, where they meet a conniving character known as the Man in the Yellow Suit. He is aware that the Tucks never age, and actively pursues their secret. Following the fair, Jesse asks Winnie to drink the water and stay with him forever. Ultimately, she must decide between the choice of immortality or returning to her own family.
In a dazzling Children’s Theatre of Annapolis debut, McKenzie Nace gave an outstanding performance as Winnie. Her vibrant singing voice and radiant energy commanded the stage, and she demonstrated extraordinary poise and vocal control. A gifted actress, she effortlessly conveyed every emotion from excitement to sentimentality. When her character spoke about her late father, Nace expressed poignant heartache. As Jesse Tuck, Cole German charmingly depicted the character’s adventurous and carefree nature. His pleasant singing voice ideally represented Jesse’s youthfulness, and his kind and caring interaction with Nace during “Seventeen” and “Top of the World” was endearing. Justin Porath portrayed Miles with a polished stage presence and sharp acting, and his impressive tenor voice was showcased in his stirring rendition of “Time.” Mae and Angus were tenderly played by Madelyn Luebbers and Ford Warner, respectively. Luebbers warmly conveyed Mae’s protective, motherly nature. Her lovely mezzo vocals shone through in the solo, “My Most Beautiful Day,” where her acting through song was flawless. Warner affectionately portrayed Angus as a devoted father, and his scenes with Nace were heartwarming. His rich baritone voice reflected Angus’ protective demeanor, and his duet with Nace, “The Wheel,” was deeply moving. Robert Herzog personified the Man in the Yellow Suit with comedic mischief and slimy greed, and his performance was dynamic and entertaining. He effectively represented both the clownish and sly sides of this role, and he superbly executed the character’s smarmy cockiness.
Atticus Cooper Boidy and Sue Tilberry’s stunning set design consisted of an array of colors and patterns, and the attention to detail was remarkable. The giant tree that occupied the right side of the stage was intricately painted to define the details in the wood, and the three-dimensional roots, leaves, and sparkling spring added realism to the tree. A unique collection of antique clocks (complete with a grandfather clock) decorated the Tuck’s living room and was a brilliant representation of the show’s time motif. Winnie Foster’s farmhouse was surrounded by a white picket fence, adding to the charming New Hampshire setting. Eye-popping colors and patterns vividly illustrated the whimsical fair scenes. The colorful balloons, combined with the cotton candy and popcorn stands enveloped the audience in the carnival atmosphere and contributed to the setting’s fanciful mood.
Katie Herman and Tracy Rinehart’s costume design consisted of simple, earth-tone colors for the scenes in the woods and at the Tuck’s house, as well as bright circus costumes for the fair scenes. This contrast in fashions signified the vastly different atmospheres of the play. Music Director Emily L. Sergo did a stellar job of directing the orchestra and vocalists. The orchestra played the lively folk score with a gorgeous tone, and the cast’s vocals were resonant and harmonious. Sierra Basilio’s athletic choreography encompassed many styles of dance, ranging from ballet to acrobatics. Her movement sequences expressed the characters’ personalities and transformations, and the emotionally gripping finale dance sequence was a highlight.
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis’ presentation of “Tuck Everlasting” is a musical and dramatic journey that is a visual delight. It is a perfect family outing for all ages that is sure to create “Everlasting” memories.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission
“Tuck Everlasting” runs through November 3, 2024 at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, MD 21409. Performances are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 410-757-2281 (ext. 2), email boxoffice@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org, or go online.
