“Tuck” Me In

 Tuck Everlasting 

(The Musical) 

at 

Erie Playhouse 

Would you want to live forever? 

That’s the question that theatergoers – young and old – will be asking themselves after seeing “Tuck Everlasting” at Erie Playhouse. 

Erie Playhouse Youtheatre presents a musical based upon the classic children’s book by Natalie Babbitt. 

The story revolves around Winnie Foster (Phoebe Wheeler), a young girl who’s under the thumb of her loving, but domineering mother (Ruby Meyer).  After being forbidden to visit a local fair operated by the “Man in the Yellow Suit” (Aubrey Sturgis; yep, you read that right), one afternoon in an act of rebellion, she runs into the family’s woods and witnesses a young boy, Jesse Tuck (Amelia Van Riper; yep, ‘nother girl), drinking from a very special spring. One that gives immortality to those who drink from it. 

After learning its secret, Jesse and his brother, Miles (Alanna Baden. Yep, girl three – if you’re keeping track), abscond with her to the Tuck family home where Winnie meets their parents Angus (Liam Tercero) and Mae (Carlie Chludzinski), who decide to keep her overnight at their home in the woods. However, once Mother discovers Winnie is gone, she alerts the local authority, Constable Joe (Ben Wilkins) and his young son, Hugo (Danny Ferrare). Yet true malevolence lurks when the Man in the Yellow Suit learns the secret of the spring that promises everlasting life. 

But the big question is: Will Winnie imbibe from the waters? 

Directed and choreographed by Ahnika Lexvold, the musical features lyrics by Nathan Tysen and music by Chris Miller.  The songs that stuck in my noggin after the show were “Join the Parade” led by the Man in the Yellow Suit and show’s ensemble; “Top of the World” a duet by Jesse and Winnie, backed by the ensemble and “You Can’t Trust a Man,” performed by Constable Joe and Hugo. The show was enhanced by a troupe of young enthusiastic dancers, who moved the story along through dance – along with some occasional scenery. 

Wheeler and Van Riper are the charming young lead actors who carry the story along yet their fellow performers all deserve a shout-out – especially Sturgis’ evil man in yellow and Wilkins’ and Ferrare, as the father-and-son-law-and-order duo who deliver the show’s laughs. 

Don’t miss “Tuck Everlasting. 

It won’t last forever. 

***Thea Tah 

Tuck Everlasting continues through November 24. For more information visit www.erieplayhouse.org 

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