Tuck Everlasting, the Musical

by Pa Rock

Proud Grandpa

"Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbit is a pre-teen and teen novel that has been regarded as a classic in the genre almost ever since it was first published in 1975.  I read the book in the late 1970's while taking a "Children's Literature" class in college, and found the story so compelling and enthralling that it has stuck with me through the ensuing decades.  This past Saturday night I was able to enjoy Natalie Babbit's wonderful story again as I watched a youth performance of the material presented in a musical stage format.

"Tuck Everlasting" is the story of a young family named Tuck - a father, mother, and two teen sons - who are early American pioneers.   At some point a couple of centuries ago they had the good fortune, or perhaps the misfortune, to drink from a spring hidden in the woods, and the spring water turned them into immortals.  From that point on they never aged, nor could they be killed.  They were constantly challenged with finding ways to stay hidden in society and not forming long-term relationships with others.   A century or so later when a little girl from the community meets them and discovers their secret, she is given the opportunity to join the Tuck family on their never-ending ride through time - but would that be something that a person would really want to do?

The play was performed by a cast of dozens of "older" students (ages 12-18) with the Culture House of Olathe, Kansas, staged at the Goppert Center on the campus of Avila University in the Kansas City area, and produced four times over a three-day period.   I had a great seat for the final performance on Saturday night.  I was there to support my very talented granddaughter, Olive Macy (age 12), who was a member of the dancing chorus and was on stage much of the evening.  She was, as always, marvelous - and so were all of the other young singers, dancers, and thespians who created such a stunning and memorable show.

Unfortunately, when I arrived back in the Ozarks yesterday I found that I had neglected to bring a program of the play home with me, so I am unable to give accolades to cast members by name.  Some of the older cast members have been involved in Culture House productions for several years, and they are becoming quite proficient  in performing on stage.  Seven were seniors in high school, and some of them, if not all, will undoubtedly be treading the boards in college productions over the next few years.  

I do know that the director and choreographer of this Culture House production was a young woman by the name of Lana Gage (I looked her up) who did an amazing job of getting the show from first-read through opening night in less that six weeks.  (As a former teacher, it would take me almost that long just to get the students seated and listening!)   The people, whoever they were, who adapted the novel to a stage format and wrote the musical score, were also extraordinary.  It all stayed very true to the book.

"Tuck Everlasting" was another great production, Culture House.  You are doing really fine work.

Olive, your old grandpa remains very proud of you.  Never stop reaching for the stars!