Everything was golden at Tuck Everlasting at Spotlight Youth Theatre. The show is
based on the book by Natalie Babbitt of the same name. The story follows Winnie Foster as she
meets the Tucks, a family that has drunk from a magical spring that has made them immortal.
The audience then learns about time and how it passes for everyone. The musical adapts this
narrative, adding an upbeat folk-inspired score and opportunities for challenging choreography.
Before I highlight some actors and their performances, I have to shout out this
production’s amazing technical and creative elements. Brianna Funk and Rebekah Funk’s
set design was unbelievable. They made a stunning set that worked successfully with
every scene and had impressive technical feats like a running fountain and changing
streamers. Fallin Taylor’s choreography was striking and rose to the challenge this show
presents. The “Partner in Crime” dance break was sharp and never lost its energy, while
“The Story of Winnie Foster” ballet was beautifully executed and made me weep. The props
made by Kenny & Vicki Grossman and the costumes made by Heather Riddle were both
aesthetically pleasing and matched the quality of the rest of the production. Jessi Nessi’s
lighting was dazzling, Elise Kurbat’s music direction was strong, and Jack Taylor’s sound
design was well balanced. Finally, Kelly Swope’s as director, clearly had a love for the
show, and it shone through in this gorgeous production.
Kinley Stratton’s Winnie Foster was clean and well rehearsed. She had a bright
and youthful tone that complemented her character nicely and a good portrayal of Winnie’s
innocence. Overall, she was very polished and apt for the role.
Joash Benjamin Esmas as Jesse Tuck was cheeky and charming in all the right
ways. His performance never lost energy or sincerity, and this translated to his acting,
singing, and dancing. He knew exactly how to work the audience, and that made him very
lovable.
Sydney Stoneberg’s Mae Tuck was moving and inviting. She had a warm presence
and great vocal technique that made her the perfect maternal figure toward Winnie. As Mae,
she was natural and genuine, which created a very grounded character.
Diego Arevalo’s Miles Tuck was sensible but heartbreaking too. He crafted a
character that was rational but not annoying, and that is not an easy task. His rendition of
“Time” was poignant because he was stoic but also heartfelt. It brought tears to my eyes.
Griffin Wilbur as Angus Tuck was comedic and charismatic. He knew how to land a
joke, and he never failed to make the audience laugh with his choices. This led perfectly to
his version of “The Wheel” which, even with minimal choreography, was engaging.
Torben Axman’s Man in the Yellow Suit was slimy and excellently characterized. He
had great chemistry with other characters, making them uncomfortable and the audience
smile.
Finally, this show’s ensemble was spectacular. They were unified in choreography
and exceptionally harmonized in singing. All of them also had hilarious ad-libs that could
only come from a close cast of creative people.