MOM THEATRE BLOGGER: TUCK EVERLASTING: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman
Ponder these intriguing questions…..
*What is there to live for if you know you’re gonna live forever?
*Is living for eternity serving a life sentence?
Consider these stirring sentiments…..
*Don’t fear death. Be afraid of a life not lived.
*Life, even if infinite, must have life in it.
Tuck Everlasting: The Musical conjures up these compelling thoughts and more in the sweeping new Broadway musical that brings to life the best-selling, award-winning, much-beloved, young adult novel by Natalie Babbitt.
In this fantastically treasured tale, we meet likeable 11 year old Winnie Foster who has lost her father and lives with her mother and nana, who keep a tight leash on her. Her BFF is a toad — who lends welcome laughs and leaps — until she breaks loose from the confines of her own front yard and stumbles upon Jesse Tuck, a 17 year old boy frozen in time (he’s really 104), who, along with his immortal family, decades ago drank magical water from the woods near Winnie’s home to later learn it cast an eternal spell and they will live forever. Because of their secret, they live a lonely, clandestine life, including the parents going for years not seeing their two sons who periodically leave town because people would know right away that they never age. The elder son’s marriage, in fact, broke up due to the eternal spring, and he tragically lost contact with his wife and young son.
When the Tuck family learns that Winnie knows the truth about them, they kidnap and take her back to their place, ultimately welcoming and embracing her, as she teaches them how to enjoy life no matter how long you live. The elder Tucks (although they are all technically over 100) regain their romantic spirit and yest, and Jesse invites Winnie to wait six years and then drink from the eternal water, so they can reconnect and spend their endless lives together.
In a simply stunning and memorable balletic performance in Act II — a highlight of the show — we see Winnie spin into an older version of herself, and through the lovely dance sequence, she gradually ages, marries, has a child, watches him marry, loses loved ones, grows old, etc. There were few dry eyes in the theatre.
The book is by Tony Award nominee Claudia Shear (Dirty Blonde) Tim Federle (Better Nate Than Ever), music by Chris Miller (The Burnt Part Boys) and lyrics by Nathan Tysen (The Burnt Part Boys).
Tony winner Casey Nicholaw (Something Rotten!, Aladdin, The Book of Mormon) directs and choreographs. The cast includes Sarah Charles Lewis (Winnie), Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Jesse), Michael Park (Angus Tuck) and Tony nominees Carolee Carmello (Mae Tuck) and Terrence Mann (Man in the Yellow Suit). Robert Lenzi is Miles Tuck, Valerie Wright is Winnie’s mother, Pippa Pearthree is Nana, Michael Wartella is Hugo, and Fred Applegate is Constable Joe.
The show opens with a longish song that, unless you’re familiar with the book, you might not fully grasp. But, it flows well from there.
The book is written with heart and wit, and the choreography is both spirited and at times truly beautiful. Winning songs include Seventeen and Time.
Spunky Sarah Charles Lewis is in fine voice and makes a strong, impressive Broadway debut. She is a good match for Andrew Keenan-Bolger, highly appealing as Jesse, with what feels like boundless energy…a triple threat performer.
Though in a secondary role, Michael Wartella displays some fancy footwork and turns in a fun, show-stopping performance, sparring well with his partner, the elder Fred Applegate, as they continually fumble along in their quest to rescue Winnie.
Michael Park and Carolee Carmello as the Tuck parents are well-suited, and their romantic dance is affecting and genuine. And, when Park is in a boat with Lewis in a scene that feels almost magical, with smoke creating a water-like effect, their exchange is touching.
Terrence Mann, who I long loved since CATS and more recently in PIPPIN, plays a carnival conniver, who acts and dresses more like a Chiquita banana clown than a villain. He has several solo numbers, none of which, unfortunately, offer him the opportunity to deliver an electric show-stopper that he is so deserving and capable of.
Vibrant and almost mystical lighting does much to set the tone of this fable, particularly as accompanied by the stellar set featuring a commanding tree that seems to take on an enduring life of its own.
While I have not read the book, nor has my son, those who have will likely feel a strong emotional connection to the show. The friend I saw it with who held the book close to her heart, was truly moved and can’t wait to bring her daughter and grandchildren. It’s the kind of enchanting story that transcends generations, and Tuck Everlasting: The Musical will all the more reinforce that.
Visit TuckEverlastingMusical.com
BUY NOW AND SAVE UP TO 40% ON SEATS!
$89* Orchestra & Front Mezzanine Seats (Reg. $99 – $147)
Online: Click Here or visit TelechargeOffers.com and use code TEMHL412
By Phone: Call (212) 947-8844 and mention code TEMHL412
In Person: Visit the Broadhurst Theatre Box Office (235 W 44th St btwn Broadway & 8th Ave) and mention code TEMHL412
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Tags: broadway musical, claudia shear, mom theatre blogger, TUCK EVERLASTING
