‘Tuck Everlasting’ auditions scheduled for Dec. 3-4
“Tuck Everlasting: The Musical” will open Friday, Feb. 16 and run for three weekends: Feb. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 and March 1, 2 and 3.
Auditions for “Tuck Everlasting: The Musical” will be held Sunday and Monday, Dec. 3 and 4 at The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County. Registration for the winter production will begin at 6:30 p.m., with callbacks to be held Wednesday, Dec. 6 if necessary.
Director Joe Compton said he hopes to cast approximately 25 actors. All roles are open. Characters and their ages are as follows:
Winnie Foster, the heroine who longs for adventure (11 years old); Mother, Winnie’s mother who is strict yet loving (40s-50s); Nana, Winnie’s grandmother (70s-80s); Jesse Tuck, the youngest of the Tuck family (17 years); Miles Tuck, Jesse’s older brother (mid- to late-20s); Mae Tuck, Jesse’s mother (40s-50s); Angus Tuck, Jesse’s father (40s-50s); Man in the Yellow Suit, a nefarious leader of a traveling carnival in search of the fountain of youth (50s-60s); Constable Joe, head of the police force (50s-60s); Hugo, Constable Joe’s sidekick and son (teenager); and Thomas, Miles’ son (5-7 years), a nonspeaking, nonsinging role that will be cast at a later date.
Compton is seeking strong dancers with a variety of skills for ensemble roles including Various Memories, Spirits, Travelers, Townsfolk and Carnival Workers. The role of Winnie is open to individuals age 11-16. All other roles are open to individuals age 14 and older.
Auditioners will need to prepare a one-minute cutting of a musical theater song that best shows their vocal range. No backing vocals may be used. A piano accompanist will be available, as well as a Bluetooth speaker with access to Spotify and YouTube. Readings from the script will follow music auditions. Those planning to dance should wear appropriate footwear.
Rehearsals will be held Sundays through Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and will begin the week of Dec. 18. Some rehearsals may take place on Saturdays on an as-needed basis, depending upon cast availability. A few will be held offsite until regularly scheduled in the theater beginning Jan. 16.
The plot involves 11-year-old Winnie Foster, who yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence. It is not until she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck family that she gets more than she could have imagined. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tuck’s unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life. As her adventure unfolds, Winnie faces an extraordinary choice: return to her life or continue with the Tucks on their infinite journey.
The musical is based on the classic 1975 novel by Natalie Babbitt, with book by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle, music by Chris MiIler, and lyrics by Nathan Tysen.
“It has become a staple in many classroom reading lists and is beloved by many readers, both young and old,” Compton said.
Assisting Compton in the show are Josie McCutcheon, assistant director; Micah Carrick, music director; Jennica Cochran, choreographer; and Matt Spies, producer.
“Tuck Everlasting: The Musical” will open Friday, Feb. 16 and run for three weekends: Feb. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 and March 1, 2 and 3. The production is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals and sponsored by Wayne Garage Door. Email the production team at tuckeverlastinglt2024@gmail.com.