“Tuck Everlasting” is a story about a young girl who stumbles upon a family of immortal individuals and teaches them what it means to enjoy life, no matter how long or short it may be. This lesson can be applied and carried out in the lives of every audience member in attendance. Wesleyan Fine Arts premiered their first production of “Tuck Everlasting” on Feb. 5. “Tuck Everlasting” is a story with grandiose meaning and many lessons to be learned from the characters. English Teacher and Assistant Director Cameron Alexander, senior Adam Rogers and junior Constance Harris gave insight as to what it means to not take your life for granted and to live a full and meaningful life as long as you can.
Assistant Director of her 5th Wesleyan production, Alexander shared what she hoped the audience learned from watching the musical. Alexander said, “The message behind ‘Tuck Everlasting’ is what men and women can do to live a meaningful life and reminders of what we have to live for.” After being heavily involved in the production of the musical, Alexander hoped the audience would take away from the production that, “We need to live our lives not afraid of what is to come, not afraid of death or loss, but appreciating the moments we’ve been given. ‘Tuck Everlasting’ should inspire a love for life and all it has to offer.”
Along with Alexander, Rogers gave a different insight as to what he hopes the audience hears from the production. Rodgers played Angus Tuck in the musical. He said, “I hope people walk out thinking about life and the context of one person in the grand scheme of things. I hope they grow to cherish the experiences and love throughout the different years because living a normal life span is beautiful.” Playing the lead role in his last Wesleyan Theatre Production in Powell Theatre taught Rogers numerous things about effort and the quality of the work one puts into the activities one participates in. Rogers said, “I learned, just from the experience of this show, as it was my last performance in Powell, that you really can’t have a good ending without a good beginning. I’ve learned to give 100% effort to everything I do.”
Additionally, Harris, junior at Wesleyan and ensemble dancer in the musical, gave a similar reflection on the production of “Tuck Everlasting.” Harris aspires to be a college actress and dancer in the performing arts in her years after Wesleyan. Harris has been a part of numerous high school theatre productions that have taught her many life lessons, not only from just “Tuck Everlasting” but from her entire performing arts career thus far. Harris said, “I’ve learned about the importance of every member of a production. No matter how seemingly big or small a part seems, that part is important to the picture as a whole. I learned about the importance of family and community and what it means to not do things for your own personal benefit but for the benefit of others.” Similarly, when Harris was asked what she hopes the audience learns from watching and listening to the production of “Tuck Everlasting,” she said, “I hope that the audience took away the value of life and loving others. A life is the best gift on Earth and death should not be something that is feared but embraced.”
After putting on a riveting production of “Tuck Everlasting,” with mystery, surprise and lessons to behold, the cast of the musical has gained a new perspective on life and what it means to live a full and wholesome life. Alexander, Rogers and Harris have all applied lessons from the story of “Tuck Everlasting” to their own lives and hope the audience will do the same.
