TUCK EVERLASTING The fantasy children's novel onstage by LATTE Theater

WHO WILL LOVE THIS SHOW?

The cast all start speaking at once! “People who love fairytales and people who love a good family story will love the show,” reflects Parker Larson (La Grange Park), who plays the lead of Winnie Foster. Nathan Bell (Westchester), who plays Pa Tuck, adds, “Anybody who loves family, fantasy, and fairy tale genres and how they are combined into realistic fantasy rooted in family and adventure.”

“Definitely families, because I think characters like Winnie and Jesse will hook the little ones, and there’s also such an important theme of family within the show.” Alexa Gangosa (Bolingbrook), who plays Grammy, agrees, as Isla Baker (Downers Grove), who plays the cantankerous Jesse Tuck, gushes, “Anyone who cried while reading this book as a child or enjoys a story with a Midsummer Night’s Dream atmosphere will likely fall in love with the story, even if they’ve read the book before.”

The Director, Felicia Pfluger (Brookfield), shares, “Our LATTE stage version of this beloved book is just as spellbinding. It is a heartwarming exploration of unconditional love, family, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be alive. Of our humanity. Tuck Everlasting is truly timeless and will resonate.”

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE SHOW?

Parker starts, “I hope the audience sees how precious life can be and not take it for granted, but also to live life and not have any regrets when it ends.” Noah Veldt (Willowbrook), who plays Miles Tuck, speaks, “I was intrigued by the idea of immortality and the repercussions of living forever…. And give our audience the chance to examine life. How it is not the longevity of a life that matters; it is what you do with your life while you are here.” Alexa smiles, “I hope we make people cry! Seriously, considering how beautiful a story Tuck is, it very much has a bittersweet lesson.”

Isla shares, “I hope audiences will fall in love with the story and its characters. People will be surprised at how quickly their emotions shift from happiness to tears. I hope audiences will be deeply moved, perhaps even sobbing on their way home, reflecting on the play’s healing ending. No spoilers!”

“Hey! I hope they leave feeling warm inside. I hope they leave feeling loved,” Danielle Alesandra Ocasio (Romeoville), who plays Ma Tuck, beams as Nathan becomes serious. “I hope that the audience takes away a sense of family solidarity. I hope the audience feels closer to their family in a way that’s hard to express with words. How they will do anything and everything for each other.” “And I'm just really excited for the audience to experience a classic book up on the stage,” grins Kayla Gallik (Brookfield), who plays the Constable.

WRITTEN DECADES AGO, HOW DOES THIS RELATE TODAY?

Isla starts, “Tuck Everlasting remains relevant today because its main themes—immortality, choice, the value of life, and our relationship with nature—reflect current concerns. In my opinion, the book's questions feel even more relevant now than when it was first published because of the invention of modern technologies and medicines.”

Kale Buckman (Edgewater), who plays the story’s villain, The Man in the Yellow Suit, agrees, “We are getting closer and closer to life everlasting. Amongst modern science and medicine, people have never been able to live longer. Diseases are being cured all the time,” as Felicia reflects, “Yet people struggle not to be overwhelmed, anxious and sad more than ever before… and to be present.”

Nathan adds, “This show is an incredible commentary on society and how it interacts with nature. People would truly do anything out of curiosity. If someone offered eternal life, most people would struggle to resist it.”

Alexa contemplates, “I think many people today can relate to procrastination. Waiting for the right moment or ‘I’ll do it tomorrow.’ But that’s assuming we’re even promised tomorrow. We learn the importance of valuing a lived life, no matter how long or short it may be. We all think living forever would be amazing. Still, we don’t really consider the cost… the loss of innocence really resonates with me, because as I grow up and experience life, it’s hitting me that life is precious and we need to make the most of the time we have.”

WHAT WILL SURPRISE PEOPLE?

“I think people will be surprised by how quickly the emotions of the show change,” Leo Baker (Downers Grove), who plays Wilbur, shares as Isla piggybacks, “Completely! From happiness to tears!” Alexa agrees, “I think many people will be surprised at how happy and sad it can be sometimes. The story is very playful, with Winnie being a young, innocent character, going about a fairytale, but then the mood can switch to being dark and bittersweet, especially as you see her connect with the Tucks.

Danielle reflects, “At its core, it's about human connection, hope, and finding beauty in ordinary moments. It has a warmth that you don't often see on stage. Every scene, I find myself completely invested in the characters and the relationships they've built.”

“It is an unlikely coming-of-age story that allows you to celebrate empathy, family, and resilience, yet also explores themes that resonated deeply with our talented cast. What does it mean to live your life to the fullest? What is forever worth?” Felicia adds. Danielle digs deeper, “I think people will be surprised by how much hope there is. Yes, the show explores difficult themes, but it shines far more light than darkness. The goal is for audiences to leave feeling more hopeful than when they walked in...”

WHAT IS COOL ABOUT YOUR ROLE?

Noah starts, “It is cool to play my role because my character looks 22 but is actually 102. By playing someone who has the emotions of a 102-year-old man.” Leo chuckles, “I relate to my character in many ways. Wilbur is playful and mischievous but also protective of his family.” “As the antagonist, the negativity I bring only has an effect if there's something positive for me to ruin. So the rest of the cast does an amazing job of showing something beautiful for me to come and break up,” Kale grins broadly as Felicia teases, “No spoilers!”

WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE BE TALKING ABOUT?

“They will most likely ponder if they would drink the water to live forever,” Noah muses as Parker agrees, “I think they will be thinking about what they would have done with “the water” or what they think about immortality and what that would be like.” Danielle grins, “At its core, it's about human connection, hope, and finding beauty in ordinary moments. It has a warmth that you don't often see on stage.”

WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE AUDIENCE TAKES AWAY?

Kale smiles, “I hope they walk away with a new appreciation for what they have and the time that they have it.” Alexa agrees, “Would you really want to live forever at one age your entire life? Outlive your friends, family, and loved ones? Live through the ever-changing world, without the ability to exit it? As good as it sounds, there’s a revelation to having eternal life.” Isla interjects, “Yes. There are so many lessons in Tuck Everlasting, such as embracing the natural cycle of life and death, valuing each moment, and recognizing that impermanence gives life its meaning.” Alexa chimes back in, “I hope the audience can find value in time. As sad as the message might be, Tuck offers us a great moral in making the most out of the time you have, as nothing beautiful can last forever.”

Danielle smiles gently, “And… I hope they think about appreciating change and growing. So many people spend their lives worrying about what might happen next that they miss the beauty of what's happening right now. If you spend your whole life chasing the "what if," you'll lose sight of what is.”

Tickets available at: www.lattetheater.com

• $5 Students and Seniors, $15 Adults
• Appropriate for most audiences

SHOWTIMES:

• 7 PM Thursday, July 23^rd
• 7 PM Friday, July 24^th
• 2 PM Saturday, July 25^th * Actor’s talkback follows
• 7 PM Saturday, July 25^th

A LATTE Theater production at:

• LTHS SOUTH Performing Arts Center
• 4900 South Willow Springs Rd, IL
• (Directions on website)