NW Valley Times

College of Arts and Media’s latest theatre production, "Tuck Everlasting," is captivating audiences with its exploration of immortality and the value of living in the moment. The play, which opened at Ethington Theatre, follows the Tuck family who discover the fountain of youth, leading to thought-provoking reflections on the essence of time and life.

Peyton Daugherty, portraying Winnie, beautifully encapsulates the central theme of the play by stating, “You don’t need to live forever, you just need to live.” The juxtaposition between the Tucks' immortality and Winnie's youthful curiosity sets the stage for a poignant narrative on the different perspectives towards time and existence.

Director Claude Pensis delves into the Tucks' unique predicament, highlighting how their eternal life has detached them from the natural flow of time. As Pensis explains, “It’s a numeric life the Tucks lead,” emphasizing the isolating nature of immortality and the inability to experience life's milestones.

Grace Cox, who plays Mae Tuck, underlines the power of music in conveying the characters' desires and emotions. Cox expresses, “Music is one of the best ways to connect with people... It is a more direct way of saying things, and it’s more accessible to people.” The vibrant musical performances in the play serve as a conduit for the characters to express their innermost thoughts on life and time.

Christian Shepherd, in his final GCU theatre production before graduating, reflects on the impact of the play on his perspective towards life. Shepherd shares, “Life is crazy because you really have no idea what’s going to happen day to day. The statement, ‘You don’t have to live forever, you just have to live,’ reminds me to live in the moment, live in the now.”

As the cast grapples with the complexities of immortality and the fleeting nature of time, Ben Sparling, portraying The Man in the Yellow Suit, emphasizes the importance of living in the present. Sparling poignantly states, “After the curtains close, it’s going to be sad, but I can say this has reminded me to live while the curtains are still open.”

"Tuck Everlasting" not only entertains audiences with its lively performances but also leaves a lasting impression by prompting reflection on the value of living fully in the present moment. The play serves as a poignant reminder that while immortality may seem appealing, it is the finite nature of life that gives it meaning and purpose.