Review - Tuck Everlasting: a meaningful, heartfelt musical
By David Wilson
Tuck Everlasting
Based on the novel by Natalie Babbitt
Book by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle
Music by Chris Miller
Lyrics by Nathan Tysen
Direction by Jack Bradford
Musical Direction by Jacqui Atherton
Production and Stage Manager Sara Reynolds
Choreography by Jada Parsons
Brisbane Musical Theatre
Season runs until 8 July Season runs until 8 July. Bookings:
The Queensland premiere of Tuck Everlasting, by Brisbane Musical Theatre, is a faithful production of the 2016 Broadway musical, based on the best-selling children's novel by Natalie Babbitt.
Tuck Everlasting is a timeless tale which sensitively examines the themes of love, loss, grief, friendship, family and greed. It tells the story of eleven year old Winnie Foster, and her encounter with the amazing Tuck family who has happened upon the secret to eternal life. As her adventure unfolds, Winnie faces the ultimate question: if you could live forever, would you?
Lilly Roesner was wonderful as Winnie Foster, the eleven year old ‘good-girl’ struggling with her confined existence since the recent death of her father. Her performance perfectly captured Winnie’s longing for adventure and romance, and her vocal performance throughout was very strong, particularly in Everlasting. At only 12 years old, Roesner’s overall performance was beyond her years and she is definitely one to watch.
Tyler McKay’s portrayal of the eternally 17 Jesse Tuck was fabulous. McKay confidently represented Jesse’s youthful enthusiasm very well, and subtly balanced the character’s energy and ambitions with an underlying shadow of loneliness. McKay and Roesner combined beautifully in Partner in Crime and Top of the World.
Andrew Dark as Angus Tuck and Meg Kiddle as Mae Tuck brought a wealth of stage experience to this largely youthful production, and their performances were both excellent. Dark’s strong characterisation was matched by his vocals, and his work with Roesner in The Wheel was poignant. Kiddle’s vocal performance was a particular highlight, as was the strong chemistry between Dark and Kiddle throughout, best captured in My Most Beautiful Day.
Jack Bradford as the Man in the Yellow Suit was an audience favourite. His characterisation of the glib charlatan, obsessed with personal gain at all costs, was perfectly on point, and his stagecraft was on full show in Join The Parade and Everything’s Golden. Bradford did an excellent job of giving full colour to the character without becoming overly cartoonish.
Kai Boyce was excellent as Hugo, the shy, awkward yet insightful son of Constable Joe (Jose de Andrade). Boyce’s characterisation and comedic timing were both fabulous, and his strong singing and dancing abilities were obvious. The interactions between Boyce and de Andrade in You Can’t Trust a Man were particularly well done.
Much of the show’s heart came from the strong performances of Reece Rostedt (Miles Tuck), Madeleine Ambrey (Betsy Foster) and Elissa Holswich (Nana). Rostedt’s performance was particularly nuanced, best demonstrated by his heartfelt vocals in Time.
The creative team did a great job, making full use of the interesting set and very effective lighting. They were well supported by a nine piece orchestra with excellent sound quality.
Special mention should go to Parson’s choreography which shone in Live Like This and Everything’s Golden, making great use of the large cast of ensemble and dancers. The clever time-lapse scene depicting Winnie’s life through the years was also especially well done.
Tuck Everlasting is a meaningful, heartfelt musical, done well by Brisbane Musical Theatre.
Tickets can be purchased now and start from $20. Season runs until 8 July.
https://brisbanemusicaltheatre.com.au/performances/tuck-everlasting-july-2023/
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