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TUCK EVERLASTING WAS MAGICAL!

By Becky Samford, Duluth, Norcross, Johns Creek & Peachtree Corners Macaroni Kid Publisher March 1, 2015
Although Tuck Everlasting is a "beloved childhood classic", I somehow missed it. I had never heard of it until The Alliance Theatre decided to bring it to life on their stage in a wholly original production. That was something else new to me. I thought that The Alliance, like many other local venues, merely hosted traveling productions or recast established shows with local performers. They do both of those things, but the Alliance also creates totally new shows with original music, lyrics and award winning choreography. The list of Tony nominated Broadway pros along with seasoned local actors in Tuck Everlasting is very impressive indeed.

I was a little hesitant to bring Katie to see this show and not only her, but also four of her girlfriends to celebrate her birthday. Although it was recommended for ages 10 and up and these are very precocious girls, I was afraid they might be bored or not understand the story. Boy, was I wrong! They all LOVED Tuck Everlasting!!
The story centers around Winnie Foster, a young girl who stumbles upon a family in the woods next door with a fabulous secret that will change them all forever. Wini is played by ten-year-old Atlanta based actor Sarah Charles Lewis.  Lewis has been performing in and around Atlanta since the age of five, most recently as the title character in Atlanta Lyric Theatre’s production of Annie. She is a terrific actor with an unbelievably great voice!

The Alliance Theatre is a wonderful venue. The stage is large enough accommodate major productions and yet at 750 seats, the theater is intimate enough that every comfortable seat in the house has a great view of the stage. We actually sat in the balcony and could see and hear everything perfectly. I also appreciate that there is a parking deck under the building so you don't have to walk in the cold.
The sets are absolutely magical! The music ranges from the haunting beautiful Seventeen sung by the eternally 17 year old Jesse Tuck (who is really 104), to the joyful Jump the Line at the Fair and the uproarious Everything's Golden by Terrence Mann, the Man in the Yellow Suit, a most delightful villain.   
Tuck Everlasting is a heart warming story about everlasting love, never-ending life, and discovering what is most important in your life. In the end, Wini must choose to live a normal life or return to the woods when she turns 17 to meet Jesse and to drink the water also.

The fact that the next morning, all five girls woke me up at the "crack of dawn" to order Natalie Babbitt's book is a testament to the powerful message delivered by the amazing cast of Tuck Everlasting!
Sadly, Tuck Everlasting has closed, but don't miss the new musical, James and the Giant Peach that will be playing from March 14th through March 29th at The Alliance. 
Watch a young English orphan (James) begin to imagine a bright future as he embarks on a journey in a larger-than-life enchanted peach. James’s companions are a zany ensemble of insects, portrayed by actors and by handheld puppets—and don’t forget the hysterically evil villains Spiker and Sponge.

Children and adults alike will fall for the magical sweetness of a young boy on a whirlwind adventure to find his chosen family in this one act, family-friendly musical. 

For information and tickets, visit alliancetheatre.org/giantpeach or call 404.733.5000.
Recommended for ages 5+. 

Disclosure: Although we were guests of The Alliance Theatre for the purpose of this review, the opinions expressed are my own.