The Chorus of Voices consisting of Langlee Manatt, Merrick Agan, Tess Dunlap, Willow Gibbs, Michael Meyer, Zena Hill, Mandeesa Vos, and Keely Van Soelen surround main characters Nikolai Van Wyk and Payton Bowlin in a scene from the performance of “Tuck Everlasting.”
An all-star cast and crew put on two terrific performances of “Tuck Everlasting” at Lynnville-Sully High School on Thursday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 8. Proud family and friends watched as 36 L-S High School and Middle School students brought to life the story of Winnie Foster, a young girl who ran away from the rules of her strait-laced family and discovered the humble Tuck family whose eternal life sprung from a spring of immortal water long ago.
“I am always nervous the days leading up to the show, especially since we let the students run everything from the scene changes to the lights and sound, but they always rise to the occasion and pull things off phenomenally,” said Mrs. Sarah Rybkowski who directed the play alongside Mrs. Olivia Smith.
The cast and crew have been rehearsing lines, working on their stage presence, and working on critical behind-the-scenes work since September when the cast and crew were announced. Week after week, the cast and crew poured hours during early morning and late night practices into bringing Mark Frattaroli’s adaptation of the famous book by Natalie Babbitt to life. In addition to the cast, several
L-S students took on important tasks. Mrs. Rybkowski credits junior Luke Morningstar, the show’s lighting designer, who “single-handedly designed and programmed every light cue.” Senior Ana Hartman and freshman Natalie Nore served as costume designers and hand-picked every article of clothing to fit the play’s setting and time era. Junior Olivia Beyer served as the hair and makeup designer while sophomore Ha-leigh Hornbuckle called cues for the show as stage manager. She was assisted by Nore and freshman Hayden Lewis.
Following Saturday’s performance, seniors Boston Agan, Sadie Manatt, Wyatt Mathis, Max Morvant, and Hartman were honored with a final bow on the L-S stage.
“Overall, this show was something different for audiences at L-S, and it was something I was nervous about with it being a drama,” said Mrs. Rybkowski. “However, the show was great, and the students did an excellent job telling the rich and nuanced story of ‘Tuck Everlasting.’ I am incredibly proud of the hard work of all of these dedicated students, both on and off stage, and I look forward to working with them in the years to come.”
Cast and Crew: Payton Bowlin as Winnie Foster, Nikolai Van Wyk as Angus Tuck, Sadie Manatt as Mae Tuck, Boston Agan as Miles Tuck, Max Morvant as Jesse Tuck, Brody Schnell as The Stranger in the Yellow Suit, Wyatt Mathis as The Constable, Jordyn Rozendaal as Granny Foster. Chorus of Voices – Merrick Agan, Tess Dunlap, Willow Gibbs, Zena Hill, Langlee Manatt, Michael Meyer, Jordyn Rozendaal, Keely Van Soelen, and Mandeesa Vos; Stage Manager: Haleigh Hornbuckle; Assistant Stage Managers: Hayden Lewis and Natalie Nore; Lighting Designer: Luke Morningstar; Costume Designers: Ana Hartman and Natalie Nore; and Hair and Makeup: Olivia Beyer. Several cast members pulled double duty serving on various crews along with the following crew: Kora Dunlap, Lyra Dunlap, Piper Fuchs, Kaitlynn Hobbs, Micah McVey, Sydney Needham, Jazzlynn Rozendaal, Willow Schinkel, Luke Smead, Blake Van Soelen, and Sadie Vander Wilt.
