Limelight’s ‘Tuck Everlasting’ cast includes Mesa residents

Limelight Performing Arts will transport audiences to the captivating world of “Tuck Everlasting” Sept. 20-29 at its black box Artspace Theatre in Gilbert.

Performed by a cast of 19 talented youth and young adults, the production offers a poignant exploration of life’s most profound questions, wrapped in a heartwarming story of family, friendship and the passage of time. With its skilled cast, beautifully designed period costumes and an immersive set design, the show promises to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Based on the novel by Natalie Babbitt, “Tuck Everlasting” tells the story of 11-year-old Winnie Foster, who stumbles upon the Tuck family and discovers their incredible secret: they have stopped aging after drinking from a magical spring. As Winnie becomes entwined with the Tucks, she is faced with an impossible choice — whether to join them in living forever or to embrace the natural course of life. The show is teeming with powerful moments and messages about what it means to be truly alive.

“‘Tuck Everlasting’ raises a question we’ve all asked ourselves: If given the chance, would you choose to live forever? It sparks a great conversation and invites people to reflect on their own values,” said Emma England, Limelight’s artistic director. “Our cast has really dug deep into the emotional heart of this story. They understand the gravity of the Tucks’ situation and Winnie’s difficult decision, and they convey that with such depth and maturity.”

In addition to strong performances from an outstanding cast, the show’s production elements also transport audiences to another time and place. The score in particular helps to shape the emotional journey of “Tuck Everlasting.”

“The music in this show is truly special,” said England. “It’s a blend of folksy, period-inspired pieces with contemporary musical theater elements that underscore the show’s themes. Our performers have worked incredibly hard on perfecting each note and every harmony, and their hard work comes through beautifully.”

The set design and costumes also add to the magic of the production. Set in the late 1800s, the period costumes evoke a sense of nostalgia and otherworldliness, while the set transports audiences to the lush, serene forest where the Tucks have lived in secret for decades.

According to England, “The set for ‘Tuck Everlasting’ is really something special. We’ve created beautiful, lush trees using materials donated by the Art Resource Center in Tempe — things like wrapping paper and fabric bolt tubes that we’ve turned into a canopy of leaves. It’s a creative, immersive design that enhances the story while allowing the audience to feel like they’re right there in the forest with the Tucks.”

Limelight Performing Arts has long been known for producing high-quality youth theater. “Tuck Everlasting” continues that tradition by showcasing some of the best young talent in the East Valley. England is especially proud of how Limelight fosters young performers’ growth and confidence.

“Our mission is to help these kids grow, not just as performers but as individuals,” she said. “The lessons they learn on stage — about teamwork, perseverance and self-expression — are invaluable life skills.”

Mesa cast members include Owen Aspinall, 16, as Constable Joe; Sophie Aspinall, 14, as Ensemble; Emma Louise Coxon, 15, as Nana and Adult Winnie; Carter Neef, 20, as Miles Tuck; Scarlette Nuno, 14, as Mother; Colin Quintana, 15, as Miles Tuck; and Abby Springer, 17, as Mae Tuck.

Tickets for “Tuck Everlasting” are $18 and can be purchased at ll-pa.org/tickets. Group discounts are also available. For more information, visit Limelight’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

“By the end of the show, most people feel that Winnie has made the right choice, and that makes her a hero in a very relatable way,” said England. “It’s an incredibly moving story that will leave audiences thinking long after the curtain falls.”