The character known as the Man in the Yellow Suit, portrayed by Brianna Clossin, takes charge of a musical segment during the rehearsal for the presentation of “Tuck Everlasting” at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School.
Director Gabriella Petrarca shared that the students at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School have dedicated months to bring the lively and charming musical, “Tuck Everlasting,” to the stage.
The storyline revolves around 11-year-old Winnie Foster, played by Kaitlyn Link, who desires a more adventurous life beyond the confines of her white picket fence. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with the Tuck Family, leading her on a journey she never imagined. As Winnie delves into the mystery of the Tucks’ immortality, she finds herself protecting their secret from those willing to go to great lengths for eternal life. Faced with a life-altering decision, Winnie must choose between returning to her old life or embarking on an endless adventure with the Tucks.
Petrarca expressed that the students have found joy in preparing the remarkable and distinctive musical score by Chris Miller, highlighting the challenges they have encountered during the production process.
She mentioned, “They feel as though they have grown a lot as performers,” noting the valuable feedback provided by professional actors and music directors who have attended rehearsals, enriching the students’ performance.
Regarding the technical aspects, student stage managers Jack Byrne and Holly Butler have undertaken significant responsibilities in managing and coordinating the set and stage crew.
Betsy Lehman, who assisted with advertising and whose daughter Lauren Lehman is part of the production, commended Petrarca for her fresh perspective and credited her for enhancing the student experience through her guidance and connections.
Petrarca, in her Director’s Note, expressed her attraction to “Tuck Everlasting” for its ability to showcase the diverse talent across the school’s unified grades. She emphasized how the production serves as a platform to challenge and inspire the entire student body.
She applauded the dedication and determination displayed by the students throughout the rehearsal process.
The performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, at the historic Mishler Theatre.
Tickets can be purchased at mishlertheatre.org or by calling 814-944-9434. Online ticket prices are \(17 for adults and \)12 for students, with an additional $2 transaction fee.
Cast
- Leah Byrne as Mae Tuck
- JJ Colombo as Angus Tuck
- Trenton Wandersee as Miles Tuck
- Bianca Melgar as Jesse Tuck
- Brianna Clossin as the Man in the Yellow Suit
- Aiden Kent as Hugo
- Elle Wilson as Constable Joe
- Kaitlyn Link as Winnie Foster
- Carolyn Maguda as Betsy Foster
- Lily Weakland as Nana Foster
- Elle Biesinger as Carny at the fair
Maids of the Foster household: Emma Haraburda, Estella Koch, Emily Koller, and Lauren Lehman.
The role of Toad is played by Andrew Link. The ensemble includes John Bickford, Vivienne Compton, Timothy Clossin, Nora Dangler, Nina Gingrich, Gracie Husted, Emma Haraburda, Estella Koch, Emily Koller, Lauren Lehman, Ember McConnell, Karigan Musselman, and Aidan Schurr.
The dance ensemble comprises Camryn Colledge, Nina Gingrich, Emma Haraburda, Aidan Kent, Emily Koller, Ember McConnell, McKenna Slep, and Grace Ventura.
Crew
- Director/Music Director: Gabriella Petrarca
- Assistant Music Director/Rehearsal Accompanist: Sabin Fisher
- Set Design: Tori Byrne and Davey Beyer
- Props Master: Tori Byrne and Rylee Swander
- Pit Orchestra Director: Bethany Danella
- Costumes: Jen Butler and Regina Biesinger
- Choreographer: Rebecca Culp
- Student Choreographer: Nina Gingrich
- Sound Board Operator/Technician: C’Jay Castello
- Lighting Design/Board Operator: Alice Oswald
- Hair/Makeup Crew: Jennie Merilli and Lily Pearl Koelle
- Set Construction: Mark Halerz
- Spotlight Operators: Emily Miller and Ally Nyanko
- Stage Manager: Holly Butler and Jack Byrne
The set/painting crew includes Leo Dangler, Noah Kelleher, Andrew Link, Jennie Merilli, Carlee McConnell, Marklin Myers, Rylee Swander, Corinne Wesner, Julia Wesner, and Mary Zhang.
Orchestra
- Director: Bethany Danella
- Eric Foose on keys 1
- John McCoy on keys 2
- Maddie Walstrom on violin/viola
- Diane Albert on cello
- Rob Scholl on reed 1
- Beth Carpenter on reed 2
- Larry Detwiler on trumpet
- Jonathan Mountain on guitar
- Randy Rutherford on bass guitar
- Megan Hall on percussion
- Gabe Hayes on drums
- Keyboard Programming by Performance Keyboard Solutions