reviews - TUCK EVERLASTING - Valley Youth Theatre

Jessica Wastchak, Andy Wissink, Noah Delgado, Lainey Kenly, and Riley Thornton
Photo by Memories by Candace

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through April 21.

"..While the musical adaptation of Natalie Babbitt's 1975 book of the same name isn't completely successful, this warm, spirited show deserves a second life in regional theatre. Valley Youth Theatre's production has an impressive cast and rich creative aspects which results in a heartwarming presentation of this charming, family-friendly musical.....Director Bobb Cooper has found a talented cast of youth actors... also does quite well in staging the action to derive both emotion and humor. Nathalie Velasquez's choreography is infused with charm and elegance...Lainey Kenly is spunky and charming as Winnie. As Jesse, Riley Thornton is full of fire and an adventurous sense that also includes moments of recklessness. Andy Wissink is Jesse's responsible brother Miles, while Noah Delgado and Jessica Wastchak are both thoughtful, tender and caring as the Tuck parents. All five have beautiful singing voices that shine...full of charm, heart and beauty, with a talented cast and rich creative aspects that effectively show the complexity of the world and the importance of making the right choices in the neverending circle of life." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

."...There are no hits, the score is pleasant, sung with outstanding voices from a cast 23 strong, and energetic choreography from Nathalie Velasquez; the climactic ballet sequence is especially delightful. Without the need for spending the majority of its budget on clever special effects, a quality production based mostly on a young cast’s talent is what gives VYT the chance to present such an ambitious musical and to deliver it as well as the company does here...." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)