Meet the cast and crew behind 'Tuck Everlasting'

The Chester High School Drama Club's presentation of "Tuck Everlasting" opens Thursday on CHS Juergen's Gymnasium stage.

"The kids have worked hard to get the show ready and now they have the opportunity to see the fruits of their labors," said Rana Hodge, drama club sponsor.

"These kids have faced COVID restrictions, a late start, and several other slowdowns but have managed to get the job done. They are excited to begin their four-performance 2022 show."

The show runs Thursday to Saturday, March 17-19, with performances at 7 p.m. nightly and a 1 p.m. matinee Saturday, March 19. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. Seating is first-come, first served. Tickets are available from cast and crew members, at the door, or by calling the school office at (618) 826-2302.

If you can't make it to a performance, the final show will be streamed on Facebook at 7 p.m. Saturday on the Chester High School Theater Club Facebook page.

Now meet some of the cast and crew responsible for bringing "Tuck Everlasting" to the stage:

Noah Wetzel, junior, plays the role of Angus, the family patriarch of the Tuck Family. Wetzel's stage experience includes a role in the CHS production of "The Little Mermaid" as a kid in the theater camp. "As a person in a lead role, I have had to work hard and have a lot of confidence. I am getting really close to our cast and crew and have learned that we can be as good as we want to be. We have come a long way since we started many weeks ago!"

Julia Venus, junior, plays "Winnie," one of the other lead roles. "We have been working together as a team or family throughout the preparation of this show. As compared to musicals where the cast is backed up by music and a lot of flashy dancing, in a stage play, the cast has to take the stage and really act to get the audience involved. We use lots of feeling and emotion to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together to get to the end scene of our play."

Ary Shipley, freshman, plays the role of "Granny" and is one of the youngest members of the cast. "I am actually doing better than I thought I could. This is my first time on stage in a main role. As a kid I was part of the kids camp in the CHS production of 'Annie'. I am getting lots of good support from the cast and crew, which helps me with my adjustment to the stage."

Kaci Trost, a sophomore, plays the role of the "Stranger in the Yellow Suit." "I am the villain of the show. As a rookie, it has been stressful for me. We got a late start with the play due to numerous reasons, but everyone has been chipping in and helping me learn the ropes. I like my role. It feels really good to know that if I have issues with my performance, the cast and crew back me up and help me get through it. I am really hyped to get on stage now!"

Emma Bryant, senior, plays "Mae," the mother of Winnie. "I worked on the set crew in 'Shrek the Musical' last year, but this is my first time in the cast of a show. We got a late start to the show. Auditions did not take place until right before Christmas break. It has been crazy and difficult for me to go from behind the stage to being on the stage. I am now feeling comfortable. After a slow start, things are now going amazingly well and it will be a phenomenal show!"

T.J. Lyons, sophomore, assistant director/soundtrack technician: "This is my first show. I am a rookie. There have been some bumps along the way, but since we began full rehearsals, the cast and crew have been great! Running the soundtrack is very intimidating for me, but I have worked hard to make things go smoothly and I am perfecting my timing."

Isaiah Ferrell, sophomore, social media manager: "I have been making regular social media posts on Instagram and Facebook to get the word out about the show. I also helped get tickets ready, got posters made and distributed, and helped create playbills. I take lots of photos to document the various activities related to the production." Ferrell also worked with Facebook to set up the livestream.

Lydia Smith, freshman, is a stage assistant who helps with props and ensures cast members get on stage at the right time and know their lines. "I have mixed feelings regarding my role in this production. It can be very stressing being responsible for the entire right side of the stage, but it feels good when I help make things go as planned."

Abby Bollmann, senior, props manager: "I was the assistant props manager last year with the 'Shrek' production, so I came into this year with experience. With no music or dancing between scenes, like in a musical, our job with props is more difficult. There is less time for props to be taken on stage each scene. I love this group of cast members and crew members this year. Everybody helps each other and we function as a family. I will certainly miss this next year!"

Mint Todd, sophomore, assistant stage manager: "I deal with sets, props, and assist cast members with scripts. I love it. This is fun and rewarding. Being backstage, however, I do not get to see the fruits of our efforts in front of the stage."

Ash Pfeiffer, sophomore, sound effects: "I am new to this and have been working hard to learn my job. I have to know how and when to initiate the audio files that go with different parts of each scene. It has been much work this week as we prepare for opening night!"

Rylie McDonough, sophomore, spotlight: "This is my second year running a spotlight. Last year I ran the light for 'Shrek,' which was easier because I had lots of musical cues to prompt me. This year is more difficult because there is no music or dancing. I love my job, but it can be stressful and there is quite a bit of unknown. It is really hard to light the stage for emotional scenes. I am thankful to have David Sullivan to team with me by running the spotlight on the opposite side of the stage."

Cailey Bainter, sophomore, makeup, wardrobe, and props: "Things are going well. This year we get to make many of our own decisions when doing our jobs and everyone works well together! Our opinions are taken into consideration and we all feel as if the show is really ours!"

Will Welge, freshman, sets, props and wardrobes: "Things are going well right now. We are very busy and are trying to get the show on stage. We are almost ready, and are anxious to start the show."

Oddessy Flores, senior, wardrobe manager, hair and makeup: "I have been involved with two other CHS productions, 'Annie' and 'Shrek'. I am getting better with my sewing duties and enjoy making the cast look good. Many times I get really stressed, however. In years past, there were three or four adult ladies who helped with costumes. This year, I am pretty much by myself. I have been getting the job done, however, and it is rewarding helping cast members get properly fitting costumes."