By Cathy Miller

On Sunday, February 24, the Hackettstown High School Key Club (a subset of Kiwanis International) held their annual Mini Winter Carnival to benefit The Arc of Warren County. With additional high school student organizations pitching in, the students assembled an impressive number of games and activities for children ages 3 to 10 years old, including the ever-popular WRNJ Birthday Wheel, with plenty of candy and prizes for all.

During the course of this three-hour funfest, the Hackettstown High School Drama Club performed two musical selections–fully costumed, choreographed, and choraled–from their upcoming production of Tuck Everlasting: The Musical.

The play will be held at the Country Gate Playhouse in Belvidere, April 11-13 at 7 p.m., and April 14 at 2 p.m.

The children’s novel, Tuck Everlasting, was written in 1975 by Natalie Babbitt. It has received numerous awards in children’s literature including “Best Book for Young People.” The novel was adapted into a stage musical around 2013, and first produced in 2016.

The story tells the tale of 11-year-old Winnie Foster, who yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence. She becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck Family and finds more than she could have ever imagined! When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tucks’ unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life. As her adventure unfolds, Winnie faces an extraordinary choice: return to her life, or continue with the Tucks on their infinite journey.

The Hackettstown High School production features senior Teddy Walsh as Jesse Tuck and sophomore Julia Yudichak as Winnie Foster, with a supporting cast of 20 actors and six crew members. The costumes are perfection–most were found at thrift stores, some were purchased online, and a handful rented. The dance routines are grand. The singing is rich and resonant. Under the direction of Stacey Higgins, drama teacher and club adviser, the Hackettstown High School Drama Club brings the musical Tuck Everlasting to wonderful life.

When it comes to the people and happenings of Warren County, you can count on award-winning photographer Cathy Miller to be there to record the moment.