Summer theatre will return to the mainstage at Hope College for a 51st season with Hope Rep’s production of the musical “Tuck Everlasting” on Saturday, June 17.
A story for the whole family, “Tuck Everlasting” is based on the best-selling children’s classic by Natalie Babbitt and adapted for the stage by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle, and features a soaring score from Chris Miller and Nathan Tuck. Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence, but gets more than she could have imagined when she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck family. When she 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. Along the way, she must choose whether or not to return to her ordinary life.
All performances of “Tuck Everlasting” will be in the DeWitt Center main theatre at 7:30 p.m. Following the June 17 opening, the production will continue on June 22, June 27-28, July 1, July 5-6 and July 11-14.
Hope Rep is the new name of Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, which debuted in 1972. The change reflects the long-running company’s commitment to offering additional programming during the academic year, such as this past winter’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play,” a tradition that will continue this December.
The summer season, June through August, will continue to feature the repertory format and include five other mainstage or studio productions: “Boeing, Boeing” (June 24-July 15), “Natural Shocks” (July 6-15); “Rock of Ages” (July 21-Aug. 4); “Temporary” (July 25-29) and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” (Aug. 8-18). The company is also presenting “Three Little Birds” (June 8-July 28) for young audiences.
A variety of season packages as well as single-show tickets are available.
The season packages include an All-Access Pass for every show as well as invitations to special events for $250; an Adult Best Buy package for four shows for $130; a four-show package for senior citizens and Hope faculty and staff for $115; a four-show pass for students for $80; and a Flex Pass providing five tickets in any combination for $150.
Single tickets are $40 for musicals and $35 for the other plays. Admission to “Temporary” — presented as a reading through Hope Rep’s GENext Project — is free but reservations are required.
Admission to “Three Little Birds” is $15 for all ages. In addition, admission to “Tuck Everlasting” is $15 for children under 18.
Season packages and single-show tickets and are available at the Events and Conferences Office located downtown in the Anderson-Werkman Financial Center (100 E. Eighth St.). The office is open for ticket sales on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at 616-395-7890. Tickets may also be purchased online at hope.edu/tickets
More information about Hope Rep is available at hope.edu/hsrt