For the first time in almost three years, Lee Theatre will join with the Lee University School of Music to present a full-scale musical, “Tuck Everlasting.” Performances will take place April 1-2 and 8-10, all starting at 7:30 p.m., in Lee’s Dixon Center.

“We had been doing a musical every other year, but COVID delayed the last one,” said Dan Buck, director of ‘Tuck Everlasting’ and associate professor of theatre at Lee. “Musicals with their large casts, larger audiences, and singing seemed too large a risk to the theatre and music faculty. With COVID cases on the decline, we feel it’s safe to strike up the band once again.”

Based on best-selling children’s classic by Natalie Babbitt and adapted for stage by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle, “Tuck Everlasting” offers the question “What would you do if you had all eternity?”

Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence, but not until she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck Family does she get more than she could have 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.

“Everything about this show has been joyful,” said Buck. “The cast, the production team, the rehearsals, and even the content have been so much fun, it hardly feels like work.”

This production will feature the talents of Lee students Abby Murrill, freshman; Abby Newman, senior; Daniel Puckett, freshman; and Jackson Rader, senior, along with many other Lee students.

Dr. Ron Brendel, director of graduate studies in music, and Dr. Chery Brendel, assistant professor of voice, will return as musical directors for the show with Ron Brendel conducting the orchestra.

Tickets are available for purchase on eventbrite.com and at the box office located in the Communication Arts Building. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for seniors and students.

For more information about Lee Theatre, visit leetheatre.wixsite.com/homepage, call the box office at (423) 614-8360, or follow LeeUTheatre on Facebook.