SUNY Oswego’s current musical theatre production “Tuck Everlasting” explores the creative and philosophical motivations: Through themes of immortality, fear and compassion, the musical adaptation presents a timely message for university audiences. 

Set on contemplating the mysteries of death while celebrating the beauty of living, director Jonel Langenfeld- Rial hopes attendees will think of the larger picture of self-discovery and the desire for meaning in an impermanent world. 

For Langenfeld- Rial, the story’s core lies in humanity’s deepest questions: “What if you could live forever? And more importantly, should you?” 

Drawn to the material by a lifelong interest in the human condition, the theatre professors aimed to explore how death is approached with uncertainty. At the end of the day, “living fully requires both vulnerability and courage,” Langenfeld-Rial said, urging members of the audience to bask in the moment. 

Although the musical opened on Broadway at the same time as “Hamilton,” and thus remained underappreciated, its themes feel more relevant than ever. In an era captivated by artificial intelligence, anti-aging innovations and dreams of extending life, “Tuck Everlasting” invited the audience to question the weight of immortality. As the director asks, “What if no one ever died– how would the world survive?” 

Of the most profound moments in rehearsal, Langenfeld-Rial notes how involved the cast members were in exploring how loneliness and loss are a part of life’s fabric. The cast reflects on the story of a character losing his wife and child after centuries. To symbolize the depth of this, the cast has a five-year old portray these memories on stage, to bring the vulnerability and emotional honesty to the forefront. 

Unlike film adaptations, which Langenfeld-Rial feels took liberties with the material, SUNY Oswego’s interpretation emphasizes agency, mortality and social justice.

“Mob mentality, fear of death and how power uses fear to control people” are woven into the narrative to maintain relevance of “Tuck Everlasting” in today’s world, Langenfeld-Rial said. 

The musical offers a break from the stereotypical fare, combining timeless themes with modern musicality. More than that, it gives students an emotional map because “you need something as a college student to figure stuff out,” Langenfeld-Rial said, hoping this play becomes that something: an artistic reminder to reflect, listen and ultimately to live. 

As Langenfeld-Rial puts it, “theatre is about the human condition and it is never irrelevant.” When audiences leave the show, instead of hiding from discomfort, “Tuck Everlasting” urges everyone to lean in – to love, to grow, and to make meaning from every fleeting moment. 

As the story suggests, perhaps the question is not whether one should live forever, but whether one is truly living at all. 

The play will continue its run with 7:30 p.m. curtains on April 24, 25 and 26, with a final matinee performance at 2 p.m. on May 3.

Available via tickets.oswego.edu or any campus box office, tickets are free for SUNY Oswego students, $12 for youths (3 to 12 years old) and $15 for the general public.

–- Written by Keila Aquino-Lobato of the Class of 2025