Farmingdale Playcrafters Present Tuck Everlasting

Adventure, family, and the profound mystery of time took center stage as the Farmingdale Playcrafters brought the whimsical yet moving story of Tuck Everlasting to the community. Based on the beloved novel by Natalie Babbitt and the 2016 Broadway musical, the production explored the bittersweet reality of what it truly means to live.

In a creative move to bring the audience closer to the story, the production featured thrust seating. By placing rows of seats directly on the stage on three sides of the performance area, the district created an intimate environment that drew the community into the magical woods of Treegap. While this unique layout offered a powerful, up-close perspective, the limited seating capacity meant that tickets were spoken for quickly.

Because the original performances sold out in just thirty minutes, the district added a special preview on Thursday, March 5, 2026, to accommodate more guests. That same day, the cast performed a daytime preview specifically for theater students from Howitt Middle School. This event allowed younger performers to see the high school stage from a professional vantage point, fostering a strong bond between the schools.

Directed by Mr. Glen J. Beck, the production was anchored in a singular concept: The Visual Language of Time. The staging highlighted the contrast between the Tucks, who are "stuck" like stones in a stream, and Winnie Foster, a changing force of nature.

"This production holds a special place in the history of Playcrafters," said Director Glen J. Beck. "For the first time, our current advisors—Ms. Mischke, Ms. Capasso, and I have had the opportunity to work side by side on a single production. This collaboration has united the club in a way that mirrors the show's central theme: the importance of the families we are born into and the ones we choose."

The ensemble cast brought this folk-inspired score and heartfelt story to life with grace and energy:

• Cassie Hill starred as Winnie Foster, portraying her growth from a sheltered girl to a woman of her own choosing.
• Devin Williams captured the adventurous spirit of Jesse Tuck.
• William Herbert brought depth to the role of Miles Tuck.
• Sofia Grago and Nicholas Suwalski led the Tuck household as Mae and Angus Tuck.
• Jesse Arcuri portrayed the mysterious and calculated Man in the Yellow Suit.
• Gabbi Martinez and Angel Hernandez provided comedic relief through their witty performances as Constable Joe and Hugo.

The production also featured a stunning "The Story of Winnie Foster" ballet, choreographed by Layla Tarello, featuring Keira Hayden (Teenage Winnie) and Layla Tarello (Older Winnie).

The immersive world of Treegap, New Hampshire, was brought to life through the scenic brilliance of Ms. Jamie Capasso and the musical direction of Ms. Jessica Mischke. The production was further elevated by the artistry of community member Erika Wells, a Broadway, film, and TV wig stylist who volunteered her talents as Wig Designer. Lighting and sound, supervised by Mr. Joseph Hassett, ensured that every audience member felt the "magic" of the spring.

The production included a special matinee on March 7 at 1:00 PM featuring a dedicated group of Swings, including Sofia Lambright (Winnie), Lea Fredonis (Mae), and Chris Cruciata (Miles), who stepped into lead roles.

By blending whimsy with existential questions, the Farmingdale Playcrafters' performance of Tuck Everlasting celebrated the timeless allure of a good story and invited the audience to look inward and ask: If you could live forever, would you?

Northside Elementary School recently celebrated one of its Keys to Success during a full-day assembly led by Ms. Wozny. The focus of the day was Kindness, as the entire school community came together to create a collaborative mural.

Each student designed a colorful confetti circle to contribute to the mural, inspired by the message, “Throw Kindness Around Like It’s Confetti.” To build connections across grade levels, students were grouped so that older children could support and encourage their younger peers throughout the activity.

The day served as a joyful and meaningful reminder of the power of kindness and the positive impact students can have on one another. Visitors to Northside are encouraged to stop by the wall to see the school’s beautiful collaborative masterpiece.

The roar of the Farmingdale High School gymnasium was deafening on March 3, 2026, as hundreds of fifth graders linked arms for the annual Green & White Night. While the scoreboard eventually declared a winner, the night was defined by the incredible sportsmanship of a unified graduating class.

A Battle Until the End

After tallying points from every challenge, the Green Team was ultimately crowned the 2025-2026 champion. The margin of victory was one of the slimmest in the event's history, with only 25 points separating the two sides. The Farmingdale School District hosts this beloved tradition to bridge the gap between our four elementary schools: Albany Avenue Elementary School, Northside Elementary School, Saltzman East Memorial Elementary School, and Woodward Parkway Elementary School. By competing together now, these students ensure that when they enter Weldon E. Howitt Middle School this fall, they do so as teammates and friends.

Athleticism and Grit

The competition was fierce, beginning with a high-intensity five-minute Tabata set that included jumping jacks, sit ups, planks, burpees, and lunges. Students then showcased their skills and speed in a variety of unique events:

• Backwards scooter races
• A sprint relay
• A hula hoop relay
• An over-under relay
• A basketball shootout

The Architects of the Fun

An event of this scale is a massive undertaking that relies on a dedicated community. Director of Physical Education and Athletics Don Herr expressed his gratitude for the entire Physical Education Department and the Varsity Leaders Club for helping the event run smoothly. Special recognition was also given to:

• MC Rich Zeidler for his expert play-by-play
• DJ Dave Stein for keeping the energy high

Sprinting Toward the Finish Line

The energy from Green & White Night serves as a foundation for the rest of the 2025-2026 school year. These students will join forces once more in June for the district-wide fifth-grade field day at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School Athletic Complex. The bonds formed during this night ensure our Dalers are ready to face the challenges of middle school with the support of their peers.