Local family to share the stage at Little Theatre

For three members of the McMillan family of Zoarville, The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County’s upcoming musical, “Tuck Everlasting,” is a family affair. Mother Shavonne, father Casey and daughter Allegra will work on stage together.

Theater has become an important part of family life for the trio. Allegra McMillan, between school and the theater, has been involved with 21 shows, Shavonne at least a dozen and Casey is now in his third. Two more potential family actors wait in the wings: 11-year-old Violet and 7-year-old Cecilia.

Shavonne McMillan, a Zoarville native and graduate of Tusky Valley High School, received her bachelor’s degree in electronic media production at Kent State University. Her day job is as a real estate appraiser.

“The first production I did was 'Best Little Christmas Pageant' in 2018,” Shavonne McMillan said. “My favorite role was Sister Mary in 'Disaster,' although this show is fast becoming a real favorite. It is a wholesome story dealing with the good moral of the importance of a life well-lived.”

Allegra McMillan admits to having been shy when her mother first suggested she audition for a production.

“I guess I got over that by just doing more shows,” she said. “I have worked at school, in summer camp and here, and it gets to be more fun with each show. Once I got a taste of it, I guess I just fell down the rabbit hole. Managing studies and rehearsals can be a bit hard at times. I try to get as much work as possible done during study hall. I’m taking College Credit Plus classes along with my regular ones, and I’m able to pretty much keep up.”

Classes and productions aren’t the Tusky Valley sophomore’s only interests. At school she is involved with band and choir, and at home she enjoys her cats Alonso and Meera, knitting, cooking, and gardening.

“My birthday present last year was a garden,” she said. “It was mainly so I could see if I could handle it. I grew vegetables and many flowers, especially snap dragons and succulents. It was successful, and I definitely will try again this year,” she said.

Allegra McMillan said she believes this show is her favorite so far. She is playing the leading role of Winnie Foster.

Casey McMillan’s role is that of father figure Angus Tuck. He and Allegra interact frequently on stage. The New Philadelphia High School graduate spent eight years with the 1,485th Transportation Company of the Ohio National Guard serving as a certified Army instructor. Today, when not at the theater, he works as an auto cad drafter for Diversified Engineering Inc. in New Philadelphia.

With no theater experience behind him, Casey McMillan said he was nervous about appearing on stage when Shavonne and Allegra talked him into auditioning for the musical, “SpongeBob.”

“I was in the ensemble,” he said, “a little different from what I am doing this time. This role is helping me grow.”

Casey and Shavonne McMillan met while he was working as a grill cook and she as a server at Bob Evans Restaurant in 2001. They have been married 20 years and continue to share their love of music at First Christian Church in New Philadelphia. Micah Carrick, who is the music director for “Tuck,” was the choir director at the church when the family first started singing there.

Allegra McMillan doesn’t know whether she will major in theater in college and her parents don’t know what parts may lie ahead for them, but they all know they will continue to participate in theater. They all agreed they definitely love this show.

Director Joe Compton said of the show, “I wanted to direct it because I loved the book. It was one of the first books I read in school that I thought would make a great stage play. I even tried to adapt it as a sixth-grader. It’s a timeless tale of the importance of living a full and loving life, which we all can resonate with.”

“Tuck Everlasting” performances will run Fridays and Saturdays on Feb. 16, 17, 23 and 24 and March 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees Feb. 18 and 25 and March 3 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. They may be purchased online at www.thelittletheatreonline.org or by calling the Kent State Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center at 330-308-6400 during regular business hours.

“Tuck Everlasting” is sponsored by Wayne Garage Door. The season is sponsored by the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #515, Dover.

The Little Theatre is located at 466 Carrie Ave. NW in New Philadelphia.