Valley Youth Theatre announced the cast of its fifth production in the theatre’s 30th anniversary season, “Tuck Everlasting, The Musical,” with Fountain Hills local Erin Schumacher joining the ensemble cast.

“Tuck Everlasting, The Musical” will run from April 5-21 at Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. 1st Street in downtown Phoenix. Tickets can be purchased for $20 at vyt.com.

According to Bobb Cooper, the theater’s Artistic Director and Director of this show, Phoenix is steeped with so much talent that casting is never an easy process.

“We had 100 girls and more than 30 boys try out for roles in this incredible ensemble piece,” Cooper said. “After seeing the first read- and sing-through, I’m more than confident that this cast is the perfect combination to create the magic our patrons expect to see on our stage.”

Schumacher, a 14-year-old eighth grade student at Arizona Connections Academy, said this is her first show with the Valley Youth Theatre. Previously, she has been in Scottsdale Musical Theater Company’s “A Christmas Carol,” as well as Fountain Hills Theater’s productions of “Narnia, The Musical,” and “The Producers.”

Schumacher said she likes to dance and sing, attends church and youth groups and likes to do makeup videos and tutorials.

With a goal of pursuing musical theater and performing for a living, she said she auditioned for “Tuck Everlasting” because she wanted to learn and work “with some amazing people,” adding that “every experience is a chance for growth.”

“What I like most about this production is that it is a very unique story that I believe can teach a lot of children and parents,” she added. “The music is great, too.”

Schumacher said she hopes seeing this show will let the audience know that they can find adventure and home anywhere.

“They can indulge in a story that takes them into the woods with Winnie Faster and away from the crowded streets of the modern world many of us live in today.”