Prop rifle pulled from Glenfield Middle School musical

Glenfield Middle School’s production of “Tuck Everlasting” this weekend will not include a prop rifle, as originally planned.

After discussions with stakeholders about the fake weapon, Glenfield administrators informed families Wednesday that the decision was made to remove it from the spring musical. 

Glenfield families were informed Monday that the fake rifle would be used in the production and how the school was planning to handle the use of the prop. The same length and width as a real rifle, the prop does not contain a shooting mechanism, as it features a solid, metal barrel, according to the community message. 

“To ensure that the prop is not mistaken for a real rifle or mishandled, Mr. Lupfer will keep the prop locked in a closet until the scene occurs,” the message said, referring to Thomas Lupfer, Glenfield’s drama teacher. “Once it is removed from the closet, a Related Arts teacher will give the student the prop immediately before going onstage.”

Once the scene involving the rifle is complete, the prop will be returned to one of the school’s teachers who will place it back in the closet and lock the doors, the message said. A photo of the prop was attached to the message.

“We don’t want the prop to create a panic; we want you to enjoy the show,” the message said. 

On Wednesday, families received news that the rifle was being pulled from the show, a decision made after “numerous discussions” with the school’s stakeholder groups.

“We have worked with Mr. Lupfer to ensure that the scene remains true to the story without the prop,” the message from principal Erika Pierce and vice principal Vincent Pelli said. “Thank you for your feedback. We remain committed to transparent and timely communication.”

Questions sent Thursday morning to Lupfer and Pierce have not yet been returned. David Cantor, the district’s executive director of communications and community engagement, declined to comment.

“Tuck Everlasting” will premiere Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m. in the Glenfield auditorium. An additional performance will take place the following day, Saturday, April 29, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show can be purchased from the school’s online box office. Adult tickets are $17. Student and senior citizen tickets are $12.