Drama Students at Manhattan High School are putting on a musical production of “Newsies,” at 7 p.m. on March 6 and 7 and at 2 p.m. on March 8 in Rezac Auditorium. The crew has been working since the Dec. 16-17 auditions to perfect the show.
“The [audition] process was simple, but fun,” freshman Amelia Appenfeller-Cruz said. “You sing in a group and then by yourself. And they have you act out some scenes with a partner, but they keep the atmosphere itself very low stress. You are able to have fun that way.”
Audition results were sent out Dec. 19 over social media which set the stage for the beginnings of the show.
“I was happy because I knew the part would push me as a performer, but it would still be just easy enough that I would still be able to have fun and freedom in it,” Appenfeller-Cruz said.
For some students this is their second time performing “Newsies.” Sophomores and juniors had the chance to participate in the show in middle school, while others were even given the chance to perform it in the Parks and Rec this summer. “Newsies” is about a group of newspaper sales boys in the year 1899 in New York City who have to strike against unfair distribution prices of newspapers in order to make a living for themselves. The musical features songs such as “Carrying the Banner,” “Santa Fe” and “Seize the Day.”
“‘Newsies’ is very choreography-heavy,” Appenfeller-Cruz said “And trying to prepare the show visually is where most of the focus is right now. Our choreographer is very hands-on and helpful.”
A few copies of The Mentor are being used as props for the production. The historical significance of the script and music have pushed students out of their comfort zone to do justice to the memory of the time as they recreate the musical. The musical is based on an historical event that changed American culture for the better. “Newsies” gained fame when it was produced by Disney in 1992. The experience of producing a musical can be a long process but a fun one where students learn something every rehearsal.
“Building friendships and community with everyone around you is my favorite part, it’s something that can never be replicated anywhere else,” senior Julianna da Silva said.
“Newsies” is known for being a David vs. Goliath story in which the little guy must overcome something bigger than himself. In the same way, students taking part in this production may be experiencing their own David vs. Goliath moments. Students, staff, and community members are invited to attend to learn about this time period in history as well as to support students.
”Opening night, being on stage, waiting for your cues. [It] gives you such an anxiously excited feeling,” da Silva said.
