Students from A. B. Lucas Secondary School have been working since September to put on the beloved musical, Newsies.
The show, loosely based on the paperboys’ strike of 1899, follows the story of a young group of newsies in New York City who go up against corporate publishers demanding to be treated fairly for the work they do.
Kerry Bishop, director of the show, says the story has reminded her students of their own ability to spark change in the world.
“The newsies, barely as old as the students in our show, took on corporate giants, making them listen while they demanded a place at the table. They faced fears, recognized their own worth and fought for what is right. Can we ask for any more of a powerful lesson for the children we are teaching and raising today?” she said.
Katrina Syrovy (left), Devon Dixon (centre), and Maddox Bourdeau (right)
Devon Dixon, 18, plays the rebellious yet charismatic leader of the paperboys, Jack Kelly. Dixon says the audience will relate to the story’s coming of age theme.
“The strike represents that growth one has as a person…You go from the early teen years to becoming a full-blown adult and you start to revolt against a lot of things,” he added.
Dixon hopes the audience comes out from the show feeling like they can accomplish anything. “The show is really about not hesitating when you do something and to just go for it. I strongly believe that’s what you should do in any situation in life.”
An interactive approach
A. B. Lucas’s production of the show uses all the space of the auditorium as cast members sing and dance from the aisles, creating an interactive show for the audience.
Rylee Kraft (right) surrounded by cast members playing newsies
Rylee Kraft, 17, plays the role of Katherine Plumber, the journalist who publishes the story on the newsies strike. Kraft says she enjoys the interactive feature of the show. “When you see the emotions of people because they’re confused as to why we’re on the aisles, I feel like it enhances the energy in the room.”
In order to do the original show justice, cast members have been practicing for several hours a week in order to master dynamic singing, dancing, gymnastics, multiple accents, and of course, a wide range of emotions.
Takeaways from the show
For Kerry Bishop, director of the show, this story is an important one to tell.
“Helping my students recognize that they have value in the world, that their worthiness is inherent, and their potential is limitless were hallmarks of this process.”
Cast member Rylee Kraft says the audience will leave the show feeling powerful.
“The show really teaches you that you can pretty much do anything you put your mind to. If you want it that bad, push and work for it. Be yourself and if something isn’t going right, find people to work together with and fix it.”
The show runs from Tuesday, Feb. 26 to Friday, March 1. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.
A. B. Lucas Secondary School’s cast and crew of Newsies. Director Kerry Bishop (top row, far right)
