by Madison Evans
Sartell Middle School debuted its spring musical, “Disney Newsies Jr.” on Feb. 29 for a three-show run. It’s a show that transported audience members back to the days when newspaper-selling children, dubbed “newsies,” were hawking headlines and working for mere pennies.
The production, based on the “Disney’s Newsies Jr.” movie and written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White, takes place in 1899. The antagonist and greedy owner of “The World” newspaper was mistreating the newsies with poor wages and unfair business practices. The plot thickens when the newsies decide to go on strike, and they suddenly find themselves making headlines. The storyline demonstrates the power of resilient kids banding together, clever reporting and stellar newspaper headlines.
Students performed in front of a packed house all three nights. The audiences were captivated. They cheered when the characters announced they were going on strike and groaned when it felt like the newsies were losing hope. Lead actor Roger Barrett, who played head “newsie” Jack Kelly, delivered lines with great comedic timing and authenticity. Lexi Feiler gave a heartfelt performance as Katherine, an impressively curious reporter. Julian Mohs captured the hearts of the audience with his portrayal of Crutchie. The audience gave a resounding applause of approval when his character returned to the stage after a stint in a juvenile-detention facility.
It’s no surprise the audiences were dazzled by the shows. The students had been practicing for months. It all began back in December in the audition room where aspiring actors were required to sing “Happy Birthday” and read a small portion of the script. Then they crossed their fingers, hoping to land their dream parts.
After learning their roles, 48 cast members began two-hour rehearsals held five days a week. Two weeks prior to opening night, an additional three-hour rehearsal was added to their schedule. It wasn’t just the actors who had long hours; there was also a team of 38 students who oversaw costumes, props, set building, set painting and technology.
Sartell Middle School theater teacher and production director Brooklyn Riggs oversaw the cast and crew. Students Lydia Kadoun and Gracelynn Jordahl had big jobs for middle-school students as the stage manager and assistant stage manager. They were responsible for helping Riggs oversee the production and were tasked with keeping the cast and crew on track. This was a demanding role that tested their leadership skills, and they both did it admirably.
The camaraderie among cast members likely influenced their on-stage chemistry. Behind the scenes, they shared supportive group text messages and some even handwritten cards with kind messages that made one another feel confident.
As the final show wrapped, the cast greeted the audience members outside of the theater where proud parents, family and friends were waiting with flowers and congratulatory hugs. The tears in the actors’ eyes said it all – that it would be a memory that no one will likely ever forget.
The actors in “Disney Newsies, Jr.” at Sartell Middle School hold up newspapers in defiance during a strike against an oppressive newspaper company in 1899 in New York City.
Sartell Middle School actors perform a musical number during their recent play called “Disney Newsies, Jr.” The musical, based on a strike by young newspaper sellers, was a big hit with audiences in the school’s Performing Arts Center.
