Team effort as Waynedale students prepare to stage ‘Newsies’
The cast and crew of “Newsies,” the musical staged by Waynedale students with shows set for March 14, 15 and 16.
On March 14-16, a large group of students at Waynedale will shine when they perform the spring musical “Newsies.” The cast with kids all the way from sixth grade to seniors is working hard to make the streets of New York City come to life in this musical based on the 1899 newsboys strike.
Jack Kelly, in the double-cast role played by Lane Miller and Isaac Lauffenburger, and a shabby group of friends sell the daily papers on the streets. When the price of papers go up, the kids form a union and strike. But can this ragtag group stand up to publisher Joseph Pulitzer? With catchy songs and energetic choreography, this musical with a live pit orchestra is set to entertain.
Director Danny Mylott is using double-casting for some of the characters.
“I do this to provide more students with larger acting opportunities and help prepare our students for future shows,” he said. “This requires more work from these students to learn their part alongside an ensemble role. It would be so easy to get competitive when students share roles. Instead, I believe that my students have done such a great job supporting each other and being each other’s biggest cheerleader.”
Mylott chose “Newsies” because he hopes it will display the strengths of his students. “We are blessed to have so many strong singers, dancers, actors and actresses. This show allows us to show off their talents,” Mylott said.
Dennis Giotta, Waynedale’s band director and music educator, is in charge of the live music for the show, and band students will get the experience of playing alongside professionals in the pit orchestra. Molly Parrot, a parent and educational aide, has helped at almost every rehearsal.
Christa Wolf, who also is heading up Central Christian’s “Sound of Music” performance, is the assistant musical director of “Newsies.”
“She is such a talented director and has been so great with our students. She also keeps me sane during this crazy busy time of the year,” Mylott said.
For the first time since Mylott has been at Waynedale, they are adding tap dancing to a musical. Catarina Webb, a senior, literally stepped up to teach and choreograph the tap dance number.
“I’m grateful for Catarina, who has really made the choreography this year next level,” said cast member Emma Brown, a sophomore.
Waynedale students only had positive things to say about Mylott, “Newsies” and the overall theater atmosphere at school, and they really hope the community comes out to see their hard work.
“Mr. Mylott is very funny, enthusiastic and understanding. The older kids are very kind and help teach me where I need to be, what to do,” eighth-grader Kacen Parrot said.
“Everyone is supportive and encouraging during rehearsals, and they don’t judge others,” said Bethany Martell, another eighth-grader.
“There are so many opportunities for students to participate in competitive events at school, but rarely do students get to just work together to create something truly beautiful,” said Mylott, who added his gratitude to Waynedale Principals Richard Roth and Matt Karolewski for their constant support of students in the arts. “We have such an amazing, kind, supportive and talented group of students at Waynedale ready to put on a heck of a show.”
“Newsies” will be presented in the John R. Lea Auditorium, 9130 Dover Road, Apple Creek. Tickets are $10 for the shows on March 14 at 7 p.m., March 15 at 2 and 7 p.m., and March 16 at 2 p.m.
“Everything about this show is a blast,” said cast member Maya Leadingham, a sophomore, “the dancing, acting, singing and just being able to put on a phenomenal show with all of my best friends.”