DIRECTOR’S NOTE Newsies is a story of a group of young kids trying to make change in the face of brokenness and adversity. At times they are compassionate, optimistic, humble, and selfless; at others, they are reactionary, violent, disrespectful, and selfish. The young journalist Katherine is a voice of reason in this difficult time. When others turn away from the struggle, she says, “Speak up; take a stand...that’s how things get better.” She does the difficult thing, to stick with a group who is struggling, and to put their needs above her own. The amazing opportunity we have as theatre artists is to learn from these characters' mistakes, and to be inspired by their good choices. As the world turned upside-down in the last few months, we gratefully drew on our Newsies experience. The story, as well as the collaborative process of creating it, reminded us that true beauty is in loving one another and working together. A note about choreography... Consider the songs and dances in Newsies as a guide to the story. “Carrying the Banner” is youthful and free: the Newsies waking up and going about their normal day, naive and unaware of all that’s about to happen. “The World Will Know” is the rallying cry to an impulsive rebellion, led by Jack and uniting the Newsies. “Seize the Day” is Davey’s chance to speak up. He encourages a measured and patient strategy: do the next right thing. The Newsies begin to listen to one another, work together, and bend to one another’s needs. In “Once and for All,” the rest of the Newsies finally start to listen to what Katherine has to say about standing for justice, despite the cost. By the end, they have learned that in order to win, they must be firm yet calm, organized, and most importantly, considerate of one another. My hope is that the choreography illuminates this transformation of the Newsies as they struggle through hardship and change. A note about casting... Just as the music and choreography are modernized for relevance, we opted to do the same with casting female Newsies. Although the original Broadway Newsies cast is all male, at the turn of the century, there were also female Newsies. I am so pleased to highlight the skills of these young women, and to do so in a historically accurate, yet updated version of the story.
CREATIVE TEAM Director / Choreographer………………....Mary Catherine Schimpf Assistant Director…………………………………………………....Ellie Austin Music Director…………………………………………………………..Kara Riley Technical Director………………………………………………..Heath Austin Scenic Construction……………………………………...David Macallister Lighting Design……………………………………………………...Reid Austin Costume Design……………………………………………...Beth Ann Green Stage Manager………………………………………………...Jennifer Stewart Assistant Stage Manager………………………………...Jessie Honeycutt Properties………………………………………………………...Delaney Tallent House Manager…………………………………………….....Lauren Zuidema Box Office……………………………………………………...Michelle Johnson Poster Design………………………………………………………....Gayle Ligon Photography……………………………………………….………...Heath Austin Scenic Painting………………………………………………....….Lesley Austin Special Thanks… Luanne Kessel, American Stage, Jamison Shimmel, Caroline Smoak ORCHESTRA Maddie Lee (Rehearsal Pianist), Melody Day (Keyboard 1), Curtis Jolley (Keyboard 2), Barbara Mindeman (Flute/Piccolo), Jan Wilkinson (Clarinet), Hope Erikson (Saxophone), Matt Kelly (Trumpet), Cleatus Rogers (Trombone), Charlotte Reeder (Drums), John Reeder (Percussion), Kirk Ward (Guitar/Banjo), Sam Miller (Violin), Anne Marie Ford (Cello), Roman Penney (Bass Guitar)
CONSIDER BECOMING A FINE ARTS FRIEND In doing so you are investing in young lives while simultaneously enjoying the benefits of exposure in our community as a supporter. The Fine Arts Friends revenue helps CCS continue to provide opportunities for students to explore their creativity and enjoy the enriching experience of participation in the arts. Our Fine Arts Friends program has several participation levels from which to choose. Please visit our website at ccsk12.com or call Kim Cash at 423.362.4065 for more information concerning our Fine Arts Friends program. Now, without further ado, enjoy the show!
AT THE TABLE As one body, we have gifts to contribute, to share— gifts that provide flavor, abundance, and a rich blend of shared experience. Jesus compared the Kingdom come to a feast, and his last act on earth was to share a meal with those he loved. We are invited to join him in this blessed banquet with our brothers and sisters. We all bring something to share and partake in. As we engage with others and use our gifts, we are called to image him by the beauty we make, the truth we bravely face, and the goodness we share. We are called to the table.