Everyone loves a good underdog story: Buster Douglas, the 1980s USA Hockey team, Daniel LaRusso, Rudy, Rocky Balboa, the USA in 1776, or the Michael Scott Paper Company against Dunder-Mifflin. Tonight, you see the Newsies versus The World. This based-on-a-true-story depiction of the newsboys striking against the mighty Joseph Pulitzer will inspire you to take a stand against those "bullies" in your life. We don't know what those look like for you: it may be those intrusive thoughts telling you that you are not enough, or it may be the hurdle in your life that you cannot seem to get over. Whatever the case, we hope this show inspires you to Seize the Day Once and For All!
This show is full of blood, sweat, tears, and 45-degree angles. What you are about to see is the culmination of months of hard work from these students. When we picked this show, we told the students that this would be the biggest show they had ever done. Massive sets, massive choreography numbers, pushing their vocals more than ever before. They responded with tenacity. These students' hard work and dedication will be highlighted for the next 2.5 hours. We hope you leave as proud of this show as we are to bring it to you.
There are many people to thank for this show. A show of this magnitude takes a village to put together. I have had to lean on many people to get this show to the finish line. Students have poured in extra time to ensure the set gets completed. Faculty members have helped with facets of the show and their encouragement. A special thank you to my wife and boys for their unwavering encouragement and support. Directing my son in the show has been a new and challenging but rewarding experience. My theatre "kids" have taken both my boys under their wings and have loved them like they were their own. Our choreographer, Autum Robins, spent countless hours designing and teaching the incredible choreography you are about to see. I cannot thank her enough for the work she has put into this production. The show literally does not happen without her. The dance numbers you are about to be wowed by are the brainchild of her imagination and creativity.
Ultimately, we hope this show provides you respite from whatever you may be going through. Sit back, marvel at the talent of these students, relish in the beautiful story, music, and words, and enjoy the show!
-Dr. Adam Herring
