Newsies Stop The World! A headline even I could sell.
As I have thought about the road to get to these performances this line has stuck in my head. Just 2 years ago our world stopped and at the time we were in the middle of a huge production of Hello Dolly that got shut down. We wondered when we would be able to return to the stage. One year later we were able to perform Little Women the musical with a limited cast. But, this year we decided to go big once again and take on “The World” in Newsies.
Each time I direct a show I try and think of one word to encapsulate the message of the show and this year I have most often gone to brotherhood but as the final pieces have all come together I think I’ve had it wrong, just a little, the better word is FAMILY. Families these days come in many shapes and sizes and as we have spent countless hours bringing this production to the stage we have become a family. In the opening song, Jack sings the following words to his best friend Crutchie…
DON’T YOU KNOW THAT WE’S A FAM’LY?
WOULD I LET YOU DOWN?
NO WAY!
These kids and the army of adult volunteers have come together in a truly remarkable effort from choreography, sets, props, music, marketing, acting, and so much more. When we come together for a common goal, work as hard as we can, and care about each other, we really can take down Goliath. It doesn’t always have to be a revolution, sometimes it’s simpler than that, sometimes it’s to provide the community a chance to escape the stresses and cares of the world even if for only a couple of hours. We use art to heal our hearts and sew up our wounds. We hope that as you leave here tonight we leave your world a little better than when you came in those doors.
If I might end my note with a message to each of these students on stage, in the pit orchestra, and working behind the scenes. Governor Roosevelt’s final line says it best, “Each generation must, at the height of its power, step aside and invite the young to share the day. You have laid claim to our world and I believe the future, in your hands, will be bright and prosperous.” I believe this to be true today and I pray that you recognize as you take your place in this world we need you and the light and power for good that you each bring.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE STARS, AND YOUR FEET ON THE GROUND. YOU CAN DO THIS!
Kyle Gardner
Director
