playbill vip

NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR

Several years ago, my family took a trip to New York City.  My daughter and I lined up for discount tickets in Times Square and purchased tickets to Newsies.  The show was performed in a relatively small theatre and we were lucky to get the main floor tickets near the stage.  The energy of the performance exploded off the stage and as I sat there, I told myself that I had to bring this show to the MCHS stage. Along with its exuberance, this show is also special because it addresses the other passion in my life, US history. The strike of the newsboys and girls in New York in 1899 against the big newspapers owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer really happened and Governor Teddy Roosevelt played a role in its resolution. 

The strike started due to the New York City publishers being unhappy that they were selling fewer newspapers due to the Spanish-American War having ended and deciding to lean on the newsboys and girls to make up the difference. Our show is historically accurate as our Newsies are boys and girls, unlike the Broadway cast which was all male. The strike lasted two weeks, from July 20 to August 2, and ended with the same compromise that is made in the show.  It was so significant because it is one of the first strikes carried out by children. It is my hope that we have come close to duplicating the energy of that NYC performance, and that you will leave tonight having fallen in love with the show, as I did.

I would also like to thank my fellow directors for their extremely hard work, expert assistance, and deep dedication to this production. Your support, advice, and assistance are appreciated beyond measure.”

Cast, crew, and pit orchestra members—“thank you for your very hard work and devotion to the success of this show.  You have proven that there is no limit to what committed high school students can accomplish! I am so proud of each and every one of you.”

Parents, thank you so much for sharing your sons and daughters with us for the past several months. I hope you are pleased with the final product of our hard work.

Seniors, what amazing men and women you have grown into through the memorable characters you have portrayed. I hope you cherish the special memories from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Addams Family, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid along with those you have made bringing Disney’s Newsies to life. Thank you for letting me seize the day with you on all of the past shows and for the privilege of getting to watch you grow, year by year, into the immensely talented people you are. The pose and confidence that you have gained in this auditorium will carry you far in life. All my best wishes for great success on your life journey! Continue to take stands for what is right, just as the newsboys and girls did in 1899!