Based on a true story, Newsies is always seen as a classic David and Goliath story, but I think there is so much more. As I have been working towards my master’s, one of my research theories has bloomed through Newsies’ story. Andy Crouch, a Christian culture writer, believes that Christians have a specific calling to use one of our greatest gifts, creativity, as a catalyst to make change for good. In his book, Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling, Crouch believes that for change, there must be a pattern in people groups, and these groups must focus on their culture’s movement towards good. He says to compel others for any length of time successfully; the group’s strength must sustain its community of people by focusing copious amounts of energy and perseverance. The groups must achieve a “suspension of impossibility,” creating a shift in the “horizon of possibility” and “that no matter how complex and extensive the culture system you may consider, the only way it will be changed is by an absolutely small group of people who innovate and create a new cultural good.
Newsies is not just a story about people like that, but children like that. The community of kids that you see before you are a mix who have created for themselves something that one never gets to see, a story unites them, and through their creativity, they bring it to life for you. To entertain, to teach, and to inspire….. and inspire they do. Inspiration and joy happen daily for me, brought on by these kids. They laugh, they love, they war, take risks, challenge, and support. Watching the seasoned veterans shine, offer stability and encouragement, the “new ones,” courageously take a step WAY out of their comfort zone, despite the stigma, and show a side of themselves I know you will never forget. Nashville Christian is a community where we can do that, and it is a priceless gift that we should all cherish and continue to encourage and embrace. This world no longer needs people with one or two skills but well-rounded, experienced people, who work to explore and develop all their talents for the greater good.
Thank you to Nashville Christians teachers, administration, and coaches for working with this department and supporting the idea that kids should be able to chase every dream. Thank you to Tracy Brothers; you have no idea the enormous part you have played in the story of my life. Connie Jo for this community, Mr. Crouch would be proud. Thank you to Kathy Gupton, Trisha McWright, and Julie Littrell, I am forever grateful. Thank you Shelley Greenlee, for taking care of Scout when I cannot. Every single one of the kids in this show. Madison for her brilliant lighting. Hailey and Bobby for building with me. Hadley for unofficially taking over the costume responsibilities. Ainsley’s prop making. RuthAnn, for designing and purchasing all of the costumes. To Scout, a mommy could not be luckier to have such a funny, smart, empathetic, big-hearted little girl. Thank you to MaeMae for always being thunder and lightning. To my husband Josh, you save me Every. Single. Day. Thank you, God, for how he has steered my life and how he leads me still.
- Kayce Green
Curtain.
