Welcome to the HK Baird Theater! It is an incredible honor and privilege to be directing my 18th show in 7 years, and my 22nd production of my career. I was fortunate enough to be a student of the COUSD school district myself, and learn from both Suzanne Culbertson and Roger Graziani. I performed on THIS very stage, and dreamed of one day being able to build up a program as strong and loved as the one that the great HK Baird had built.
I am so proud to produce Newsies! A stunning and meaningful show for our community. The messages of strength, unity, and courage are so needed in a time when many feel as though they have lost their voice. The story follows Jack Kelly, leader of a pack of energetic and mischievous young newspaper salesboys, who leads a more or less carefree life. Selling papers is rough work, but he loves the freedom. Life is routine for the newsies until Joseph Pulitzer, owner of The World newspaper, and other local newspaper tycoons, decide to increase their profit margin by charging their distributors, the Newsies, even more than what they pay upfront. The newsies are shaken at first, until Jack and his new friend Davey decide that they can unionize just like all the other industries of the time, and make sure their voices are heard. A scrappy young reporter, Katherine, joins the mix to help bring public attention to the newsboy strike. Pulitzer tries to use the same strike breaking tactics that were used on other groups, but we see these kids stand strong because they know their value and expect a seat at the table.
What I find so especially compelling about this show is that it is inspired by the actual Newsboy strike of 1899. Imagine, at the height of the Industrial revolution, titans of industry and members of government were brought to their knees by children. CHILDREN! It's what I have the joy to see everyday... young people can do great things if you get out of their way.
The students in the Royal Oak program want the best. They push, struggle, learn and adapt until they are satisfied with what they have achieved. It's incredible to sit back at a break during rehearsal and watch a 14 year old teach a 9 year old the new combination they just learned. Or to hear students ask each other to help run and review lines. Or to have so many wonderful kids constantly asking "what needs to be done? Where can I help?" There's a strong sense of ownership of this program with these students, and I am so proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them every time we charge in to a new production.
We are proud to have a zero fees program here at Royal Oak. The amazing set you see, the costumes, the staff who devote their time and energy to training incredible performers and technicians, are all paid for through ticket sales, donations, and fundraising. We do great things here at Royal Oak.
Thank you for being here and supporting us.
-------- Nicole Pedroche, Director
