As a kid who grew up in the 90’s, I grew up with Newsies. I taped it off the Disney Channel on my VCR (if anyone nowadays even knows what one of those is, haha). When it came to the Papermill Playhouse on its way to Broadway, I couldn’t miss it. I fell in love with the show from that first performance. We are lucky enough to have quite a few gentlemen in our program who are triple threats, so this was the perfect year to do Newsies.
One of the title characters, Davey, leads a song called “Seize the Day”. This phrase has become my mantra over my teaching career. No matter what life throws at you or what kind of day you or your students are having, you make the best out of what you have right in front of you. You help each other out to be the best version of yourself that you can be daily. The lyrics to the song “Seize the Day” are not only uplifting, but inspiring. When our kids are up there singing, listen to the lyrics. I’m sure that they will apply to one part of your life and inspire you.
Throughout this entire production process, I have seen these incredibly talented individuals grow so much as performers and as humans in general. I am so proud of the work that they have put into this production. They are so incredibly supportive of each other and are each other’s biggest fans. The seniors have taken the freshmen in like family. This year’s freshmen are my Covid class. My two classes that became like a big family, my Snottarts. They hold such a special place in my heart. This show has been the most rewarding show that I have ever produced. To say I’m proud of these kids is an understatement. It’s been a rough couple of months personally, and these students have made me smile every single day. I am so lucky to be surrounded by your amazing kids.
This group of graduating seniors is very special to me. These students have been with me since I was Miss Barletta, teaching 5th grade at Carrigan School. I am so lucky that I have been able to watch them grow throughout the years. I am so incredibly proud of the kind, smart, compassionate young adults they have become.
Thank you to my rock this year, Donata, as you have done so much more for me than you know. I am so grateful for you. Phyl, thanks for always being there, a wonderful friend, and not a “blip” in my career. Mike, thank you for all of your support this year and for always making sure my vision comes to life. Jen, thank you for being there always. Rich, thank you for being you, and for the incredible artwork that you created for our show, and thank you to Jason for your support. Thank you Laura for always coming in clutch with everything! Thank you to our entire admin team (Dana, Trish, John, and Mike) for their incredible support of our program and thank you to our secretaries who are our school’s superheroes (Yvonne, Steph, Deb, and Jenn). Thank you to our custodial staff who puts up with our late nights and messy kids, you are the best (Bob is our man!). Thank you to our Parent Booster Club who have stepped up to the plate in so many ways. We are so very grateful for you – your kids are so lucky. Thank you to my mentor Cindy, and my Whitney Players family, you are always an inspiration. We also want to give a huge thank you to Neil and Judy for their continued support of our program.
Lastly, thank you to my parents. I wouldn’t be here every night if you hadn’t stepped up to the plate to help me with Eddie. You are the definition of the perfect grandparents. Eddie Boy, thanks for sharing Mommy with her kids at school. I love you so much.
Thank you for supporting West Haven High School Theatre Workshop. We are forever grateful.
Mrs. Tracy Stratton, Director
