Newsies Jr Programme

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The Suzanne Roberts Performing Arts Centre Somerset College 17 - 20 March 2024

Somerset College's production of

Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Jack Feldman

Book by Harvey Fierstein

Based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White

Matinee Performance 17 March 2024 Evening Performances

19 March 2024 20 March 2024 The Suzanne Roberts Theatre for Performing Arts Somerset College

SCENES & MUSICAL NUMBERS

Prologue: Alley

Santa Fe (Prologue)

Jack, Crutchie

Scene 1: Newsie Square Carrying the Banner

Newsies Newsies

Carrying the Banner (Reprise)

Scene 2: Pulitzer’s Office Scene 3: Street Scene 4: Medda’s Theater Just a Pretty Face Scene 5: Newsies Square The World Will Know Scene 6: Katherine’s Office Watch What Happens

Medda Larkin, Ada, Ethel, Olive, Bowery Brigade

Jack, Newsies

Katherine

Scene 7: Newsie Square, Next Morning Seize the Day

Davey, Jack, Newsies

Santa Fe

Jack

Scene 8: The Refuge

Letter from The Refuge

Crutchie

Scene 9: Newsie Square King of New York

Newsies, Katherine

Scene 10: Medda’s Theater Scene 11: Pulitzer’s Office, Afternoon Scene 12: Medda’s Theater Brooklyn’s Here

Spot Conlon, Brooklyn Newsies, Newsies

Scene 13: Newsie Square / Cellar Door Seize the Day (Reprise)

Newsies

Once and for All

Jack, Davey, Katherine, Les, Newsies, Working Children

Scene 14: Pulitzer’s Office Scene 15: Newsie Square Finale

Company

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Our students may be digital citizens, with less exposure to the time old, printed newspaper; however, the cast and crew of Newsies Jr, have a newfound understanding and respect for the world of print and the delivery of breaking news. Over 100 students will embrace the stage to take you back to the Summer of 1899 and share with you the fight for a better life and better working conditions for newspaper workers. Three spectacular shows will be delivered, on Sunday 17 March, Tuesday 19 March and Wednesday 20 March, 2024. I would like to say a huge thank you to the students involved – backstage crew and performers – for the time you have dedicated to attending the many afternoon and weekend rehearsals. You can now see how your hard work and dedication has paid off! I am proud of the work you have done and I am glad you have been able to have a lot of fun along the way. Staff and students have been working hard; learning lines, singing songs, choreographing dances, fine tuning the craft of acting and designing and creating costumes. It has been a rewarding experience to be part of the creation of a lesser-known, large musical production, with an amazing cast and crew. I am proud of you all! I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the staff who have coordinated the production of Newsies Jr The Musical, putting in many additional hours over the past term. There are many staff who have contributed to this year’s musical, throughout rehearsals, as well as during performance days. Without their willingness to assist, we would not be able to put on a successful production. To these people, I say a very big thank you! It is time for you to be immersed in the passion and drama of the newsies, as we ride the wave of emotion and get caught up in the notion of striking for better conditions and the feelings of accomplishment, with both big and small wins. And with any good story, we will learn, that all that really matters are the people we bond with through work and shared goals. All that really matters are our friends and family. So please, sit back, relax and enjoy Newsies Jr The Musical. Ms Rebecca Collie Head Of Junior School

MESSAGE FROM THE MUSICAL TEAM

“Seize the day!” In just eight short weeks, we were astounded by the incredible and gifted cast assembled for our 2024 musical, ‘Newsies Jnr.’ With over 100 students forming our cast and crew, we had an abundance of talent to showcase in this brief period. The students arrived at every rehearsal with unwavering enthusiasm, ready to bring their characters to life. Their dedication was palpable, particularly among the values of the charismatic, devoted, and passionate Newsies—a tight-knit family within our production. These young performers embraced their roles thoughtfully, infusing each scene with authenticity and energy. A heartfelt thank you extends to everyone involved—the cast, crew, production team, backstage staff, and the entire company. Your tireless efforts in putting together this show have not gone unnoticed. It has been an absolute joy to witness the students hone their skills and demonstrate unwavering commitment to this remarkable production. As the curtain rises, we eagerly anticipate sharing the magic of ‘Newsies Jnr’ with our audience.

Kiah Leslie & Kayla McNaught The Junior School Musical Team

SYNOPSIS

At dawn on a summer morning in 1899, Newsies - the young boys and girls of New York who peddle newspapers to customers throughout the city - chaotically shout the daily headlines. Away from the others, Jack Kelly shares his dream for a better life out west with his best friend, Crutchie. They gather at the New York World's distribution wagon, where they pick up their daily stacks of papers from Wiesel and his goons, Oscar and Morris Delancey. Jack offers to show the ropes to newcomers Davey and his kid sibling Les, and together they head out into the city. Meanwhile, Joseph Pulitzer, the publisher (of the world), vows to fight the declining circulation of the newspaper. He and his staff - Bunsen, Seitz, and Hannah - cook up an idea, at the expense of the Newsies. The next morning, the newsies are outraged to learn that Pulitzer has raised the price of newspapers. Prompted by Davey, the newsies decide to form a union and strike. After a tough negotiation, Jack convinces Pulitzer to compromise with the newsies: The price increase will remain, but publishers will buy back any unsold papers. The strike is over! The newsies rejoice as Governor Teddy Roosevelt congratulates Jack. Crutchie appears amid the celebration, followed by a handcuffed Snyder.

WHO'S WHO

Hugo Hasselle as Jack Kelly Hugo is thrilled to be playing the role of Jack Kelly in this year’s musical performance, Newsies JR. Hugo has been a student at Somerset since Pre-Prep in 2017 and loves being involved in many sport and musical activities each year. His first musical at Somerset was Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits in 2022 and last year he thoroughly enjoyed performing the role of Lt. Ward in the musical Annie. He attends singing lessons each week and loves performing when given the opportunity. Hugo is super excited and very grateful to be part of the musical and hopes everyone enjoys this year’s performance of Newsies Jr. Lexi Mendes da Costa as Katherine Plumber Lexi's first appearance in a dramatic role was when she was just 4 years old appearing in the local theatre play group as Young Nala in The Lion King. Lexi has since gone on to have numerous roles including the lead role at her previous school appearing as Ivy Fife from “The Zombies of Tonight”. Since arriving at Somerset College in January 2023 Lexi has taken every opportunity to grow by attending Speech and Drama lessons with Miss Jane, Singing lessons with Miss Carnell and Dance. Under the guidance of Mrs Kirstein she also achieved a high distinction in Piano. Lexi is overwhelmed to have been selected to play her most thrilling role to date as Katherine Plumber in Somerset College's production of Newsies JR and would like to take this opportunity to wish the entire cast and crew every success and sincerely hopes you enjoy the performance. as Crutchie/Casey Being a member in the chorus in 2022 for Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits and playing as Drake in last year’s Annie, Edward is thrilled to be playing the wonderful and enthusiastic character of Crutchie in this year’s Newsies Jr. Edward is currently participating in his 6th year of Speech and Drama, and also plays Trombone in the Junior School Band. His passion for sports has also driven him to be one of 2024’s Junior School Sports Captains at Somerset College. Edward hopes that his peers and coordinators for this year’s musical have an amazing time. Edward Hassett

WHO'S WHO

Rainer Drew as Davey Rainer is currently in Year 6 and is very excited to be playing the role of Davey in this year’s musical. Rainer started at Somerset in Pre Prep 2017 and was involved in the 2022 musical Ali-baba and the Bongo Bandits and played Bundles in the 2023 musical Annie Kids. Rainer enjoys many aspects of school life from playing saxophone to representing Somerset College at States Athletics, and he is the 2024 Junior School Vice-Captain. Rainer likes his role and thinks that he has a lot in common with Davey, who is a straight-laced older brother and is the brains behind the Newsies plan. as Les Giles is thrilled to be playing the role of Les, in his first Junior School musical. Giles is in Year 5 and has been a part of Somerset College since pre-prep in 2018. Giles loves to perform and has been an active member of the school choir for the past four years. Aside from musical theatre, Giles is an avid ballet dancer where he has recently been selected to join the Australian Ballet Academy. He has received a high distinction in all RAD Examinations and has performed at QPAC, with Queensland Ballet. Giles is so excited to be a member of the Newsies cast. Giles has especially enjoyed learning the Newsies songs (which are great!) and has had such fun rehearsing with everyone. He hopes that, just like his character Les, we can all be inspired to stand up for what is right and that we can make a difference, especially when we come together in our goals! Giles Nash

WHO'S WHO

Abigail Birt as Medda Larkin Abigail is a Year 6 student here at Somerset College and is very excited to be playing the role of Medda Larkin in this year’s Junior School musical Newsies JR. Over the past 5 years Abigail has been involved in dance concerts, vocal competitions, and musical theatre performances both at Somerset College and as a student at NAPA (National Academy of Performing Arts). She has played the roles of Mrs Clause in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Jnr and Middle Anna in Frozen Jr while being a chorus member for the previous two Junior School musicals. Abigail has received awards for her vocal technique and acting ability and cannot wait to bring Medda Larkin to life on stage in Newsies Jnr. Saivisvan Shivakumar as Joseph Pulitzer Saivisvan is 11 years old and is in Year 6. He started at Somerset in Year 2. He is so happy to be playing the lead role of Joseph Pulitzer, the cranky businessman and Katherine’s no-nonsense father. Saivisvan is excited to perform on stage as this will be his first time. He is interested in music, singing, soccer, touch, debating and wordsmiths. Saivisvan can’t wait to perform, and hopes you enjoy the show! as Wiesel Evie Cardone started at Somerset College in 2017 in Pre-Prep and she is now in Year 6. Evie is thrilled to play the role of Wiesel, in the Newsies Jnr. Last year she played the role of the Old Lady in Annie Kids. She enjoys playing trombone, choir, dance and competitive cheerleading. Evie is also our Sustainable Spartan Eco Marine Ambassador for 2024. Evie is so excited to do musicals and hopes to do them every year until she graduates from Somerset College. Evie is so excited for her final year in Junior School to play the role of Weisel and hopes everyone will enjoy the musical as much as she has. Evie Cardone

WHO'S WHO

Imogen Sounness as Race Imogen is very excited to participate in this year's musical (Newsies Jr). She has been at Somerset since Pre-Prep in 2017, she has participated in the past two musicals and loved them and was very excited when she got a role as a Newsie called Race this year. She enjoys lots of sports such as netball, futsal touch and triathlon. She plays the flute and loves to read and write. In her free time, you will find her reading. as Albert Lainey is enthusiastic and excited about being cast in 2024 Newsies Jr as Albert the Newsie. She loves the arts and cannot wait for another amazing musical journey this year. She enjoys singing and loves playing trumpet. Lainey wishes the cast the best of luck for an amazing musical this year. Break a leg! Lainey Walker Evie was a member of Ali Baba And The Bongo Bandits Musical in 2022 and Annie Kids in 2023, She is very excited to be part of the main cast playing Muriel in Newsies Jr this year. Evie was involved in The Young Performers Program last year enjoying singing as well as speech and drama. She also performs at Speech and Drama contests and is delighted to be doing it once again this year. Outside of school, she loves to sing and dance. When Evie’s not in the theatre you can find her on the track and field, playing touch football or hanging out with friends and family. as Pigtails Isla is eleven years old and has been at Somerset College since Year Three. She joined the Gold Coast Choir in Prep and has also played piano since Prep. Isla has a keen interest in sports but still enjoys practicing piano, singing and speech and drama. In 2023 She sang Mariah Carey’s famous Christmas song in front of 5000 people at the Pacific Pines Christmas Carols. Isla loves her role in Newsies JR. and has enjoyed every element of music here at Somerset College. Isla Booth Evie Ladbrook as Muriel

WHO'S WHO

Skyey Mun as Hazel Skyey is very delighted to be given the role as Hazel this year for the Junior School Musical. She has participated in musicals since Year 4. She enjoys playing sports such as netball Oz tag, soccer, touch and basketball. She also loves to dance and play the flute. I hope everyone loves watching the musical. as Romeo Alexandra is thrilled to be a part of the 2024 musical, Newsies JR. Alexandra featured in the chorus of the two musicals prior and has grown a huge passion for all aspects of musical performance. This year she will be playing the role of ‘Romeo’. Alexandra is so excited to work with everyone, to make this musical happen! Alexandra has won multiple awards from Speech and Drama, has participated in the Somerset Eisteddfods, and The Day of Dance. Alexandra believes this musical is going to be incredible! She is confident that the audience will love this year’s musical as much as she loves working with the cast and crew to bring it to you. as Oscar Charlize began learning at Somerset in Pre- Prep in 2017. She is so excited to be playing Oscar in this years musical, Newsies Jr. She has played a guard in the chorus of Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits in 2022. Charlize is taking speech and drama lessons with Abigail Birt and has performed in the festival for young performers for speech and drama and piano. Charlize is thrilled to play Oscar in this years musical as she hopes everyone has as much fun as she will. Alexandra Smith Charlize Garlick

WHO'S WHO

Lily Cardone as Morris Lily Cardone has been a Somerset College student since Pre-Prep. Lily dances, is a member of the choir and also plays flute in the Junior Concert Band. She was awarded a half colour in Performing Arts and Music in 2023. This is Lily’s third year participating in the Junior School Musical. Lily is thrilled to have a speaking role and says that the musical performance week is the best week of the school year. as Seitz Lachie has enjoyed being apart of the Junior School Musical since 2022. He is looking forward to seeing what this year's final product will be like. He is thrilled to be receiving his first role as 'Seitz' In 2022's Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits he played a Guard and was also in the Ensemble of Annie Kids in 2023. He appreciates the Junior School Musical team and hopes the future students of Somerset College enjoy being part of the Junior Scool Musicals as much as he has. as Bunsen Alexander is delighted to have been cast as Bunsen in this year’s performance of Newsies JR. Alexander is currently in Year 5 and has been at Somerset College since Pre-Prep in 2018. His highlights have included participating in the Somerset Young Performers Festival for the last 3 years, representing Somerset College in Year 4 for the AB Paterson Speech competition and being part of the chorus in the Junior School Musical last year. Alexander has been taking Speech & Drama lessons with Ms Irvine and has been a member of Goat Tract Theatre since Year 3. He is also learning to play the piano and trombone and is a member of the Junior Concert Band. Alexander loves performing and aspires to be an actor when he is older. He is excited for the opportunity to bring joy to the stage for the audience. Lachie Rowe Alexander Bryson

WHO'S WHO

Sophie Tielens as Hannah Sophie is thrilled to contribute to the Junior School Musical for 2024 in the role of Hannah. Sophie has been at Somerset College since Pre Prep in 2017 and thinks of Somerset like home. She trains and competes in eight styles of dance and loves singing and acting. You can find Sophie each year at the Somerset Young Performers Festival. When she's not dancing, she loves going to the beach with her dog Frenchie and playing netball, soccer and basketball. Sophie is excited to perform in Newsies JR. in her last year of Junior School and hopes you all enjoy it as much as she does. as Snyder Jakub is so excited to be a part of the Junior School Musical again this year as Snyder the Spider in Newsies JR. Last year Jakub was part of Annie Kids and loves performing on stage. Since he joined Somerset Drama in Year 1 he now competes in Somerset Public Speaking competitions. He was also awarded runner-up at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod for a solo performance. Jakub is also very sporty and loves playing AFL, soccer, swimming, running and anything else that involves a ball! as Teddy Roosevelt Jad's first musical experience was in 2023 when he participated in Annie Jr. He enjoyed the experience so much that he applied for a main character role in the 2024 musical, Newsies Jr. Jad is excited to have been chosen to play the role of Teddy Roosevelt in this year’s Junior School Musical. He hopes everyone enjoys watching the show as much as he enjoys playing a major role in it. He can see the similarities between himself and the character, both being focused, disciplined, and intelligent. Jad also plays the piano, and the tuba, in addition to being active in football, futsal, and tennis. Having come a long way in the performing arts since Prep, he has consistently earned High Distinctions in Piano Theory and practical since Year 2. Every year, Jad takes part in the Somerset Festival for Young Performers, showcasing his talents in speech & drama, dance, piano, and recorder. Jakub Pitura Jad Al-Freah

CAST

Gigi Beer, William Bertoni, Isla Booth, Chiara Burke, Ashleigh Coomber, Rainer Drew, Kai Edgley, Hugo Hasselle, Edward Hassett, Sofia Hickey, Eloise Kirby, Evie Ladbrook, Lucy Loon, Amber Lu, Aneka Mitchell, Skyey Mun, Giles Nash, Alexandra Smith, Jayshree Soni, Imogen Sounness, Indi Toomey, Zoey Wang, Scarlett Weaven

Claudia Buchanan, Jade Carter, Rose Davidson, Amelie De Bray, Mignon De Bruin, Skye Drew, Rachel Erwin, Isabella Jennings, Sanaaya Mapabandara, Ridhi Potumuthu, Xiaohan Shen, Lucinda Sounness, Gabriella Steenackers, Annie Talbot, Ivy Yang

CAST

Bowery Brigade: Julie Alajlan, Charlie Annis, Ava Barry, Gigi Beer, Abigail Birt, Ashleigh Coomber, Angela Guan, Scarlett Hasselle, Rose Hempling, Evelyn Hoare, Matisse Mason, Sophia McKay, Aneka Mitchell, Anya Woodthorpe, Alexis Yeates

Working Ensemble: Navoda Gunawana, Leo Hempling, Kaitlyn Hoang, Eunice Hui, Chloe Li, Teanna Li, Oliver Smith, Sophie Speis, Tanvi Vuthpala, Elizabeth Walker, Yifei Xi, Wanning Zhang

CAST

Police Officers: Dante Brienza, Leo Chen, Maxwell Costello, Zongyou Han, Alex Lee, Ava Meyers, Soren Pierce, Rhea Sheng, Robin Wang

Customers: Harper Allen, Sadie Begni, Luna D’Arcy, Joyce Lu, Susannah McGrath, April Miles, Lola Qi, Harry Scarr, Anvi Srivastav, Annabel Walker, Scarlett Woollven, Nicole Xie, Casey Yan, Paul Sang Yum

CAST

Ensemble: Jad Al-Freah, Lexi Mendes da Costa, Gretel Dirckze, Charlize Garlick, Aadhya Jasthi, Edouard Staelen, Sophie Tielens, Lucia Vorster

CREW WHO'S WHO

Lachie Bantick

Andrew Blatchford

Genevieve Borin

Monet De Bruin

Aspen Gale

CREW WHO'S WHO

Jesse Irwin

Asha Kowalczuk

Benedict Thompson

TECHNICAL CREW

Fly Tower Operations ......................Noa Chester-Haviv & Haysal Denzongpa-Bathols Follow Spot Operators ....................................................... Sash Kumar & Yuan Yu Lighting Operator..........................................................................Liam O'Nuallain Projection Operator..........................................................................Bailey Pourre AV Operator ...............................................................................Matthew Walker

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer..................................................................Kiah Leslie & Kayla McNaught Director..................................................................................... Kayla McNaught Music Director.................................................................................... Kiah Leslie Choreographer..................................... Christine Flint, Chloe Rhodes & Luke Daniels Set Designer....................... Thomas Bell, Kylie Radcliffe, Kyle Butcher & Ross Keefer Costume Designer....................................................... Kate Grigg & Kylie Radcliffe Lighting Designer.............................................................................. Thomas Bell Stage Manager.............................................................................Kayla McNaught Props Master............................................................ Kylie Radcliffe & Kyle Butcher Sound Designer.................................................................................Thomas Bell

PRODUCTION PHOTOS

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