MHS theatre department presents 'Disney’s Newsies'
Feb 17, 2023 10:42AM ● By Verlene Johnson
The cast of Newsies “Seizing the Day.”
At the end of the 19th century, the newsboys of New York City went on strike, refusing to sell Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World and William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal to protest the higher prices that they were charged for newspapers. The nearly two-week strike, which was led by Louis Balletti, also known as Kid Blink, was resolved through a compromise that pushed child labor reforms into the 20th century.
Morgan High School Theatre will bring this event to life in a production of “Disney’s Newsies.” Jack Kelly, the character based on Kid Blink, the leader of the Newsies, will be played by senior Payton Hatt. Kelly’s best friend, Crutchie, will be played by senior Simon Bott. Brothers Davey and Les will be played respectively by senior Brickman Walker and freshman Spencer Kobe. The female lead, Katherine Plummer, will be played by sophomore Aly Spagnuolo.
No story would be complete without antagonists, and the Newsies’ antagonist is none other than Joseph Pulitzer, played by junior Preston Johnson. Additionally, senior Ethan Christensen will play Wiesel; Oscar Delancey, who enjoys bulling the newsies, will be played by senior Jayden Pierce and Warden Snyder, whose goal is to capture Kelly, will be played by sophomore Noah Bernardo.
Helping Kelly and his fellow newsies is vaudeville star and theatre owner Medda Larkin, played by senior Jenna Windley.
The cast of nearly 80 MHS students has been rehearsing since November with Director Jennifer Fritz and Music Director Katharine Greenfield during class and at after school rehearsals. Many parents have also contributed many hours to help pull off a production of this size.
“Disney's Newsies” will open Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. with performances Feb. 28, March 1, 3 and 4 with a matinee on March 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at mhs.morgansd.org.
