OF COUR LARITY OF
ARTS FEATURE / NEWSIES
For upper school theatre students and instructors , performing Newsies for the first time on the Soli Deo Center stage was a dream come true . A highly technical production requiring meticulous coordination and execution from cast and crew , this show highlighted both student skill and directorial mastery on a truly breathtaking stage . And after a soft opening of the new facility in 2020 ( due to the pandemic ), the energy of live theatre returning to a packed house was palpable .
A wave of anticipation hit once the decision to perform Newsies at CPA became public . This is an important story to which we can all connect — a story about knowing the truth , having a voice , walking in courage , and making a difference .
“ I ’ ve been asking Ms . Flautt to do this show since I was a freshman . It ’ s a dream show … everybody is always on stage together doing these huge numbers , and it ’ s a powerful presence ,” says lead actor Luke Stevens ’ 22 , who played the courageous paper boy Jack Kelly .
Audience goers came for the incredible visuals , vocals , choreography , and colloquialisms of a burgeoning 1899 New York City working class , but stayed for this production ’ s beautiful embodiment of the clarity of courage , or as Head of School Nate Morrow reminds us : “ full-hearted participation .”
Inspired by true events of a labor strike led by newsboys , mere children , against hungry publishing Goliaths William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer , the story addresses the economic exploitation of minors , unchecked establishment reign , the power of industrious journalism , and the contagious effect of standing up for what is right .
Luke Stevens ’ 22 , playing strike leader Jack Kelly , was joined by cast members such as Emmie Pack ’ 23 ( tenacious journalist Katherine Plumber ), Tanner Salinas ’ 25 ( paper boy Crutchie ), Tiger Dulaney ’ 22 ( publishing
Sieze the Day !
tycoon Joseph Pulitzer ), Jack Radbill ’ 23 ( co-striker Davey ), and Ella Kate Emigh ’ 30 ( Les ) for an impressive ensemble of complex characters . A charismatic Jack gave the audience moments of strength and vulnerability , the all-too-real push and pull of leaders in the making , fighting back fear and doubt one step at a time . A formidable Katherine shares her own story of courage as she ’ s determined to pen her way to a seat at the table in a male-dominated journalism industry , seeing the importance of her words in the fight against corruption while also fighting her uphill battle as a female thought-leader . The team of paper peddlers worked in amazing cohesion , generating light , life , fun , laughter , colorful accents and physicality , but also poignant moments nodding to the industrial labor crisis in turn-ofthe century America . Perhaps one of the most striking triumphs of the production was the technical prowess of the crew , operating the set with complete confidence , creating ever-changing illusions of dirty New York streets , news stands , night clubs , rooftops , jailhouses , and office buildings , all at the drop of a newsie cap .
“ Newsies was absolutely the most technically difficult show we have ever put up — over 150 tech cues , from lights , screens , the moving set , and projections ,” says Artistic Director Paula Flautt .
Flautt ’ s love and admiration for this cast and crew is evident as she praises their behind-the-scenes work ethic : “ This cast and crew were diligent , steadfast and enthusiastic — of the work to put up the show , to support and care for each other , to respect , serve , and love . What I wish is that the audience could be a part of company meetings when these students press in to pray for the show and their peers , when they speak encouragement to the seniors , when they are one body together . Those are special and sacred moments .”
Newsies marked Flautt ’ s last show as CPA ’ s ( founding ) Artistic Director ,
28 PURPLE & GOLD FALL 2022