2023 NHI Musical Program: Newsies Jr.!

Nature Hill Intermediate School’s Theater Department production of

Music by

Lyrics

by

Written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White

Originally Produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions

Book

by Alan Menken Jack Feldman Harvey Fierstein

Oconomowoc Arts Center

Evening Performances February 9-11 at 7 PM

Afternoon Matinee on February 11 at 2 PM

“Now is the time to seize the day. Stare down the odds and seize the day. Once we’ve begun, if we stand as one, some day becomes somehow.”

“Seize the Day” Lyrics by Jack

Feldman

In 2013, I was lucky enough to be in New York City and see Newsies on Broadway I was totally amazed by the choreography, which won a Tony, the wonderful music (also Tony Award winning), and the themes of being there for your family, standing up for what you believe in, and the power of teamwork. I never thought it would be a show that Nature Hill would bring to the stage, as the full-length version has a highly male dominated cast and there are always more girls than boys interested in being involved in our NHI cast each year. When the show was recently released as a part of the Broadway Jr. Collection, the changes made allowed for more flexibility with casting both boys and girls as newsies. This intrigued us and we knew we had found our show for this year.

To the cast, I can’t thank you enough for being my “kids”. We all know that I’m the “mom” of our musical family, as Ms. Garon will never let any of us forget that I am the “old” one. But as your “stage mom”, I want you to know how very proud I am of each and every one of you. Each day you came to “Seize the Day” and make the most out of our time together. When you take your place for each performance, I hope that you will once again “Seize the Day” and cherish every moment of being on stage with each other. You have worked so very hard over the past two and a half months. You have become a team and you definitely stand together as one. Enjoy being together and creating your very own magical NHI musical memories

When it comes to teamwork, our crew demonstrates this best. In only two short weeks together, you figured out how to move the set quickly and with precision, make sure that 24 mics are working perfectly and are on when they need to be, start and end the music tracks at just the right moment, and create all of the special lighting effects. Of course, you had the wonderful leadership of Mr. Darnell and Mr. Kyle, as well as Sean Floeter and the OHS techs, helping to ensure you were ready to do this safely and effectively. Thank you to the adults and mentors for all of your assistance. And a huge thank you to Eric and John for designing a set that fits this show perfectly! You two are amazing!

Our cast would never look like they are ready to “Seize the Day” if it wasn’t for our wonderful costume ladies and their team of volunteers. Coordinating all of the costumes, fittings, alterations, and organizing everything needed to create Newsies only happens because of the teamwork displayed by our costume team. A huge thank you to Lynn, Danielle, and Nicole for knowing exactly how each character should look and making sure that every detail is in place and fitting perfectly!

When I saw Newsies on Broadway, I was blown away by the choreography. This show has always been known for its high energy dancing and tap dancing. Some of our cast members have never taken any dance lessons, but the audience would never know this because of Emily and Alyssa. Emily, we are so fortunate to have you with us now for a 10th show! Every year you amaze us with your creative dance steps, your ability to break each step down so that movements seem simple, and your incredible patience. Alyssa, you’ve been tapping since you were four and your love for tap and musicals has been evident ever since. Thank you for helping us throughout your winter break from school and really showing us how to be “King” of the stage

Outside of rehearsal, tech week, and performances, I can be found in my 5th grade classroom at NHI, my second home. I work with the most amazing educators every day in a district with incredible leadership. Thank you to the administrative team at our OASD District Office and at NHI. I am so fortunate to be working in a district that fully supports the arts. Not many people can say that they have taught their entire career in the same place for now 31 years. I know that I am extremely lucky and blessed to teach and direct for the OASD. (Don’t worry, this is NOT a retirement announcement! I’ve still got a lot of shows and a lot of lessons in me!) To Tracy, creating with you is always an adventure Music has always played a tremendous role in my life and I’m so thankful that I get to be an honorary music staff member for a few months each year with you. To my 5th grade team, you are my brothers and sisters. I can honestly say that coming to work with all of you each day isn’t work. It’s family! The support you always provide me and everyone on our team is truly special. You are all honorary newsies!

And when the show is over and the final curtain call for Newsies has been made, there are three people who will welcome me back home with open arms. Even though I’ve been an empty nester for three years now, my wonderful husband and daughters have been there every single day again this year for the entire musical process. Erik, Tessa, and Alyssa, thank you so much for putting up with me during this crazy time of year, as I know you have sacrificed a lot over the years in order for me to spend time with my other family and kids. Fortunately, there were seven years over the past 30 where we got to experience an NHI musical together! It isn’t every teacher who gets to direct their own daughters in their intermediate school musicals. And I got to do it for seven! Tessa and Alyssa, having you both on stage together for Music Man Jr. in 2013 is still one of my favorite NHI musical memories. And Erik, you were the one 24 years ago who told me after our first Broadway Jr. show at the old middle school that I could never go back to those simple one act plays. And you know what? You were absolutely right! The three of you are incredible teammates and my best cheerleaders! Thank you for your love and support. ❤

I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was seven. I didn’t know that I wanted to be a director. Thirty-one years ago, my mentor teacher came to me and asked me if I would be willing to help her with the school play. I laughed at her suggestion, as I had not performed in a play since I was in third grade! I’m not an actor. But my mentor believed in me and told me to take a chance. I’m so glad that I did “Seize the Day”, for if I hadn’t I wouldn’t be here today, in this beautiful art center, with the most amazing people, both on stage, in the wings, running the sound and lights, and in the audience. Thank you to everyone for supporting these special kids and our NHI Theater program.

One of my favorite moments in Newsies is during the song “Once and For All”. Jack’s line, “It’s just….I didn’t think I could ever feel like this. Like something I believe in, something important was actually possible.” To all of my kids and family (school, show, and home) thank you for believing in me and allowing me to be the NHI director for all of these years. Each of you is special and important and definitely makes the impossible happen.

Thank you for coming. Enjoy the show! Be in the moment as you sit in this beautiful space today and “Seize the Day”!

Amy Jappinen

Direct

Costume Team’s Note

Thank you to our parent volunteers who helped out!

Pattie Burns, Courtney Faivre, Geri Darnell, Erin Kleber, Jenn Kubicek, Christie Mattson, Angela Papenthien, Jessica Poff, and Rebecca VanCleve

A special thank you to Kit Dailey and Jamie Mandigo who were at every costume day and took projects home. They worked above and beyond to make the vision come to life!

Thank you to Tiersa Ferraro, OHS Theater Director, for providing us with access to the OHS Costume Closet.

Thank you to Amy Jappinen for putting up with middle of the night emergency costume texts and emails!

Without all of the help, this show could not happen.

Love from your Costume Team, Lynn Mickelson, Daniee Cu, and Nicole Semrow

Vocal Director’s Note

“Just a moon so big and yellow, it turns night right into day.

Dreams come true, Yeah they do. In Santa Fe.”

~Santa Fe from Newsies, written by Alan

Menken & Jack Feldman

Just. The magical word to begin this phrase of the epic line from this beloved ballad. Just a moon. Just another show. Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines “just” in many ways, with the one I ascribe to as an adverb meaning “exactly, or precisely.”

With that lens, I say, it’s another opening, another show, of “just another musical,” here at NHI - and truly - I mean that in the sense of: This Musical is EXACTLY and PRECISELY what we needed for this year, in our production of Newsies Jr. What a ride it has been from show selection, all of the ins and outs of our planning for production, to beyond. Thank you to the support of our OASD Administration with Superintendent Dr. Sereno, C&I Director Mr. John Flannery, HR Director Dr. Taylor, as well as OAC Director John Cramer, for all of their support around musical theater for our intermediate school students with both of our intermediate school shows here at the Oconomowoc Arts Center.

To our amazing production team of Amy, Emily, Eric, John, Alyssa, Lynn, Danielle, Nicole, Sean and OHS Techs - bringing this vision to life has been a fulfilling and collaborative process of staging, props, choreography, sets and design, costuming, lights, sound, music and singing and so much more. The stories of support, trying something new, taking risks, and beauty in all aspects of this production, will live on long after the curtain closes.

To Krista, Kelly, Michelle, Wendy, Susan, Rebecca, and our amazing NHI Team of Teachers & Staff - thank you for your continued trust, support, laughter through this process, and even more your trust in doing all of this. From supporting kids, to sharing stories, to sharing snacks during the busyness of all of this - we appreciate you and being there for us along the way!

To cast & crew families - from info meetings, to auditions, to posters, to cookies, and to bios, and beyond, we are so grateful for your support of all of the efforts of our families of volunteers for organizational tasks, building sets, supervision, and beyond - thank you for being a part of our Newsies Family!

To the kids - there’s been a lot of fun this year, from the “on the fly” moments, to the tangy fruit snacks, to the jumping, to the boxes, and so much more in all the fun that’s to come during this show run. For all that you do - in the memorizing lines, the adjustments made from the school rehearsals to the stage and the knowing where to go, and simply, to just showing up - which like what I wrote before, is the exact and precise beauty of another show - it’s everything. And I am so glad that you chose to take a chance on Newsies this year. To the 8th Grade Cast & Crew - what an amazing four years of Frozen, our Musical Revue, Rock of Ages, and now, Newsies - your storied NHI Musical Theater Lives have told so many stories, whether in just a couple, or all four of our shows…know how incredibly proud I am of each of you, and blessed that you have been a part of our shows - with both the light through the cold of Frozen, being Two Worlds, One Family, still Believin’ through it all in Rock of Ages, and, carrying an amazing banner and legacy of Newsies. You are just kids, meaning exactly and precisely who you should be, and I am glad to know each of you.

To my family and friends, thanks for all of the quick meals, coffee runs, supportive texts, and beyond. It’s all about the family we are given, and the family we choose in our friends, that make all the difference in being under the Same Sky, with just the moon so big and yellow, and the stars still out, Trusty & True. I love you all. ❤

To everyone here at the show, those supporting from afar, those supporting from above (love you, Dad) - thank you for being part of this amazing journey back in time to 1899 in supporting these kids, each other, our production team, and me, through it all. Incredibly blessed to know each of you in my life, as we are all “just” on this journey of walking each other home. To me? Making music, working on musicals, and the amazing memories that encompass this production and music making that we do at NHI, is the dream come true and my own personal Santa Fe with each of you in the just exactly where we are supposed to be and who we are supposed to be on this walk

Hope you enjoy the show! Peace, Love and #bigskyeffect - with confidence, belief, and a smile.

~Tracy Garon~

Technical Directors’ Note

The design and building of Newsies Jr has really been a fun process. For the second year in a row we were challenged to design a set that could be universal and used to show many different locations with smooth scene changes. Sometimes it’s harder to think so abstract but it can also lead to some great ideas. Rebuilding the Newsies Broadway set would have been awesome if we had the space and budget they do on Broadway but we don’t. :) So, John and I started thinking about how we could play these different locations with a universal set that looks both New York dingy, with clean lines to give us options. It didn’t take long for us to realize that by redesigning last years set, we were able to create all of the spaces we needed. We used ladders instead of steps to give the set that NYC fire escape look and added some new moving pieces with large openings for kids to make entrances. It was such a fun set to create and build. We really hope you like it.

Over the past few months we were so lucky to have over 90 students and adults who put in over 600 total hours of set construction with the end result being something that we are so proud of. We could not be more thankful for all of the talents brought to us by the amazing adults in our NHI family. Also, a huge thank you to our NHI art teacher Kristine Bertling and her 7th grade helpers who painted Jack’s backdrops for Medda’s Theater. They are absolutely amazing!

We are also so proud of our NHI tech crew for giving us their best effort. All sound, lighting, scene changes, flies and stage management are executed by our crew of 33 NHI students. For safety reasons, trained adults are also on stage during rehearsals and performances. The students came to rehearsal each night focused and ready to work and it shows in our final product. By running 30 different microphones or moving our set and making sure everyone has the right newspapers and props, they have gone above and beyond our expectations.

Thank you to the team that makes all of this happen. Amy, Tracy, Emily, Lynn, Nicole, Danielle and Alyssa, thank you for embracing our technical vision of Newsies Jr and taking it to new heights with all of your talents. What you do for kids is amazing and this work couldn’t be done without everyone’s collected love of theater.

To Sean, Kody and the rest of the OAC crew, thank you for mentoring our kids and supporting our vision. Working with you has again been fantastic and we can’t wait for everyone to see what you have helped us create. Thank you for supporting our NHI Theater family and students.

We hope you enjoy going back in time to 1899 and thank you for your support for not only our stage crew, but for all of the NHI students and families who have given so much over the past few months!

Eric Darne & John Kyle

Scenes and Musical Numbers

Prologue: Alley

Santa Fe (Prologue)...........................................................Jack and Crutchie

Scene 1: Newsies Square

Carrying the Banner.......................................................................Newsies

Carrying the Banner (Reprise)...........................................................Newsies

Scene 2: Pulitzer’s Office

Scene 3: Street

Scene 4: Medda’s Theater

Just a Pretty Face…Medda, Bowery Brigade (Ada, Ethel, and Olive) and City Ensemble

Scene 5: Newsie Square

The World Will Know.........................................................Jack and Company

Scene 6: Katherine’s OfficeWatch What

Happens...................................................................Katherine

Scene 7: Newsie Square, The Next Morning

Seize the Day (Part 1)......................................................Davey and Company

Seize the Day (Part 2)......................................................Davey and Company

Santa Fe.........................................................................................Jack

Scene 8: The Refuge

Letter from The Refuge..................................................................Crutchie 15 MInute Intermission

Scene 9: Newsie Square, The Next Day

King of New York.........................................................Newsies

Scene 10: Medda’s Theater

Scene 11: Pulitzer’s Office, That Afternoon

Scene 12: Medda’s Theater

Brooklyn’s Here..............................Spot Conlon, Brooklyn Newsies, and Company

Scene 13: Newsies Square/Cellar Door, That Evening

Seize the Day (Reprise)......................................................Newsies Ensemble

Once and for All.......................................Jack, Davey, Katherine, and Company

Scene 14: Pulitzer’s Office, The Next Day

Scene 15: Newsie Square

Finale: Carrying the Banner & King of New York...................................Company

Jack Kelly……………………………………………………………………………………………………Ezra Seefeldt

Crutchie…………………………………………………………………………………………………….Jacob Wacker

Katherine………………………………………………………………………….……………………………Mia Kollath

Darcy………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Dara Monville

Morris Delancey………………………….…………………………………………………………Dietrich Mandigo

Oscar Delancey……………………………………………………………………………………..Arrow Dinwiddie

Wiesel…………………………………………………….………………………………………………..Dalton Scheltz

Les………………………………………………………….……………………………………………..Ashley Durocher

Davey and Featured Dancer………….………………………………………………………………..Bruce Cull

Joseph Pulitzer……………………………………….………………………………………………..Alex Matteson

Hannah……………………………………………………………………………………………………….Rowen Faivre

Bunsen………………………………………………………………….………………………………Julianna Dehnert

Seitz……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Reegan Dailey

Snyder…………………………………………………………………………………………………..Ephraim Johnson

Medda Larkin………………………………………………………………………………….………..Avery Ingersoll

Race………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Ethan Burns

Albert…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….Josh Osborn

Muriel and Featured Dancer………………………………………………………………………Emma Darnell

Nancy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Kayla Rossey

Specs and Featured Dancer……………………………………………………….……………………Elena Fare

Pigtails…………………………………………………………………………………………….…………Alaina Fawley

Hazel…………………………………………………………………………………………….……Aubrey Nevermann

Buttons………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Macy Carter

Tommy Boy…………………………………………………………………………………………………..Lyra Rupnow

Romeo…………………………………………………………………………………………………..Ethan Schweizer

JoJo………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Nora Smith

Spot Conlon…………………………………………………………….……………………………..Audrey Kubicek

Scab #1…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Bella Kurtz

Scab #2………………………………………………………………………….……………………..Liam Papenthien

Scab #3……………………………………………………………………………………………………….Griffin Heard

Ada - Bowergy Brigade and Brooklyn Newsie…………………………………………..Caitlyn Kleber

Olive - Bowery Brigade and Brooklyn Newsie…………….……………………..Autumn VanCleve

Ethel - Bowery Brigade and Brooklyn Newsie……………….……………………………..Layla Perez

Pat……………………………………………………………………….…………………………………..Willow Welnak

Dorothy……………………………………………………………………………………….…………….Brooklyn Nied

Governor Teddy Roosevelt & Bill………………………………….…………………………..Andrew Detro

Police Chief………………………………………………………………………………….……………..Abby Ireland

Police Officer……………………………………………………………….………………………Layla Papenthien

Police Officer………………………………………………………………………………………..Harper Kroemer

Police Officer…………………………………………………….…….………………..Alyssa Dolph-Pavlovich

Woman…………………………………………………………………………………………………………Tay Wenzlick

Newsie Ensemble & Working Children of New York

Anna Bratz, Ella Childers, Sydney Dehnel, Morgan Duvall, Lucy Heck, Aubrey Houlihan, Codah Kopac, Serah Rosenow, Leah Sova, and Delaney Thomas

City Ensemble

Elizabeth Ciula, Cassie Ellifson, Joan Kaszubowski, Ellianna Pederson, and Erin Wenzlick

Congratulations to our 8th Graders who participated in all four musicals while attending NHI:

Bruce Cull, Emma Darnell, Elena Fare, Mia Kollath, and Aubrey Nevermann

It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with each of you over these four years. We will miss you greatly. We wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors!

Remember, once a wolf, always a wolf! You’ll always be a part of the Pack!

Newsies Memories - Order Your Recording Today!

The performance will be professionally videotaped in high definition from multiple angles with high quality audio and edited with titles, credits and transitions. The DVD will feature titles and scene selections so you can view just the scenes you want or the entire show. Please indicate which performance(s) you would like to purchase and whether you prefer a Standard Definition DVD, or a High Definition Blu-Ray disk. Also available as a digital download so you can play on your phone, tablet, computer or smart TV.

The price is $30.00 per DVD and $25.00 for digital download version plus 5% WI sales tax

Order forms are available in the OAC Lobby. Mail your check made out to Windwood Studio or you can order online with any credit card at windwoodvideo.com

Crew

Stage Manager………………………………………………………………………………………Gabriel Matteson

Assistant Stage Manager - Stage Left…………………………………………………………..Tycen Perry

Assistant Stage Manager - Stage Right……………………………….…………………Cayetano Flores

Fly…………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………Alec Presta

Joey Carlson

Sound…………………………………………………………………………………………………………Colin Erickson

Jackson Fawley

Grace Larson

Follow Spot…………………………………………………………………………….………….Charlotte Dehnert

Nathan Rosch

Projections……………………………………………………………………………………………………Rhyan Wyatt

Rowan Young

Lighting……………………………………………………………………………….………………….Tiffaney Garcia

Luna Steinberg

Props……………………………………………………………………………………………………….….Norah Greves

Kristin Poff

Mackenzie Totten

Running Crew

Harper Beaulieu, Hayden Beaulieu, Cali Bentheimer, Alalyiah Czerniak, Owen Erickson, Anders Faivre, Braeden Frey, Sam Haima, Micah Katcha, Caleb Leinen, Rilynn Lord, Gunther Matteson, Andrew Osborn, Christian Pochinski, Leah Rivas, and Jase Strandberg

OHS Tech Mentors/Assistants

Taylor Carlson, Mary Gurka, Samantha Jappinen, Carson Klamert, Luke Raether, and Elliana Webster

Please help keep our cast safe! We will be using all aisles throughout the performance. Please keep the aisles clear.

No flash photography!

Production Staff

Director………………………………………………………………………………………………………Amy Jappinen

Vocal Director……………………………………………………………………………………………….Tracy Garon

Choreographers………………………………………………………………………………………………Emily Venci

Alyssa Jappinen

Costume Design……………………………………………………………………………………….Lynn Mickelson

Danielle Cull

Nicole Semrow

Technical Directors……………………………………………………………………………………….Eric Darnell

John Kyle

Lighting Design……………………….……………………………………………….……………………Eric Darnell

Sean Floeter

Sound Design…….…...………..……………………………….…………………….………………..Eric Darnell

OHS Alumni Tech Mentor…………………………………………………………………………Kody Watterson

Program Design & Layout………………………………………………………………………….Amy Jappinen

Headshots and Show Photos…………………………….………………………………….…………….Erin Lee

Video Recording………………………………………………….……..Matt Luebke of Windwood Studio

OAC Lobby Display……Katie DuVall, Kelly Ellifson, Jessica Pederson, and Becky Scheltz

NHI Show Display………………………………………………………………….Kathy Detro and Beth Fare

Raffle Chairs…………………………………………………………..Jen Kollath and Jessica Nevermann

Show Party Chairs…………….…Crystelle Cridelich, Dana Durocher, and Jennifer Kroemer

Costumes

Led by Lynn Mickelson, Danielle Cull, & Nicole Semrow

Pattie Burns, Kit Dailey, Geri Darnell,Courtney Faivre, Erin Kleber, Jenn Kubicek, Jamie Mandigo, Christie Mattson, Angela Papenthien, Jessica Poff, and Rebecca VanCleve

Hair and Makeup

Pattie Burns, Katie Ciula, Kit Dailey, Kayla Dehnert, Jenny Fleury, Abbey Kaszubowski, Erin Kleber, Jennifer Kroemer, Christie Matteson, Jeanette Osborn, Angela Papenthien, Jessy Poff, Jess Rupnow, Tiffany Serpico, and Emily Welnak

Jack’s Artwork Artists

Led by NHI Art Teacher, Kristine Bertling

Ella Arndorfer, Ryan Barber, Kylie Berger, Lilly Bruss, Braxton Collier, Taylor Disch, Vera Dixon, Abby Hansen, Marlee Hoadley, Oliver Johnson, Sean Kleber, Kalleigh Kuzenski, Isabelle Laufenberg, Gavin Lewis, Aiden May, Jaslene Negron, Lilliana O'Connor, Nolan Post,Chloe Richmond, Leah Rivas, Madeline Roark, Luke Romans, Evan Ruppenthal, Collin Russell, Jacob Stefczak, Jaresly Vizcarra, Emmett Wagner, and Addison Werner

Main Set Construction, Painting, and Artwork

(Listed by Hours Contributed, 8 hours Minimum) (*NHIS Student)

John Kyle, Eric Darnell, Rowen Faivre*, Anders Faivre*, Gabe Matteson*, Emma Darnell*, Per Faivre, Arrow Dinwiddie*, Jenny Fleury, Mike Bentheimer, Chris Poff, Kristin Poff*, Ethan Burns*, Clay Carlson, Joey Carlson*

(Listed by Hours Contributed, Less than 8 hours) (*NHIS Student)

Grace Larson*, Anna Bratz*, Randy Bratz, Matt Pochinski, Alec Presta*, bella Kurtz*, Chris Kurtz, Nathan Rosch*, Todd Rosch, Rilynn Lord*, Jessica Nevermann, Aubrey Nevermann*, Kyle Bratz, Megan Carlson, Jeff Ciula, Kelly Ellifson, Owen Erickson*, Kara Erickson, Colin Erickson*, Micah Katcha*, Tim Wacker, Jacob Wacker*, Eric Lord, Sam Haima*, Jeff Haima, Joey Leinen, Caleb Leinen*, Adam Dinwiddie, Jeremy Dehnel, Jim Larson, Tiffany Serpico, Chris Fawley, Jackson Fawley*, Robin Sova, Aalyiah Czerniak*, Ryan Dailey, Brett Dailey, Julianna Dehnert*, Charlotte Dehnert*, Kayla Dehnert, Jenny Kollath, Aubrey Kubicek*, Joey Kubicek, Parker Kubicek, Katie Nied*, Brooke Nied, Christian Pochinski*, Steve Scheltz, Dalton Scheltz*, Michele Smith, Nora Smith*, Leah Sova*, Mike Sova, Charlie Darnell, Angela Thomas, Delaney Thomas*, Brian Ireland, Abby Ireland*, Willow Welnak*, Tyler Welnak, Steve Houlihan, Aubrey Houlihan*, Abby Kaszubowski, Mia Kollath*, Kim Lord, Anne Osborn, Andrew Osborn*, Joseph VanCleve*, Elizabeth Ciula*, Jeff Carter, Macy Carter*

Special Thanks

Our sincere thank you to the following people for supporting the NHI All-School Musical. This year's production would not have been possible if it weren't for the support from so many.

Krista Werchowski, NHI Principal, Kelly Boldt, NHI Associate Principal, and Michelle Ware, NHI Dean of Students for their endless support and belief in our program.

Dr. Michael Sereno, OASD Superintendent, John Flannery, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Beth Sheridan, Director of Business Services, and the OASD Board of Education for their continued support of the NHI theater program and performers.

Amy Jappinen, Director – For all the work you do and your visioning of the show – thank you for sharing it with each of us in your love for bringing a show to life. We appreciate your organization, communication, and all that you do as the show evolves – from developing characters to blocking to crafting to ordering other things we need, know that we appreciate you, and congrats especially on #30!!!

Tracy Garon, Music Director – Thank you for sharing your talents and creativity with all of us, as well as your energy and enthusiasm for musical theater. We are so fortunate to have you share your love of music with our students. This show wouldn't be possible without you! NHI is so lucky to have you! You are loved by all<3

Lynn Mickelson, Danielle Cull, and Nicole Semrow, Costumes - Every character’s costume was created with love and attention to the littlest detail. The three of you are amazing! Thank you so much for the countless hours you share with us. Creativity knows no end when it comes to the three of you and the costume team! We are so lucky to have you sharing your magic to create the vision for how each character should “look.”

Eric Darnell and John Kyle, NHI Technical Directors - Thank you for everything you do to help NHI students become wonderful techs. We are so lucky to have the two of you coordinate with Sean and the OHS techs in order to hand over the reins so our students can run the show. Thank you for your patience and mentoring. In addition, your set, sound, and lighting designs are amazing! We really feel like we’re back in New York City and 1899 thanks to the two of you!

Emily Venci, Choreographer - Thank you for sharing your creative movements with us. It’s always amazing to watch you develop our story through dance. Thank you for teaching and showing our cast how to move like newsies and carry the banner proudly!

Alyssa Jappinen, Assistant Choreographer - Thank you for teaching the newsies how to really be a “King of New York” and our featured dancers to tap. We are so appreciative of you assisting during our choreography rehearsals and helping all of us. And your mom really loved working with you in this role.

John Cramer, OAC Manager, and Sean Floeter, OAC Technical Manager, for welcoming us to this beautiful facility and accommodating all of our needs. We appreciate all of your advising for functioning in this space and on the equipment for sound and lighting.

Cynthia Acosta Luksich, OAC Box Office, Marketing & Social Media Manager, and Sharon Milway, OAC Usher/House Manager Coordinator for taking care of everyone’s ticket needs and making sure that everyone would find their seats with ease.

Erin Lee, of Erin Lee Photography, for her wonderful cast and crew photos and for all of her help with capturing the magic in photos during our dress rehearsal.

Matt Luebke, Windwood Studio, video recording - Thank you for capturing our show so that all of us can enjoy it again and again! Those that were not able to be with us in person definitely appreciate you sharing your time and talents with us.

Amy Blair and Bill Harvat at IDGraphics for their assistance with our poster design and printing of posters.

Teri and Bruce Bergendahl and Doug Jarecki of the Waukesha Civic Theater for helping us with the desk and chair for Pulitzer’s office.

Travis Williams and the NHI Custodial Staff for all of their help during rehearsals and set construction at NHI. No matter what we asked of you, you always completed it with enthusiasm and wanted everything to be perfect for us.

Chad Zwieg, Niki Becher, Dee Smith, custodial staff at the OAC for helping us with all of our needs while rehearsing and performing at the OAC.

Kristine Bertling, NHI Art Teacher, and her 7th grade art students for creating Jack’s artwork that you see on stage.

NHI Office Ladies, Carol Hunter, Cathy Schreiber, and Deb Hayes for helping with all of the many issues that arise throughout the production.

Brooke Sambolin and Shannon Harris, NHI Health Room Assistants, for helping the directors keep everyone safe and healthy at all rehearsals and performances, as well as coordinating our medical bags for our all-school field trip to the OAC on February 8th.

Mark Jappinen, OHS Project Lead the Way instructor, for printing our show shirts.

Samantha Jappinen, OHS Mentor Tech - This is Samantha’s 8th show with us!!! She started as a NHI Tech when she was in 5th grade. It has been so much fun watching you learn all things techy and share your time and talents with all of us! We are so lucky to have your support!

NHI PTO, Tim Schmidt, Treasurer, Lori Naylor Co-President, Kim Ciriacks Co-President, for funding our buses so that all students at NHI could enjoy being in the audience for our all-school musical school performances.

Kelly Ellifson, Communications and Marketing Manager and Rebecca Seymour from the Oconomowoc Enterprise for helping us communicate information about our production with our school district and community. Thank you to both of you for helping us get our picture in the papes and on social media.

Greg Maroo, OASD Buildings and Grounds, for coordinating our use of all facilities and equipment for this production.

Susan Collins, OASD Building & Grounds Assistant-District Facility Scheduler, for all of her assistance in reserving various facilities throughout the year.

Tiersa Ferraro, Director of the OHS Players, for her support of our program and helping us with costumes and props.

Pam Seibel OASD Internal Auditor/Accounting Analyst, Chelsea Indra, OASD Accounting Manager, and Kristin Woodard, OASD Accounting Analyst/Accounts Payable Specialist for all of their help with online sales, Amazon ordering, and purchasing throughout the production.

Michelle Turinske, Go Riteway Transportation Group, for arranging bus transportation for our all-school field trip to the OAC.

Katie DuVall, Kelly Ellifson, Jessica Pederson, and Becky Scheltz for the wonderful lobby display at the OAC.

Kathy Detro and Beth Fare for the terrific show display at NHI.

Jeff Carter, Jessica Carter, Kelly Ellifson, Cindy Fawley, Jenn Kubicek,Jeanette Osborn, Angela Papenthien, Shawna Perry, Steph Seefeldt, and Rebecca VanCleve for typing and editing our cast and crew bios.

Pattie Burns, Katie Ciula, Kit Dailey, Kayla Dehnert, Jenny Fleury, Abbey Kaszubowski, Erin Kleber, Jennifer Kroemer, Christie Matteson, Jeanette Osborn, Angela Papenthien, Jessy Poff, Jess Rupnow, Tiffany Serpica, and Emily Welnak for all of their help with hair and makeup.

Kelly Bratz, Jessica Carter, Kathy Detro, Beth Fare, Cindy Fawley, Nicki Heard, Kate Houlihan, Abbey Kaszubowski, Melissa & Chris Kurtz, Kim Lord, Jeanette Osborn, Michele Smith, Robin Sova, Ellen Wacker, and Emily Welnak for distributing our posters to local businesses.

Geri Darnell, Kayla Dehnert, Kathy Detro, Katie DuVall, Courtney Faivre, Erica Flores, Kina Kopac, Jenn Kubicek, Jen Kollath, Jessica Monville, and Jamie Presta for chairing our cast and crew snacks and meals.

To all of our cookie bakers: Christine Childers, Katie Ciula, Danielle Cull, Erica Flores, Connie Heck, Kate Houlihan, Beth Ingersoll, Kina Kopac, Jamie Mandigo, Jessica Monville, Anne Osborn, Jeanette Osborn, Angela Papenthien, Michele Smith, Rebecca VanCleve, Ellen Wacker, and Emily Welnak. Thank you for sharing your time and baking talents with us in order to raise funds for our program.

To all of our cast and crew parents who prepared, donated, and served meals and snacks throughout our two weeks at the OAC.

Jessica Nevermann and Jen Kollath for serving as raffle chair people.

Steph Seefeldt for taking photos for our show buttons.

Jessica Monville for being our flower chairperson and providing flowers for purchase at each performance.

Angela Gunja, owner of Birch Blooms Floral and Design for helping us with our floral needs.

Brian Paulin, Charlie Darnell and Brian Schlieve from Engine Power for providing trucks that were so important in helping us accomplish our move from NHI to the OAC.

Thank you to Chocolate Factory and Rocky Rococo’s for working with us to feed our cast and crew throughout our production run.

NHI Staff for being the most caring, dedicated, and supportive staff. Thank you for what you do for our students, each other, and our school every day. We greatly appreciate each of you and your support of this program.

NHI Families of our cast and crew, for helping with costumes, posters, snacks, hair and makeup, program assembly, button making, concession sales, backstage supervision, cookie baking, bio write ups, party planning, raffle donations, set construction, etc. But most importantly, thank you for supporting your children and sharing them with all of us! Without all of your help this production wouldn't come to completion. A very special thanks to all of you!

To our audience! Thank you to those of you who have made it a tradition to attend our show each year. Your support keeps our program alive. And we can’t thank you enough for supporting our program enough to make sure that we will always perform here, at the beautiful Oconomowoc Arts Center. Our kids deserve the best venue possible to perform in and we appreciate you supporting us.

The Jappinen, Garon, Venci, Mickelson, Cull, Darnell, and Kyle families for sharing their spouses, parents, and children with the cast and crew for the past few months. We appreciate all of you for living with the craziness of putting this show together! We love you! ~Amy, Tracy, Emily, Lynn, Danielle, Eric, and John.