While the historical events that inspired the story of Newsies took place in the late 1800s, many labor strikes throughout history have helped change the way workers are treated. Strikes can be a way for people to get the attention of those in power and demand better conditions or fair treatment. They are a reminder that sometimes change doesn’t happen unless people come together and make their voices heard.
For our Middle School students, Newsies has been a great way to explore how teamwork, leadership, and determination can make a difference. The story teaches us that standing up for what’s right can be powerful, even when facing tough challenges, and it reminds us of the importance of working together to support one another.
Newsies is a story that still speaks to people today—especially our young people, who are learning how to use their voices to make a difference. I’m so proud to be a part of their process.
Please join me in congratulating our incredible cast and crew and remember, “now is the time to seize the day.”
Ashley Hacker Performing Arts Department Chair
THE VIDEOTAPING OR OTHER VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Director’s Note
At first glance, it’s impossible to miss the connection of Newsies, Jr. to our current world. After all, what feels more relevant than a group of young people challenging the influence of millionaire media moguls? However, on deeper examination, Newsies, Jr. is about something vastly more important: a sense of belonging. While Jack Kelly yearns for the sweet, simple, and independent life of New Mexico, he actively builds a loving and sustainable family among his fellow newsies in New York. Jack’s motivations are clear to everyone except him. He must battle the demons of both ambition and complacency. He is determined to make a better life for his brethren while yearning to find a place of peace for himself. Ultimately, Jack is able to embrace the noble stress of service to his ideals and to the people he loves. He realizes, in the words of George Bernard Shaw, that his “life belongs to the community… it is [his] privilege to do for it whatever [he] can.”
One final note: The Newsies, Jr. family extends beyond directors, cast, and crew. Thank you to our friends and colleagues in security, maintenance, housekeeping, and food service who do so much to support our productions. We are eternally grateful for your dedication, diligence, and patience.
Andrew Cooper-Leary Director
Meet the Production Staff
Andy Cooper-Leary (Director) has directed over 40 plays and musicals with students ranging in grade from kindergarten through high school during his teaching career. Before coming to Poly Prep in 2022, Andy was the Performing Arts teacher at Leadership Prep Brownsville Elementary Academy. He has also taught/directed at New York area independent schools, including the Hackley School and Friends Academy. From 2009 to 2018, Andy was part of the Emmy Award-winning research team at MLB Network. He earned a BA in Drama & English from Tufts University and an MA in Educational Theatre from NYU. In between degrees, Andy trained professionally as an actor at Circle in the Square and Brandeis University.
Maddy Wyatt (Music Director) is happy to be conducting her eighth musical at Poly Prep. In addition to her work as a music educator, Ms. Wyatt is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, having toured the country as a singer/songwriter and with her band WYATT, released three albums of original music, and composed film scores as well as the occasional toothpaste jingle. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, her work has been featured in conjunction with the NYCLU, and can most recently be heard in the feature film Breaking Fast, now streaming across all platforms.
Ashley Hacker (Choreographer) began her endeavor as a lifelong dancer at the age of two. She continued her dance studies as an undergraduate at The College at Brockport, where she earned a BFA in Dance, and a BS in Psychology with a minor in Music. After graduation, she made the move to the Big Apple to dance, teach, and pursue her MA in Dance Education with a PreK-12 Dance Certification from New York University. Ms. Hacker continues to perform in NYC with her most recent performance at the Ailey Studios. She is also a member of, attends yearly, and presents at the National Dance Education Organization Conference, while regularly participating in arts outreach and in-reach programs in the NYC community. In her thirteenth year at Poly, Ms. Hacker not only teaches and choreographs, she is also the Performing Arts Department Chair. She believes in regular professional development and is certified as a yoga teacher, a Strong Nation and Zumba instructor, and a FRC mobility specialist; using her knowledge regularly to support Poly students.
Our Production Would Not Be Possible without the Generous Support of:
John Rankin
Interim Head of School
Michal Hershkovitz P’16, ’18
Assistant Head of School, Academics
Daniel Doughty Head of Middle School
Michael S. Robinson Head of Arts
Ashley Hacker Performing Arts Department Chair
The members of the Performing Arts faculty, the Engagement & Communications Department, the Admissions Department, the Poly Prep IT staff, the Facilities and Maintenance Department, the Security staff, the Kitchen staff, and the Middle School deans.
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