GILBERT SUN NEWS | JANUARY 2, 2022
EXTRA! GilbertSunNews.com
|
@Gilber tSunNews
GET OUT
23
EXTRA!
/Gilber tSunNews
Gilbert’s Limelight theater presenting ‘Newsies’ GETOUT STAFF
W
hen Disney’s “Newsies: The Broadway Musical” opens at the Mesa Arts Center on Jan. 6, it will bring many dreams to life – from dream roles and dream choreography to the director’s decades-long dream to produce the show with a youth cast. “I fell in love with ‘Newsies’ when I was kid and saw the movie in the theater,” said Emma England, artistic director of Limelight Performing Arts, the Gilbert-based youth theater company producing the musical. “I have wanted to stage this production for the last 20 years. It’s truly a dream that is finally being fulfilled.” The show features a cast of nearly 50 performers ages 10-22 hailing from across the Valley. Based on the 1992 motion picture and the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, the musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from New York City. When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies a ragtag gang of teenage newsies to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right. Mesa’s Tre Moore, 17, plays the leading role. “Jack has been a dream role of mine since I first listened to the ‘Newsies’ cast album when I was 11,” he said. “He is charismatic and confident, but also sensitive and ambitious with a big heart. What truly makes this show so meaningful for me is that I, an African-American actor, have been given the opportunity to play Jack, a role that is historically played by White or non-Black actors. This is huge! I am honored to join the ranks of Jack Kelly actors and I hope to inspire and open the eyes of audiences in January.” Kayla King, 18, of Chandler, plays the role of witty and bold Katherine Plumber, a newspaper reporter who breaks the story of the strike and helps the ragamuf-
Rehearsing a scene from “Newsies” are, from left, Westley Caryl,Vincent Farley, Declan Massey, Weston Banning and Tyler Berger. (Photos David Minton/Staff Photographer)
Aaron McCaskill, Meredith Woodward, Ashlynn Taylor, Jordan Gingell and Matthew McCaskill refine their technique during a rehearsal at Gilbert-based Limelight Performing Arts. fin newsies become the Kings of New York. Kaitlyn Woodward, 15, of Gilbert, said “‘Newsies’ is one of my dream shows and I am so happy to perform as Specs. The dances are absolutely amazing and everyone will be blown away by the quality of the production.”
The dancing is a highlight of the production. “It is extraordinary when you have incredibly talented teens with such passion for a show combined with the heart-stopping choreography by Emma England,” said Christian Graca, “Newsies” director. England and her choreography team,
Marie South of Chandler and Reayanna Erving of Gilbert, spent many evenings and weekends working together to find the right balance of energy, athleticism and technique that “Newsies” is known for. Indeed, this choreography has been years in the making. “I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been thinking about and visualizing and working on this choreography for almost a decade,” said England, who has won dozens of ariZoni and National Youth Arts Awards for directing and choreography. “With the dream team of Reayanna and Marie, this is probably the best choreo we have ever done.” This attention to detail is a signature of Limelight’s – and it’s present in every aspect of “Newsies.” Said England, “There is only one blackout in this entire show, and yet the story is constantly moving from one setting or storyline to the next. We had to be very intentional with every single moment on stage to capture the movement of the story across New York City and create an engaging experience for audiences.” “I’ve been wanting to be in this show for a long time because I’m a big fan of ‘Newsies,’” said Gilbert’s Tyler Berger, 15, who plays Buttons. “This show has really stretched me vocally and physically, with the dancing, and through it I’ve learned a lot of new technique.” “The creative energy and support from the production staff and parent volunteers are a magical combination that will breathe life into this huge production and create the ‘do not miss’ musical of the year,” added Graca, who has directed productions across the Valley for the last 10 years. “Limelight Performing Arts is a terrific place for young thespians to learn, grow and reach for excellence in youth theater, and I’m so blessed to be so
see
NEWSIES page 24
