Amazing, intimidating, and exciting is how students of Waconia High School’s fall musical “Newsies” described their master class on Sept. 14 with Broadway actor Adam Kaplan.
Kaplan, who ran with “Newsies” from January 2013 to its closing in August 2014, flew from New York City to spend the day in Waconia working with students on their upcoming production of the show slated for next Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 10-13.
Junior Oliver McKeever, who plays leader Jack Kelly, was understandably nervous to perform in front of Kaplan, as Kaplan himself went on as Jack Kelly in the Broadway production.
“It was pretty intimidating working with someone of his caliber, but he was super understanding and helpful the whole time,” McKeever said.
Kaplan was impressed by the excitement and commitment of the Waconia students.
“Newsies requires an immense amount of energy and focus,” he said. “I always say once the train leaves the station at the top of the show, it doesn’t stop, and the students seem ready to meet that challenge.”
“Newsies” is based off the 1992 film of the same name, follows a rag-tag team of newsboys in New York City in 1899. Faced with rising prices, they form a union and strike against publishing behemoth Joseph Pulitzer. The show features a strong ensemble cast of newsies who sing memorable hits like “Seize the Day” and “Carrying the Banner.”
With a cast of 35, the Waconia ensemble is the heart of the production.
“The ensemble is the driving force and heartbeat of the show,” Kaplan said. “Newsies is about the brotherhood and sisterhood of these kids who had nothing but their papers and each other. Without that ensemble and folks who help to create the world, the show would be nothing!”
“We’ve got a pretty stacked cast with a bunch of really talented underclassmen,” McKeever said.
Senior Shane Zimmerman, who plays best friend Crutchie, is excited to be back on stage opposite McKeever. The two also paired together last year as Gaston and LeFou in “Beauty and the Beast.”
“Throughout the seasons, I’ve gotten to explore the importance and passion that comes with the supportive archetype,” Zimmerman said. “More than anything, I love theatrical collaboration! That is what makes our productions what they are.”
Under the steady direction of Bailey Willhite, now in her second year at WHS, the students’ enthusiasm is what carries rehearsal every day.
“Their passion and commitment have brought the characters and story to life in ways I never imagined,” Willhite said. “It’s inspiring to witness their growth as performances, and their enthusiasm has made this journey truly unforgettable.”
Taking on the leading roles of Jack Kelly, Crutchie, and Katherine Plumber have brought new challenges for McKeever, Zimmerman, and sophomore Kora Paulson.
“This role has a higher level of difficulty, learning, and accountability,” Paulson said.
“Jack Kelly is a 17-year-old who sings like he’s in his thirties,” McKeever said. “It’s been a pretty tough challenge getting my voice up into that range, but a fun one at that.”
One of the hardest things for Zimmerman has been authentically portraying Crutchie, who uses a crutch, as an able-bodied actor.
“My past roles before never required me to deeply reflect on the context in which they act and go about conflict,” he said. “I enjoy playing Crutchie for his dorkiness and sweet demeanor, not for making disability the punchline of his comedy. He dances, he jests, and he deeply cares; the crutch just being a facet of the character for who he is.”
If you ask the students, there are multiple reasons to come see the show, whether you are looking for catchy songs, incredible dance choreography, or even a life lesson.
“We’re illustrating a story of younger generations standing up for their rights and facing the realities of protest,” Zimmerman said. “Not only is the musical worth a laugh, but it gets to the core of a lot of peoples’ perceptions of the world, given that it’s an election year.”
Paulson added, “This production has history, comedy, music, and love. This show should have an appeal for all.”
Not into any of that? Then come just to see the three-level set that even Broadway-experienced Kaplan described as “chef’s kiss.”
The set is also McKeever’s favorite part, calling it “probably one of the best sets we’ve ever had here.”
“Newsies” was nominated for eight Tony Awards during its debut, winning for Best Choreography and Best Original Score, by Disney legend Alan Menken and Jack Feldman. Waconia’s production is rated PG and runs Oct. 10-13 at Waconia High School, featuring a live student orchestra. Tickets are just $10 and available at cur8.com .
Local News
Comments / 0