Elmhurst Children's Theatre Proudly presents “Disney’s NEWSIES!”

ELMHURST, Illinois (January 13, 2020)–Elmhurst Children's Theatre is proud to perform the catchy, foot-tapping tunes and engaging story of Disney’s NEWSIES January 24-26 in Timothy Christian’s spacious and beautiful auditorium! Come join us during turn-of-the 20th century New York City, where you’ll learn the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right!

NEWSIES is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, which showcases LOTS of dancing and singing…perfect for the whole family and every audience!

Disney’s NEWSIES is a Broadway-caliber musical produced under the direction of Helen Knudsen, Andrea Figueroa (Music Director), and Nina Davalos (Choreographer), with a live orchestra and professional sets – while featuring incredibly talented youth performers, many of whom are seasoned actors in Elmhurst through ECT and their school performances. No need to drive to Chicago, when you can enjoy Broadway entertainment right here in Elmhurst!

ECT’s Director Helen Knudsen enthusiastically shared her insights about the upcoming NEWSIES performance.

“This is my second time directing for ECT, after jumping in to direct ‘Shrek’ last winter. I grew up performing in ECT shows and was active in the performing arts community in Elmhurst, so it feels full circle to come back as a director. I was actually introduced to the NEWSIES movie almost 15 years ago by ECT director Emily Leonard, who is still my directing role-model to this day!

“There must be something in the water here in Elmhurst, because ECT seems to have a never-ending supply of talented, driven, and kind young actors. ECT (specifically the ultra-dedicated production moms) not only produces wonderful live theatre, but is a safe-haven for young actors in the community. It is a place for kids from different schools who all happen to adore story-telling to socialize with a common goal. I still have friends that I met though ECT! Children’s theatre isn’t just about putting on a great show—it is also about developing bravery, empathy, and teamwork, values ECT upholds.

“This NEWSIES cast is joyfully energetic and compassionate. Every single actor has injected their role(s) with opinion, history, and life! The Manhattan Newsies, particularly, have worked exceedingly hard on their advanced dances, intricate blocking, and timed comedy, and still somehow have the energy for big smiles on their faces. It has been a whirlwind rehearsal process, and the attention to detail that this cast has blows my mind. Listen for the tight harmonies in Pulitzer’s trio, the tricky fight choreography at the end of Act 1, and the difficult tap combinations in Act 1 when you see the show!

“I love when young actors make bold choices. Very early in our process, the cast and I cultivated a safe environment for self-expression, honesty, and messing up. The actors know that no one is going to laugh at them if they make a new, risky choice in a scene and ‘fail big.’ We grow as actors (and humans) through our mistakes, so creating an atmosphere where young people can feel comfortable developing their creative process was paramount for me. It has been remarkable watching this cast become confident in their own roles and supportive of their peers, all while passionately working on the story we are telling in NEWSIES.

“Though this musical is based on real events from 1899, a full century later the message that young people can change the world still rings true. Malala, Emma Gonzalez, and Greta Thunberg, just to name a few, are living proof that one small voice can ignite change. There is a particular line in NEWSIES that the cast and I have talked about at length: ‘This is for kids shining shoes on the street with no shoes on their feet everyday.’ In the plot of the show, this is when the newsies strike not just for themselves, but for all child laborers. The hushed passion with which the ECT ensemble sings this line gives me goosebumps every time, and makes me confident that our production of NEWSIES goes deeper than a typical children’s show and the themes of the story are still hugely relevant today.

“When I say this is a dance musical….I mean it. The cast has worked tirelessly on Nina Davalos’ meticulous choreography, ranging from tap and showgirl numbers to modern dance and acrobatic sequences. Along with their strong vocals taught by music director Andrea Figueroa, the cast of NEWSIES is sure to wow the audience. Crowds will delight in Pulitzer’s schemes, empathize with Jack and Katherine's yearn for a fairer world, and leave with the encouragement that ‘the things we do today will be tomorrow’s news.’”

ECT’s 8th grade performers have been overwhelmingly inspired by Director Helen Knudsen’s passion. The NEWSIES actors shared their experiences about performing with Elmhurst Children's Theatre.

Leading actress, Emerson Graham, has performed 6 times with ECT, and her role as “Katherine Plumber” is her most memorable so far. Emerson confides, “This role is very important to me because Katherine is a reporter in a time where women were not treated as equals. She shows everyone just how powerful she can be, and sticks by the newsies no matter what.” When asked about ECT, Emerson shares, “It is what I look forward to in my day. Everyone is so amazing and I love seeing everything come together so nicely! I would describe my fellow cast mates as motivated and very welcoming. It is like my second family, and I have made so many best friends. I always get most excited about opening night, and I love ‘tech week’ {a week-long intense dress and tech rehearsal}.” What will the audience love about the show? Emerson divulges, “They will love all of the big dance numbers, and just how powerful the show can be as a whole.”

ECT veteran, Rose Donato, will be performing in her 11th role with ECT. In NEWSIES, Rose plays various roles including, “Jacobi/Bowery Beauty/Cop,” and a “Bronx Newsie.” Rose is “most excited about performing in a unique show because of the varied types of dances that you don’t usually see together in other shows. I’m excited to have my first tap solo in a show.” When asked about performing with ECT, Rose shares, “I love the friendships that are made or strengthened while producing a show. I think ECT is a great organization that helped me make a lot of new friends and helped me grow closer to the friends I already had.”

William Fischer is performing in his 2nd role with ECT as “Weisel/Mayor” in NEWSIES. William is “very happy with the roles that I got, but I am especially proud that I got to play Weisel because it’s the first villain role I have ever played in a performance. I love the attitude and the presence I give off when I’m on stage as Weisel.”

William most enjoyed "making new friends in the cast that I can happily say have become some of my best friends. My cast mates are some of the most smart, creative, talented, nice, friendly, inviting, funny people I have ever met and I’m so happy that I got to meet and build friendships with them! I love so much about ECT. I love the people that are in it. I love the people in charge that work so hard to do things that will make our performance better. I love the directors that we have that work themselves so hard to get us prepared for the show and making us better actors. I love everything about ECT and I’m so glad I decided to join it!”

As many ECT performers stated, there’s a lot the audience will love about ECT’s performance of NEWSIES. William effervesces, “One thing specifically I think they will really enjoy is the musical numbers. The dancing is fun and energetic and it requires a lot of skill and practice to perform, but I think the singing in the musical numbers is the best singing I have ever heard from people my age. I really hope that the audience is as blown away as I was when I first heard my cast mates sing!”

Brandon Cello is enthusiastic about his role of “Bunsen,” in which “I get to play the bookkeeper who raises the price on the newspapers which starts up the idea to STRIKE!” Brandon has performed in 3 sketch comedy groups and this will be his 4th musical with ECT. Brandon shares, “I have enjoyed being a part of ECT because in my roles I've been able to dance, sing, and be a part of a large show...I enjoy being on stage entertaining people!” Brandon speculates the audience “will love the energy and excitement through all the dancing.”

Sarah Huber has acted previously in 3 productions and 2 sketch comedies with ECT. To Sarah, playing the role of “Morris Delancey” means “having the opportunity to play a different type of character and experiment with different things. I think the audience will love the positive messages the show sends, as well as the comedy with it.” Sarah especially appreciates the camaraderie. She reveals, “I love the sense of family ECT provides. I would describe my fellow cast mates as encouraging, kind, and supportive...everyone has each other’s back. I love the sense of family and all the friends you make...it’s very fun to end your day with ECT.”

Although Gio Santoro has performed in school theatre productions, this will be his ECT debut playing “Romeo” in what he describes as “a funny role!” ECT has already made an impact. Gio shared he “enjoyed making new friends and having a blast while singing and dancing with them. ECT is a fabulous community full of people you can look up to, and a great way to be yourself.” When asked what the audience will love about the show Gio shared, “The meaning, how much effort we put into it, and how fast things happen.”

Declan Fahey, who plays “Crutchie” shared that NEWSIES “allows me to explore a comedic but tragic character. The directors and cast mates are all very kind and fun to be around.” Declan gives a sneak peak, “The audience will definitely enjoy the fun group songs. They’re complete bops (aka ‘great songs’).”

This is Lily Galarza's 2nd time performing with ECT, in her role as “Race” (Manhattan Newsie). “I love ECT because I enjoy acting with others and I enjoy the opportunities musical theatre brings.” What does Lily love about NEWSIES? Just about everything. “My mom and aunt have loved NEWSIES since they were kids. NEWSIES play a big part in my family's life. My aunt knows a bunch of the NEWSIES lines by heart and she recites them for me all the time.” And Lily relays enthusiastically, “I smoke a cigar all the time in the show.”

Lily promised not to give any spoilers, but did say the audience “will enjoy the dancing!”

Performances are Friday, January 24 at 7pm, Saturday, January 25 at 3pm and 7pm, and Sunday, January 26 at 3pm. All shows will be at Timothy Christian School, 188 W Butterfield, Elmhurst. Tickets are $10 at the door. Special pricing for Saturday 3pm matinee show - $8!

For groups of 12 or more, ECT offers Reserved Seating and a Backstage Tour, including sound & lighting, make-up & costuming, and the actors' musical warm-up!

Reserved Seating and Backstage Tour are limited and require advance registration. For more information, contact Mary Eileen Kungl at mekungl@elmhurstchildrenstheatre.com.

ABOUT NEWSIES

Based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White.

NEWSIES is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.MTIshows.com.

ABOUT ECT

Elmhurst Children's Theatre (ECT) is a 501(c)(3) not for profit, children's theatre company. Dedicated to serving the children of Elmhurst, ECT provides a unique experience in all aspects of live theatre by promoting a supportive and positive learning environment.

Children in fifth through eighth grade who live in Elmhurst or attend District 205 or parochial schools in Elmhurst may audition for ECT productions. ECT stages two main stage productions, a summer show and the Unintentionally Hilarious Sketch Comedy Troupe each year, hiring professional directors and relying on parent volunteers to manage productions and rehearsals and create costumes and sets. Classes are offered throughout the year for children in first through eighth grades.

Elmhurst Children's Theatre's 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status provides tax deductible donation opportunities to our community. Your generous donation funds scholarship, outreach and experience to children of Elmhurst, providing opportunity for growth through the experience of live theatre. Thank you for your support.

For more information, please visit ECT's website at www.elmhurstchildrenstheatre.com.