Frankfort Siblings Fly High Together on NEWSIES Stage

We recently caught up with Lincoln-way East alumni and siblings Andy and Anna Breitbarth, who dance and sing as Newsies in the upcoming production of Disney's Newsies at OLPD theatre, and they took a few moments out of their busy schedules to chat with us about the show.

What's it like being in a show with your sibling?

ANDY: It’s so much fun performing with a sibling! It’s been really special seeing her grow up as a performer and finding her own in this theatre community that’s meant so much to me the past few years.

ANNA: I love performing with my brother! It’s cool how i used to look up to him in the theater and now i get to share the stage with him.

Why are you driving out to Oak Lawn to be in this show?

ANDY: I love doing shows in OLPD Theatre because of the family each show provides. Every show there are people who regularly do shows there, but there are always a bunch of people who are new. I was once one of the newbies, but everyone there is so welcoming and have become really great friends that I hang out with outside of rehearsals.

What’s special about this version of Newsies?

ANNA: This version of Newsies is special because of the people involved. Everyone in this show brings something special which makes it unique. The relationships I’ve made in this show are like no other show I’ve been involved in. I’m so happy to say that I’m a part of this show!

What do you want people to know about this musical ?

ANDY: What I want people to know about the show is that the product they see goes so beyond the performers on the stage. There are so many people behind the scenes making the show what it is. Without people designing sets, lights, and costumes the show wouldn’t be near as spectacular as it is.

Anna, how long did it take you to learn to pirouette on a newspaper?

When I first saw the show downtown, I thought turning that many times on a newspaper was close to impossible. As soon as our choreographer Kelsey told me I was going to be the one turning on the newspaper, I knew I had to start practicing! Because of my sixteen years of dance training I knew I had to learn how to control what was happening so I wouldn’t slip or fall off of the newspaper. After practicing and practicing it became easier and I hope it leaves a memorable moment in the show like it did when I first saw it done!!

What's next after NEWSIES?

ANNA: In the fall I will be starting my freshman year at Michigan State University studying statistics with a minor in dance.

ANDY: After Newsies, I’m moving back to East Lansing for a year of student teaching. I’ll be in a fourth grade classroom working on getting my teaching license.

Michigan watch out! Some talented performers are headed your way! But first, let's enjoy their talents one last weekend coming up in NEWSIES!!!

IF YOU GO

This family friendly musical is full of familiar tunes and amazing dancing. Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this new Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys' expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of "the little man", the real "King of New York". This high energy musical features eight local Lincoln-way area performers. After a sold out first weekend, remaining showtimes are Friday August 9 @ 7:30pm UPDATE FRIDAY SHOW HAS SOLD OUT ! Saturday August 10 @ 3pm and 7:30 pm , and Sunday August 11 @ 3pm. SUNDAY SHOW HAS SOLD OUT! Tickets at Showtix4u.com For more information, call 708 857-2200 or find us on Facebook !