Local teacher shines in Disney's NEWSIES at OLPD

We recently caught up with Summit Hill teacher Jill Lewkow, who plays a nun and Mrs Jacobi in the upcoming production of Disney's Newsies at OLPD theatre, and she took a few moments out of her busy schedule to chat with us about the show.

Like many of the character roles in this show, you are on stage for only a few minutes but your performances are so memorable. How do you contrast your beautiful singing with your hilarious waitress voice ? Are you a different character in your head ?

I think every single moment in the show should be memorable and should add something important to the story. I was excited to find out I was playing a nun and Mrs. Jacobi! The nuns have a beautiful part in the big opening number where they sing in 2 part harmony. I am trained in classical voice for over 20 years so I love having the opportunity to sing beautiful harmony with other talented singers. Mrs. Jacobi is a comic relief in this show after some pretty bad things happen to the Newsies. Luckily, I grew up in a Jewish home with a Jewish mother! I had a lot to work with when I was practicing. I wanted to bring some fun and comedy to her character to break the intense story the audience was being taken through.

I heard close to 200 people auditioned for this musical. Why did you want to be in this show in particular?

OLPD Theatre puts on amazing productions. I have worked with them for over 10 years and have made so many friends. This place is like a home and a family to me! I would haul there for any show if I could! Newsies, however, I knew would be special. It is pure magic working with this production staff and this cast and I was not only willing but eager every day to get to Oak Lawn for the show!

What do you want people to know about this version of Newsies ?

I was not totally familiar with this version of Newsies as I had grown up with the version from ‘92. This version is the same story with some different songs and characters. This version that OLPD is putting on is intense and passionate and full of life! It tells a beautiful story of the newsboys of 1899 and what they went through to change the world that we know today!

What’s next ? Will we see you on stage again ?

Next for me I will be music directing the Addams family Junior with CCCT and hopefully getting back on stage again soon after that! I try to keep performing as much as I can. During the school year I will be on staff for 2 different musicals and will be directing my school choral ensembles!

One last question-- do you get to keep the hair?

Man do I wish! I would buy it if they would let me! It's my most favorite of any wig I've worn! I would wear it everyday if I could!

We will certainly be on the look out for more from you, Ms Lewkow, with or without the wig! Break a leg with the remaining shows this weekend!

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, Saturday August 10 @ 3pm and 7:30 pm , and Sunday August 11 @ 3pm. Tickets at Showtix4u.com For more information, call 708 857-2200 or find us on Facebook !