Noonan Academy Students to Perform 'Newsies'

The stage is set, the lights are on, and the students are ready to perform in Noonan Elementary Academy’s spring Drama Club performance, which will be the rousing historical tale “Newsies”.

“I look at the cast from the previous year – what are their strengths and what show would work for that?”, said Drama Director Marta Koonce.

The students will play the notable characters of Jack, Davey, Les, Medda, and Katherine in a performance that rivals local high school productions.

Ryder Doty, of New Lenox and attending Lincoln-Way West next year, will play Davey/Governor Teddy Roosevelt, said he enjoys participating in Drama because you really get to stand out. He can relate to Davey because he really doesn’t trust his friends at first, but they end up becoming best friends as they fight for a larger cause. “Davey is a more serious role, and a bigger one for me. I enjoy playing this character because it’s different from the characters of Lurch in The Addams Family and Oz in The Wizard of Oz, which I played in the past”.

Antonio Gutierrez de Velasco, of Tinley Park and attending St. Rita next year, will play Jack Kelly/Albert, said that he likes playing the role of Jack Kelly because, “I can be a leader for all of the other characters. He looks out for all of his friends, and I feel like I do the same thing. This is a bigger role for me this year and I’m excited for the opportunity.”

Zachary Hudek, of Frankfort and attending St. Rita next year, will play Davey/Governor Teddy Roosevelt, shared that he thinks “Davey is fun role because he takes charge. He’s nervous about speaking in front of people at first, but as other Newsies back him he gets better. It’s a different character for me because he has more courage than the Cowardly Lion, which I played in last year’s production of the Wizard of Oz.”

Genevieve McCarty, of Mokena and attending Lincoln-Way Central next year, will play Hannah. “I really like the New York accent. It’s super fun and so is my outfit. I love century pieces. I can identify with her because she’s an independent woman and very outgoing. I think that Sally from Charlie Brown is similar to her. However, the roles of Grandma from The Addams Family and the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz are total opposites”, McCarty shared.

Kacper Rzadkosz, of New Lenox and attending Lincoln-Way West next year, will play Jack Kelly/Albert. “Playing Jack, I feel like I’m a father figure to everyone and I like that about my character, I enjoy playing that role. I think I can identify with Jack because he has courage, is tough, and a leader. The character of Jack is the opposite of my role as the Tin Man in last year’s production of The Wizard of Oz, so I get to doe something different this year.”

Abdallah Sweis, of Orland Park and attending Providence Catholic next year, will play Wiesel, said that he enjoys playing this character because he’s in most of the scenes this year. “I think that I’m the opposite of Wisel. I’m not mean like he is”. He likes that it’s a bigger role for him and enjoys participating in drama.

Mariano Valentini, of Mokena and attending Lincoln-Way Central next year, will play Joseph Pulitzer. “I enjoying playing this role because I’m the boss even though I can’t relate to him because I’m not a mean person. I think that every character I have ever played over the past three years has been a grumpy old man. Though I enjoy playing those parts, I cannot relate to any of the characters”, said Valentini

Eman Sweis, of Orland Park and attending Sandburg next year, will play Woman, said that participating in drama is a fun experience. “I can identify with the character because I’m sweet and caring like she is and it’s a different role for me because it’s an “adult” role”.

With the opening night scheduled for this Friday at 7pm, all of the student performers said that they have a lot of fun in the Noonan Drama Club and cannot wait to take the stage with all their excitement and energy. Plus, there is a connection that many of the Drama Club members share: Many of their siblings have been a part of past performances at Noonan, some of which are returning this weekend to help out either on the stage or on the floor.

“It’s like a tradition here at Noonan”, Koonce said. “I’m very happy that the same families come back. They are great, and they support the program so much.”

Show times for “Newsies” are at 7 p.m. Friday, March 21st; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 22nd; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 23rd at the Noonan Elementary Academy Junior High building, 19101 Henry Drive in Mokena.

Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased by at the door 30 minutes prior to the start of each performance, cash or check made out to “NEA”.

Noonan provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program that is academically challenging and personally supportive. Noonan is committed to developing the full potential of each student by fostering intellectual development, strong character formation, and spiritual growth. Scholarships are available; please contact Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan Elementary Academy, for more information. www.noonanacademy.org