Lincoln-way West grad excels on and off stage at NEWSIES

We recently caught up with Lincoln-way West alumnus Collin Tompulis, who plays a scab and a Newsie in the upcoming production of Disney's Newsies at OLPD theatre, and he took a few moments out of his busy schedule to chat with us about the show.

Is it more fun being a scab or a newsie ? how do you convey the switch ?

The best thing about being a scab is that I get to be a Newsie as well. All I have to do to make myself into a scab is make my clothes more messy and just turn my hat backwards. The switch to being a Newsie involves showing a change of heart and an awakening to the truth.

We’ve seen you in OLPD theatre shows before. Why do you drive all the way out to Oak Lawn from New Lenox? Why this show ?

I love OLPD Theatre so much, the people there have become like a 2nd family to me and it’s such an amazing thing. We’ve all gone through a lot together and we’ve all got each others backs. And Newsies was something I just thought would be fun, I knew a lot of guys would be in the show and I thought that I could always use some more guy friends. I definitely have made some new friends in this show.

What’s special or different about this version of Newsies?

This version of Newsies has such a close knit cast of guys and all from such different backgrounds too. There's no judgment, and everyone is welcoming . You really feel the connection we all have with each other on stage and I love that.

How do you get all that scar and bruise makeup on everyone during the short intermission ?

Right when I leave the stage for the fight scene I’m sprinting back to the guys' dressing room and I do one guy after the other for bruising makeup, just continuously for the whole intermission. Some guys like Crutchie need more time so I actually took myself out of the first scene in Act 2 to get his bruise and scar work done well .

You certainly are multitalented- that stage makeup is so realistic! What’s next for Collin after Newsies?

What’s next for me is Hellsgate Haunted House, I’ve been working it for the past 2 years in Lockport and I love every single second of it.

I'm sure the makeup will be amazing for that, too! Best of luck to you Collin and we look forward to seeing your work and your artistry this weekend 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, 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 !