Welcome to "Newsies!" We are excited to have you here and to have the opportunity to share this show with you!! This show has been an absolute blast to create, and we hope you will see all of the hard work and effort that has gone into producing it. The kids have worked so hard! Many of them had little to no dance background, and they have come so far in a very short amount of time. This show originated as a movie in the early 90's, and was turned into a Broadway musical in 2012. The story revolves around the true story of the Newsies' Strike of 1899, in turn-of-the-century New York City. The newsies stood up to the giant publishers of the time, like Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, in a 2 week strike that eventually resulted in a compromise with the publishers. The price would stay the same, but the publishers would buy back any papers that the newsies couldn't sell. The newsies' strike is a significant moment in history: It is one of the first strikes that was carried out by children and it ended in compromise. The kids succeeded!
I count my blessings every day that I have the opportunity to do what I do. I am lucky enough to get to create educational theatre that I am truly passionate about, to work with amazing professionals who are also great people, and to teach these AMAZING students. I am humbled by how much I learn from them every day. Theatre has the power to bring people from all walks of life together. I am grateful for the support that our school, community, and students have shown to this program.
To Becky, Sharon, Emily, and Brice: Thank you for all that you do to bring our shows to life! You are exceptional people and the kids and I are lucky to get to work with you. Your friendship and laughter keep me going when I am down, and your professionalism continues to make me push myself to be the best I can be and to never stop learning. We all appreciate the work that you put in behind the scenes to make the show happen.
To Kathy and Tim: I am so very sad that this is our last show together, as you are both retiring, but I know that it isn't goodbye. You have both become very important people in our lives, and I hope we will still be able to see you in the seats (or in the orchestra) even after our ties are severed officially. Best of luck to you as you enjoy retirement and the other side of life!! We will miss you!
To all of the parents, family members, alumni, and volunteers who gave of their own time to make this show happen: We are grateful for your support and willingness to be a part of our greater CHS drama family. Thank you!
Seniors-I can't even find the words to tell you goodbye. You have been a special group for us, as many of you have been around your entire high school career. A few of you have been around even longer, as you started with us in "Honk" when you were in grade school. As you venture off into life, I hope your memories of here will always be in your heart, and that you will always remember the fun that we had. While you loved to drive me crazy, you also made me laugh, and cry, and be a better person. I look forward to moving into the next phase of our relationship and I wish you nothing but success! Love always-Mama McCarty
Finally, I have three people in my life who give up a great deal so that I can do this job. My husband, Darren, and my kids Conner and Sydney, support me and love me unconditionally. I appreciate and love you all so very much! It has been so much fun to have my daughter in this show and to get to spend so much time with her. She is my "drama kid" and has definitely been bitten with the bug!
Thank you all for attending and we hope you enjoy the show!
Respectfully,
Kellie McCarty
Director
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