Young performers present Western Plains Opera's 50th anniversary production of Disney’s ‘Newsies, Jr.’

By Graham Hughes and Silas Bowles
University Communications Junior Reporters

MINOT, N.D. - The story behind "Newsies, Jr." is a story about kids.

Fittingly, Minot State University Communications and Western Plains Opera partnered with two of the production's actors to give readers a unique opportunity to see behind the curtain.

In keeping with the newspaper theme, two cast members, Graham Hughes and Silas Bowles, stepped into a new role before opening night - junior reporters. Hughes, who plays Romeo, interviewed fellow cast members, while Bowles, who plays Les, interviewed director Angela Schnaible.

When the curtain rises on "Newsies Jr." this week, audiences will see energetic dance numbers, memorable songs, and a cast of young performers bringing turn-of-the-century New York to life.

What they won't see is the weeks of preparation, the rehearsals, the countless hours of practice, and the friendships formed along the way.

Presented by Western Plains Opera as part of its 50th anniversary season, the production features dozens of young performers from across the region. The cast has spent the past month preparing for four performances on Thursday, June 11; Friday, June 12; and Saturday, June 13, transforming into newsboys, reporters, and citizens fighting for fairness in New York City.

The musical tells the story of young newspaper sellers who organize a strike after publishers increase the price they must pay for newspapers.

"'Newsies, Jr.' is about a rough, ragtag group of ragamuffins trying to stop the kingmakers of New York, and some of the kids went on strike because their pay wasn't fair," actor Trudy Almond, who plays the role of Nancy, told Hughes.

For cast members, however, the experience extends beyond the stage.

Emelia Moon, who portrays Katherine Plumber, said theater gave her a place where she felt she belonged.

"I wasn't the best at sports, and I felt like I didn't have a team to belong to, so I started theater, and I realized that everyone here was like me and enjoyed singing like I did," she said.

That sense of community is one of the reasons director Angela Schnaible enjoys bringing productions to life.

"I love how much of a family we all become," said Schnaible, a Minot State graduate and former Medora performer, when asked by Bowles. "I love that we get to spend so much time together to create something very magical. It creates memories that will last a lifetime."

While audiences will see a polished performance, Schnaible said many people don't realize how much work happens before opening night.

"I don't think audiences always know how much goes into it," she said. "When you sit in the audience and see a production, you are just seeing the finished product, and you don't realize how much time and effort goes into bringing it all together."

Schnaible began preparing for the production nearly a year ago, and the cast spent about four weeks rehearsing before taking the stage. That preparation includes learning lines, music, and choreography in a surprisingly short amount of time.

"It's a matter of practicing," said Josie Anderson, who plays Woman. "Once you've got it in your memory, the lines come more easily. You learn off the other actors' lines too."

Almond agreed.

"It really does come naturally, like second nature, with practice and rehearsal," she said.

The production's young cast members have found plenty to enjoy along the way. For some, it's the chance to perform featured roles, while others enjoy the friendships that develop during rehearsals.

"That I have two solos," said Josie Schriock when asked about her favorite part of the production. Schriock is cast as Olive.

"Because I get to hang out with my friends and meet a bunch of new people," added Leighton Harmon, who is Snyder in the production.

For many, the dream of getting on stage is the motivation to try theater. Russell Almond, who is Bill in "Newsies, Jr." simply wanted to be on stage, so he tried for a speaking role.

Others found inspiration in seeing others performing.

"I went to my cousin's performance last year, and I really liked the dancing and singing," said Tatum Ehli, who is Weisel in the production. "My parents said I'm good at acting, so I gave it a try."

For Kolton Jensen, who plays Race, the best part is stepping into someone else's shoes.

"The rush of playing a character on stage," he said.

Many cast members hope first-time theater participants will be willing to give the stage a try.

"Speak loudly so the audience can hear you," advised Hudson Johnston, who plays Davey.

Braya Auch, playing Muriel, offered another piece of encouragement.

"Don't be nervous because it's actually really fun," Auch said. "Don't sweat it, just have fun, and if you mess up, it isn't that big of a deal. You prepared for this - you'll be fine."

As opening night approaches, excitement is building among the cast. Mia McCloud, Pigtails in the show, predicts audiences may leave humming one particular tune. "King of New York," she said when asked which song is most likely to get stuck in someone's head.

Others believe the production's message is just as memorable as its music.

"They should come see 'Newsies, Jr.' because you learn a lesson, but also you're having fun," said Savannah Sattler, who plays Dorothy.

Micaiah Sutton, who plays Jo Jo, offered an even simpler reason.

"Because it's going to be the best musical ever!"

The cast has already been sharing its enthusiasm throughout the community. Members recently performed during the opening night of the Levitt AMP Minot Music Series, toured the Minot Daily News newsroom to learn about modern journalism, and even received a visit from Theodore Roosevelt during rehearsals.

For Schnaible, those experiences complement one of the production's most important lessons.

"I hope they learn new skills with singing, dancing, and acting," she said. "Most importantly, because this show is based on history, I hope they learn a piece of history and what it means to be a child who had to work hard to help their families at a young age."

After weeks of rehearsals - and a brief stint as reporters - the young cast members are ready to bring the history of turn-of-the-century New York to life for audiences this week.

"Newsies Jr." will be presented in four performances this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Thursday and Friday are set for 7 p.m., while Saturday features two showings, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tickets and additional information are available through Western Plains Opera's website.