The musical “Newsies” is the true story of New York City newsboys in 1899, many of whom were orphans and runaways living on the edge. (The event became a Broadway musical and a Disney film.) When publisher of The World, Joseph Pulitzer, tried to increase profits by raising the price the boys paid for the papers they sold, the “newsies” staged a strike. It’s a heart-warming portrayal of young people standing up for fair treatment and better pay and winning. Many of the show’s characters are based on the people involved in the turn-of-the-century event.
Lead actor Kitsune Calhoun plays Jack Kelly, a 17-year-old newsboy who longed to escape “the stinkin’ streets of New York” but instead finds himself leading the strike. Kitsune says, “I enjoy playing other characters, expressing their ideas, and telling their stories.” He has studied dance since he was seven and is the Student Choreographer for this production. Student Director Dragon Calhoun, who plays another lead character, Davey, is a theater and film student at San Jose State University and recently appeared in the play 1984 at the Hammer Theater in San Jose. Both have extensive acting and choreography credits in school and community theater.
One of the youngest actors, eight-year-old John Ray D., plays the character Les, who becomes a newsie after his father loses his job and the family is impoverished. About being a member of the cast, he says, “It was a little scary at first, but I love the music and just being in the show.”
Another actor, 14-year-old Brooklynn C., portrays Katherine, a reporter (and daughter of Pulitzer) who covers the strike story—and becomes a love interest for Jack. Brooklynn comes from a musical family and has sung in choirs since the fifth grade. She has also appeared in a number of children’s theater productions. She says of the company, “This group is very inviting, and within a week I knew everyone.”
The Sierra Pines Children’s Community Theater was founded in 2022 to give kids of all ages the opportunity to experience working in live theater. The students do almost everything, from acting to creating sets, costumes, and makeup. Artistic Director Suzanne Calhoun is the company’s founder and leader. The event is co-sponsored by Sierra Pines and Nevada City United Methodist Churches. For details, call 775-293-5113 or email suzanne.calhoun@cnumc.org
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.com.
