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Passion for the Arts Presents Spring Showcase 2024: Newsies
~Digital Program~
First Baptist Church of Lemon Grove March 8, 2024 at 6:30 pm Passionforthearts.org
From our Director:
We have based our show on Proverbs 31 verse 8: Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.
Tonight, you will see results of the work our students have accomplished through the four weekly classes. This is not a polished production with elaborate costumes, lighting and sets; instead, we have club shirts with art designed by one of our students, and simple props such as hats, to differentiate characters. We set ourselves a unique challenge: every student 12yo and up was given at least 2 different characters to portray, while the under-12yo’s were all in our Newsies Ensemble. Everyone was required to be off- book by week three, and to rehearse at home. Excitement and anticipation have run high, with strong dedication exhibited by each actor.
We chose the story of Newsies because it offered a lot of scope for a large cast and is a true “David and Goliath” story that occurred in 1899. We cut it down to the essential plot, incorporated just 2 of the 14 songs and simplified choreography.
Each rehearsal began with prayer, a devotional on an aspect of the show, and a lesson in stagecraft. Our cast rehearsed songs and choreography weekly, and each of the 17 scenes was blocked just once. In telling this story, students had to project their voices, time entrances and exits, move about the stage accurately, and be expressive in voice, face and body for each character they portrayed. Our students have grown so much! They are required to complete a Character Development sheet which highlights a Biblical basis, and embody each component for each different character. I am proud to say that they have accomplished much and give God the glory for the incredible talents each actor and actress has developed! Thank you for coming and supporting your favorite actors and supporting Passion For the Arts - we appreciate you so much! With all glory to God, Caryl Lipnick
Principal Characters & students who play them, in no particular order: Students who are multi-cast will switch out between scenes. Jack: Lucy Friesen, Katie Libby, Hannah Davies, Josh Woods, Laeken Halfpap, Cal Halfpap Davey: Sarah Woods, Hailey DeFreitas, Lucy Friesen, Katie Libby, Josh Woods, Niccolo Hawks Les: Rosalyn Langley, Isaac Langley, Hannah Ketcham, Evelyn Hughes Katherine: Leanna Kulp, Isabelle Habib, Driver Storck, Hannah Davies, Hailey DeFreitas, Sarah Woods Crutchie: Madelynn Kulp, Ben Ketcham Weisel: Audrey Henry, Julian Hawks Medda: Emery Halfpap, Audrey Henry Pulitzer: Emery Halfpap, Laeken Halfpap Oscar: Ben Ketcham, Ruth Qiu, Charlie Storck Morris: Claire Dilley, Ruth Qiu, Isabelle Habib
Many, many thanks to our parents who poured in to each of our students! And especially to Christy Henry, without whom this production would not have been possible. Accompanist: Sallie Brown Choreographer: Jen Van Fleet Thanks to First Baptist Church of Lemon Grove!