Why is that you ask? Aside from the bylines that are appearing throughout the production, the mere fact that so many new faces work so well to bring this production together on a first night show? Whew- imagine what Saturday and Sunday will feel like (so yes, you would not want to miss this on the remaining dates of December 6 from 7 PM and on December 7th at 2 PM!

We are going to challenge the challenge and share insights that will be – yes – one sentence long bylines for what you will notice from this production. We have 29 actors to go through and pretty confident we can this over the three days of the production and see what YOU think!

Can that be done? In one line? Of course it can!

Before we jump in, I didn’t notice it as first, but the music playing as you wait in the auditorium for the production to start? FABULOUS – just an unexpected note as I was waiting to see what everyone had been working on the least few months. Now, on with the show!

Cameron (Jack) – Hands down, the accent, the attitude, the swagger, the sass is what you would expect in a Jack Kelly.

Emerson (Katherine) – Make sure you notice how her subtle interactions increase as the production develops and of course, her voice and animated expressions filled with emotion provide the reason we enjoy seeing her on the stage.

Ethan (Davey) – Playing a meek and holding back type of character really worked and rewarded the audience by the end in Ethan’s ability to show and act what it is line coming into your own in a role.

Jaleya (Les)- Her ability to play a much younger version of herself and to combine her talented voice alongside this role helped steal portions of many scenes for a reason.

Tanner (Crutch) – It has been amazing to see his transformation into characters along the way in many musicals to date, but the ability in seeing him come in on his own and develop the ability to express th emotions that come with making difficult decisions is replicated perfectly.

Keaton (Joseph./Oscar) – The ability to play parallel temperaments, multiple characters with personalities that impact the production is an art and Keaton does this very well across the production.

Marleigh (Race) – Her energy, excitement and upbeat positivity are reasons she is going to HOBY this year, as well as one of the spotlights of school spirit when you come to Woodbridge High; Marleigh is full of the energy a production needs, and you see this as well in the production from start to finish.

Seeing Brooke’s familiar face shows there is a definite reason why theatre is lucky enough to have repeat performers through several productions and you see where Brooke accents a plot event here, there and everywhere as she vocalizes and acts through another production while alos representing her Woodbridge FFA and band off stage!

Bella (Maddie Larkin) Bella’s role was one of the many highlights and frame stories happening that not only impact the newsies, but also the media and make a difference in the way the lead is able to keep moving forward to make a change; Bella is a very positive and open-hearted individual and one will see once meeting her this is a great match with the character and the person everyone knows as Bella.

Gabriella (Wiesel) Anyone that knows Gabriella knows that the gruff Wiesel she plays is an opposite to how we know her as she puts her self into this role, the constant barrier between the Newsies petitioning for a better life and the upper management, and does it so well (and with a smile).

Scarlett (Spot Conlon/Buttons) – It is exciting to see someone so talented and able in a production as Scarlett for the FIRST TIME as she is a definite asset to this production while being bold, up front, and not afraid to emphasize the importance of the role she plays, very easy to see this from the start to finish!

Shayla (Hazel) – One of the people your eye falls on all through the production is Shayla due to her energy, excitement and continued commitment to all things drama over a five year period; Shayla’s liong term commitment is evident in the confidence you see and sense in this production.

Leonel (Albert/Pat) – If you are wondering if there is optimism and energy in a character that helps rev the production engine, you will notice this every step of the way in Leonel’s presence all though this production; Leonel helps exude the confidence and talent that the production sends out when everyone joins together as the union the characters are pushing for.

Maya (Buttons/Morris)- Maya is capable of so much as you will see her multiple times throughout this production; her ability is not unrelated in all she sets her mind onto and the moods she is able to swing back and forth from in her characters is one of the priceless moments that helps shape the overall success of this production.

Are there more – Absolutely and these will be worthy of a news line in the next post – BUT – this gives you a chance to see for yourself how this production fits in with what you would consider a typical Christmas show. You might not see Santa, (but you will see pine trees!) but as you consider how Christmas is meant to boost ourselves and positively impact those around us when we join together, you will see this every step of the way; the meaning of Christmas in the form of sacrifice, commitment, selflessness, gift-giving, thinking of others, and so much more is in every aspect of what these student actors have given to this production, as well as what is received as an audience. The individuals who have directed, sponsored, built sets, provided sound, and more than you can see on stage have done so to make this absolutely not the typical first night production you’d expect.

It is an exhilarating and uplifting production that reveals ALOT of practice for such a production, one you will not want to miss More to come on some of the amazing talent you will notice tonight and Sunday!

This tree below might not be finished, but, it is full of Christmas. Wait until you see the finished product – your holiday will NOT be complete until you see this production that has alot to say about the Christmas spirit – don’t delay!