By, Maggee Bleyer (Reporter for Music Department and Interact Club)
Week 2
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
The MCHS Music Department’s production of Newsies keeps getting better and better as the weeks go on! The greedy Pulitzer and his crew, Medda’s theatre, Davey and Jack’s friendship, and the blossoming romance between Katherine and Jack are being brought to life. Life for the newsies is tough, but so is putting on this grand musical.
Katherine Plummer is a special heroine in Newsies. Bold and courageous, Katherine seeks a story out of the newsies and turns their tale into a masterpiece. Her charisma is a true trait that will bring the audience closer to her. I asked Hannah Wall, a senior at MCHS and the darling actress behind Katherine Plummer, how she felt about the process and her own takes on the musical.
Me: “Katherine Plummer is such a fun character to play. How has the process of the musical and piecing your character together been for you?”
Hannah Wall: “I have always loved being a part of the music department. Being Katherine is a really amazing experience for me and I’m really enjoying the process of becoming this character! Katherine is a very strong-willed woman who is sure of herself and is trying to follow her dreams--and even finds a little love on the way. I aspire to become more like her.”
What started all this mess, you ask? The ‘Pulitzer Crew,’ that’s who. Each character of the Pulitzer Crew is equally malicious, funny, and lively. Some have soft spots for the newsies while some are just plain greedy. Pulitzer’s crew is responsible for making their boss happy and keeping his pockets full. The Pulitzer Crew consists of Elizabeth Kasinger, a sophomore and the actress who plays Pulitzer’s quirky secretary, Hannah, Dyllan Potts, a junior and the actor behind the clever Seitz, and Rebekah Wall, a senior at MCHS and the actress behind the sharp Bunsen. I decided to ask this crew about their characters and their experiences with the musical.
Dyllan Potts: “I’ve never experienced anything quite like this musical, but, honestly, it’s a lot of fun. My character isn’t huge, but I’m good with that because I’m thoroughly entertained with my role. It’s enjoyable to be around the people I get to act with or just see on stage! I made friends with Jonathon Bader, or as known as Pulitzer, through the musical and it’s just so much fun to work with him.”
Rebekah Wall: “My character, Miss Bunsen, is the brains of the office. She is a problem solver and tries to help her boss, Pulitzer, be as successful as possible. My personal time in the musicals--past and present--have taught me how to invest my time and effort into many things given to me. This is given to many others and we all get an outlet to be ourselves. We are creating something to be truly enjoyed by all.”
Elizabeth Kasinger: “Hannah is Pulitzer’s practical and insightful secretary. She reminds everyone of the obvious, even when it’s a little unnecessary. So far the musical season has been great this year. Everything has been running smoothly and I’m excited to see it all get put on stage and perform the whole thing! All the people have been awesome to work with. I’ve had a lot of fun. Hannah is a fun character, and I can’t wait to see it all play out.”
Then, I asked the big boss himself: Jonathon Bader, a sophomore and the actor behind the tough Pulitzer.
Jonathon Bader: “My experience with the musical so far is a fun one. It’s really enjoyable to see how everyone is adjusting to the musical and acting together. My character is very egotistical and only cares about how much money he makes. He is a very fun character to play and I enjoy him very much!”
“Where better to escape trouble than a theatre?” Medda’s theatre was one of the big scenes that took shape last week. Miss Medda Larkin, played by myself, Maggee Bleyer, a junior, is a loud and sassy vaudeville singer--and a friend of Jack’s. She supports the newsies throughout the musical with the help of her wondrous theatre. Medda’s musical hit, That’s Rich, echoes her huge personality! Medda’s three performing Bowery Beauties dazzle the audience of the theatre with their song, Don’t Come A-Knocking. Bowery Beauties are Audrey Baker, freshman, Halie Peach, sophomore, and Hannah Shular, sophomore. Medda and the Bowery Beauties are both flirtatious and full of spirit!
Newsies is sure to make you feel a sense of excitement and rebellion all in one. These cast members have a lot of work to do to make this riveting musical come to life. Newsies is coming to life March 26th-29th. Stay tuned for more weekly story updates about the musical.