Middle School Strikes It Big With “Newsies”

Matthias Jaylen ’24
On Thursday, March 9, the middle school musical cast took the CBT back in time to New York City in 1899 with their performance of “Newsies.”
Filled with great dancing and energy, each performance ended with a thunderous standing ovation from the audience.
 
Based on true events, “Newsies” showcases the newsboys’ strike in 1899 where local paperboy Jack Kelly leads a massive strike against newspaper owner Joseph Pulitzer. Rory Greenfield ’27 starred as Jack Kelly and said that having that role was “a dream come true.”

Katherine Benson ’27 played Katherine Plumber, a journalist who aids Jack Kelly and the newsboys while on strike. She said that the cast and crew of 40 students brought their A-game. “Our cast put a lot of effort in and outside rehearsals, giving up our lunches and weekends to prepare,” Benson said. “I am overjoyed at how we have pulled off this show. Words can't describe how proud I am of all my peers.” She said her solo “Watch What Happens” was a powerful and touching moment where her character and the newsboys get their big break.

Director Jason Reiff echoed Benson’s sentiments, sharing that “The cast and crew were incredibly dedicated and passionate throughout the rehearsal and design process. Students engaged in a collaborative and thorough investigation into the challenging circumstances surrounding the real-life story behind the Newsie Strike of 1899 while honoring the young people who fought to make working conditions more humane for all Americans. This company operated on all cylinders to put together an informative and affecting production bursting with energy and heart.”

After all the love and support the cast got from the Masters community, Reiff hopes the story of the news boys and girls of 1899 “enlightened, exhilarated and moved the audience.”

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