PHOTOS FROM NEWSIES
Headlines don’t sell papes. Newsies sell papes. The Howitt Middle School Players proudly presented their rendition of Newsies the weekend of March 11th. The music, choreography, acting, sets, scenery, and technical elements of the production were top-notch due to the dedication and passion of Farmingdale staff members and students.
“I am so excited to be directing one of my favorite shows of all time,” said director Jen Klock. “Newsies has it all: inspiring anthems, acrobatic dances, and most importantly, a powerful message that kids can accomplish anything if they stand together.”
William Herbert starred as Jack Kelly, the charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, an orphaned dreamer and artist who yearns to get out of the crowded streets of New York. Sofia Lambright played Katherine Plumber, An ambitious young reporter working hard to make a name for herself. Crutchie, A dedicated newsie with a bum leg that’s painful, but helps sell more papes, was performed by Valery Stabenau. Les was played by Devin Williams, a precocious intuitive salesboy and a pint-sized charmer. Les’s straight-laced, bright big brother Davey, the brains of the resistance, was portrayed by Michael Woythaler. The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, Spot Conlon, was played by Leo Scardina. Pompous businessman Joseph Pulitzer, concerned solely with the bottom line, was performed by Nicholas Suwalski, and Medda Larkin, the saloon singer who offers her theater as a safe haven for the newsies, played by Sofia Grago.
Rounding out the cast was Ash Pinna (Race), Sarah Aliendro (Albert/Tommy Boy), Ella Smith (Specs/Buttons), George Grigorov (Henry/JoJo), Jesse Arcuri (Finch), Mia Andriopoulos (Elmer/Mush), Jacob Gruda (Oscar Delancey), Brody Healey (Morris Delancey), Lincoln Keena (Wiesel/Mr. Jacobi/Roosevelt), Shannon Tower (Bunsen/Seitz), Ava Guzman (Hannah), Wyatt Smith (Nunzio/Mayor), and Zaria Canizares (Snyder).
“Each year, I’m amazed at how the community and school come together to support the students involved in the musical production,” said director Jen Klock. “This year is no exception.”
Orchestrating a middle school musical is no easy task. Many people behind the scenes are responsible for a show’s production. Howitt’s Newsies was a success due to its direction by Jen Klock. Eric Hulse and Joseph Franzino led vocal direction, Erin Laibach oversaw the musical’s choreography, and Raniyah Elguerouat acted as production stage manager. In addition, students from Farmingdale High School and Howitt Middle School worked backstage to make the moments on stage run flawlessly. Congratulations to all the crew members who work hard and are never seen in front of the curtain.
This school year has had its challenges, but once again, Dalers rise to the occasion put on a fantastic performance, and show everyone “Howitts Done.”
PHOTOS FROM NEWSIES