Most actors have bucket-list shows or roles.
“This is my dream show,” said Jesse Wilkerson, who will play the role of Jack Kelly in the musical “Newsies” June 11-13. “It’s what got me into musical theater.”
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The troupe took the stage for “Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” on a Saturday last year and on the following Monday, everything was shutting down, said Roy Lewis, who directs the youth ensemble.
During the past year, the Augusta Junior Players have produced plays, but they’ve been recorded and streamed for audiences. Cast members said they are ready to get back on stage.
Loosely based on the newsboys’ strike of 1899 when newspaper magnates Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst attempted to raise newspaper prices and exploit the child workers, “Newsies” was a Disney film in 1992 before it was turned into a musical.
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Bennett Wright, a John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School junior, who plays David, said he liked the message in the show.
“They fight for what’s right,” he said.
Not only does it have a great message, the musical also has a great delivery system.
“The music is so good,” he said. “I love this show.”
It’s filled with high-energy songs and tap dance, and Lewis said he had no problems finding tap dancers. Of the 24 who tap, 20 had already had tap lessons.
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Heidi Coughenour, who plays Catherine, reporting on the story in the play, said she’s excited to return to the stage.
“This is one of the first shows I’ve done since ‘Annie.’ I’m super excited,” said Coughenour, who was the title character in the international tour in 2016.
Coughenour has been polishing her dance skills, which will come in handy in this show.
“Newsies” will be performed at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School at 7 p.m. on June 11, 2 and 7 p.m. on June 12 and 2 p.m. on June 13. For tickets, visit www.augustaplayers.org or call (706) 826-4707. Seating will be limited. Tickets went on sale May 24.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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