Four of our students at GRC will hit the stage for the final weekend of Newsies Jr. – Nov. 11-13 – at Leeds Center for the Arts in downtown Winchester.

Newsies, Jr.  is based on the true story of the 1899 newsboy strike which took place after Joseph Pulitzer raised newspaper prices. A group of “newsies” banded together to fight for higher wages and proper treatment. While Newsies, Jr.  is set at the end of the 19th century, this story is still relevant today as it shows the power of unity.

In speaking with the actors from our school we get a chance to hear about their Newsies characters and what they have learned.

Silas Coogle – Crutchie

“Our show takes place in 1899. Crutchie and I are outspoken. I put a lot of thought into what our character stands for but internalizing Crutchie is difficult. Crutchie has a paralyzed leg and has to use a crutch which is physically demanding. For most of the show mentally he is witty and rambunctious, which is the easy part for me, since we share some of these personality traits. Watch for the emotions through the strikes and the songs; I believe that’s how we pay tribute to each character.”

About me: “Not only have I performed on stage, but in my time with Leeds I have also done newspaper interviews, television interviews and productions. There’s no better way to get involved with the community than with the arts.”

Inspirations: Ellie Miller, Tracey Miller, Jackson Becker, Elena Guerra, and Steve Crosby

Zach Ross – Snyder

“The beginning of the show showcases the everyday life of the newsies and their joy and freedoms that they have as newsboys and newsgirls. We begin with a song called Carrying The Banner, which introduces the newsies as being themselves and how free and content that they are with selling newspapers. The story is very interesting in the aspect of letting youth have their voices being heard, but also frustrating because they will starve if things don’t work out. I love portraying crazy villainous characters and my role in Newsies is quite sinister. It’s a lot of fun to put my concentration into playing a character who is so different from who I am as a person.”

About me: “This show is about the voice of youth and how they can make a difference, I really try to make every little thing I do make a difference. Through leadership roles or writing, I try to stand up for what I believe.”

Inspirations: Steve Crosby, Holly Bennett

Charlee Wesley – Muriel

“My character’s classic line is, ‘Hey watch your mouth.’ For some reason Muriel likes to fight everyone at all times. Anytime something happens to Jack or Crutchie or any other Newsie, I try to beat that person up. Many of our characters don’t have parents so we survive off our earnings. We definitely have to grow up fast and mannerisms are different from today. ’The choices we make are difficult, and we are all angry and terrified but we need to eat and support our families.”

About me: “When people actually get to know me they realize that I’m a sweet person. I am always there to stand up for my brothers and sisters. I hope to continue to reach audiences that I didn’t intend to.”

Inspirations: Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day

Grace Owen – Race

“I don’t have a filter and it’s my thing to stand up for what is right. Challenges for me on set are acting like a boy. Being rough and tough and crazy is hard. It’s easier being the character on stage because if I am myself, the reactions will be different. I believe that friendship is my way of showing personality on stage. I love that in the song, ‘’The King of New York,’’ I’m able to show a big personality through my voice and body, making it known that I am king.

About me: “Theater to me is exposure to different lifestyles. You get to be multiple people, and walk in their shoes during an entirely different time period, and I think that alone is really special.”

Inspiration: Barbra Streisand, as she empowers nose bump girls. She makes me feel confident about my facial features and she is a beautiful alto.

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Newsies JR is the latest in a string of wonderful Leeds productions over the past several years. “I would love for people to recognize us as a space that encourages and inspires,” says Tracey Miller, “a community place where people can come and create together.”

Leeds opened as ‘’Leeds Center For The Arts’’ in 1990. Winchester has an amazing facility to be proud of, and stand up for.

’’Children are our north star here at Leeds,” says Tracey Miller, executive director of Leeds. “We love watching them grow and seeing them achieve their goals and follow their dreams. We want this place to feel welcoming and inspiring.”