Article by Brae Foust
When it comes to Disney-based musicals, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? If you said out loud ‘Newsies,’ I think it’s safe to say you would be one of only a few. ‘Newsies’ I personally believe gets a bad rep. Maybe it’s because in a sea of different musicals that were created by Disney, it’s not recognized as, dare I say it, a memorable show, which I think is a not too fair because it is a good idea & premise. Set in 1899, ‘Newsies’ is about Jack Kelly & the newsboys around him who decide to go on strike against the newspaper publishers in New York, such as Joseph Pulitzer, who have decided to raise prices on newspapers. It’s a story that discusses social injustice as well as fighting against a corrupt system, and after witnessing the Bangs High School theater departments take on such subjects, I can say it was a success.
Shannon Lee steps in as director of these fine young actors & she does lead these kids in a path that makes you feel like you are in 20th century slums of New York. The set is a simple one piece set with a few other smaller set pieces added onto the stage to enhance the setting & change the scenery. This is natural for a good chunk of high school productions around the state, and it’s done masterfully here, even using the audience as part of the stage, so watch out when sitting in the stands. Mrs. Lee has directed this show before with Brownwood High with great success & carries it over to these kids, but their enthusiasm for this piece is what solidifies this as a fun experience you need to witness.
Cason Tidwell plays the lead Jack Kelly, and for hearing his name once or twice on the radio during sporting events, you wouldn’t believe this kid can bring the spirit of a Newsie to the center stage, with a charming personality and seeing hope for a better life in his expressions. Justice Baker, who I’ve called a few times during Softball season, gets to shine in the spotlight in Act 1 & she makes the stage her own, along with her dance posse adding to the scene in a complimentary way. Philip Bacon gets to shine with her smooth burns as Ms. Kathryn Plumber but also shows off to be an important asset to the group. The one that surprised me the most was Samuel Harvey who played Crutchie. At first, I just saw him as the best friend of Jack, but when he sings his solo in Act II, I could tell this kid was more than just a sidekick, he’s got acting chops & singing pipes to back it up.
I know I’m missing a couple other performances, but honestly, they are all good in their rolls & praise should be given out to these students who for some are doing their first musical ever. This shines a bright light into the world of the performance arts in Bangs Texas & it’s something I implore you to see for yourself. You can see these bright young stars this upcoming week from December 4th thru the 6th at 7:30 PM at the Bangs Auditorium at the High School, as well as on the 7th at 3 PM. Tickets are sold at the door, seven dollars for adults & five dollars for students. I encourage you all to go see these youngsters show off their talents, as they have worked their dragon tails off to make this show all that possible. Seize the day & go check out ‘Newsies’ courtesy of the talented cast of Bangs High.
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Brae Foust, along with being a DJ for KOXE radio and Sports Broadcaster for local area sports, is a classically trained Baritone who graduated with a degree in Music Education from Texas Tech University. He has performed regionally with the Texas Tech Opera Theatre, Amarillo Opera, and Lubbock Moonlight Musicals. Additionally, he has performed around the country, including Lincoln Center in New York City.