Dispatches from Home – Newsies!

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Greetings!

As a lover of musicals, I’m sure you’ll agree that they are a unique and powerful art form. They don’t just entertain us with their stirring music, breathtaking choreography, and attention-grabbing plots. They also educate us about historical events and help us understand our differences. Over the past hundred years, they have played a significant role in shaping society and our emotions. Musicals are a perfect blend of entertainment and education, making learning a truly engaging experience.

Yesterday afternoon, watching the closing performance of Biloxi Little Theater’s delightful production of the smash Broadway hit Newsies was a privilege. The musical was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899, which helped cripple the newspaper empires of Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. If you missed seeing this show, you missed an opportunity to be whisked back in time to witness the strike with all its historical ramifications.

Juliana Lewis, the show’s brilliantly talented director, amassed an incredible cast whose talents on stage flooded the theater with a wave of energy and excitement. Ryan Raines’ choreography had this old boy dancing in his seat; the tap-dancing number, sir, was over-the-top fun! Thank you, Jennifer Scrimpshire, music director, for the cast’s top-notch singing. Many of the solos, duets, and cast numbers brought tears to these old eyes. Hats off to Micah Lewis for your terrific set, Brandon Warden for the scene-setting lighting, and Shawn Dunaway for the sound. Juno Joseph, your costumes were spot on. Thank you all for your talents. Your contributions were invaluable and greatly appreciated. Thank you also to those people behind the scenes who helped make the show the enjoyment it was.

Last but not least, let me thank each cast member! Sitting in the dark, watching y’all prance, dance, leap, tumble, and tap across the stage, I was beyond entertained! Your talent and dedication to your craft were truly inspiring. I loved watching you convey emotions via subtle gestures, amusing antics, and happy and bittersweet facial expressions. I couldn’t speak to you all, but let me say to you all, thank you for an afternoon of entertainment that this old boy will remember for a long time to come!

Big hug, y’all!

The talented, excellent cast of Newises on stage for their final performance.
The cast and crew of Newises.
Thank you, dear Juliana, for being the kind, loving, talented person you are! It’s an honor to call you my friend.
The stage flooded with well-wishers.
The talented production team!
Dear Rhonda, with the talented choreographer, Ryan Raines.
This little girl, Brooklyn Church, was a delight. Since first treading the local theater boards fifty years ago, I learned one thing quickly: never be on stage with kids and dogs. They’ll steal the scene every time! 😂 And this little one did just that.
My partner in theatrical crime, Rhonda Weidner, of WLOX fame. (I’m such a name-dropper. LOL! )