"Newsies" Musical Opens to Rave Reviews
Newsies, the beloved musical based on the Newsboy Strike of 1899, telling the story of rebellious newsboy Jack Kelly, opened at Pinecrest Academy on Thursday, March 10, to rave reviews.
“What an amazing show! So proud of everyone who has worked so hard to pull this off!”
“It was the best show they’ve ever done in 15 years!”
“Our class got to see the dress rehearsal. It was so amazing! You're in for a treat! Go see it!”
“It was truly probably the best show they've ever done - it was unbelievably wonderful!”
“It will be the show that is talked about for years to come, so clear your calendars and high tail it to the gym for 7pm [on Saturday night]. Let's show them some love!”
Newsies is the first full-length production Pinecrest Academy’s theatrical arts team has performed, running over two hours long. “Our program traditionally performs the ‘junior’ versions of shows, because the shorter run time and subject matter fit our community best,” commented Erin McGraw, Middle and High School Theatrical Arts Director. “Being a PreK-12 school, we select musicals that our lower school students would enjoy, and we present versions that are short enough to preview during the school day. So, this full-length musical is definitely something unique we choose to do this year, and it has been quite the success.”
Ms. McGraw and about 50 students have been working on Newsies since December. The multi-talented cast includes students with a theatrical arts background, as well as those who are new to the stage or have just dabbled in theatrical arts. In fact, about 30 from the cast and crew are varsity athletes, some playing more than one sport.
The crew members were integral to the show’s success. McGraw’s Spring Production Class meets five days a week and has been preparing music, choreography, blocking, and staging. Two additional Theatrical Arts courses support stage design and backstage elements, whereby students have been creating sets, props, and costumes for the musical, which enjoyed two showings, March 10 and March 12.
Ms. McGraw leads her students with a rich background in theatrical arts. She holds her Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Converse College, and a Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of North Georgia. She earned her teaching certification for Music in grades K-12 from the University of North Georgia. In addition to teaching, Ms. McGraw is a classically trained soprano and sings professionally. She has been a Pinecrest staff member since 2008, and has served as the Theatrical Arts Director for the Middle and High School programs since 2013.
"I am immensely proud of our Newsies cast and crew. They are amazing young people, and it has been an absolute joy bringing this musical to life with them,” said Ms. McGraw. “The show is amazing! I am so excited for family, friends, and our community to see their hard work and incredible talents."
