Editor:
Wow! Performing Arts is alive and thriving on our Sunshine Coast. Seven sold-out performances of the SD46 Musical Theatre Ensemble production of the Broadway hit Newsies took to the stage at the Chatelech Secondary School Theatre.
Musical Theatre is a course open to Grade 10, 11 and 12 students from all schools on the Sunshine Coast. Grades 6 to 9 students also join in as an extracurricular activity.
This was my second experience of unlimited exuberance and joy, watching these talented young people give it all they’ve got. Last year was Fiddler on the Roof and that was mesmerizing. Bear in mind, my frame of reference was the original Zero Mostel portrayal. He would have been proud.
Newsies, set in 1899, is a true story about youngsters who took to the streets to sell the newspapers they bought up front from the big publishers. They made just enough to stay alive and help their struggling families. The discrepancy between rich and poor was blatant. Profit was the only game. Newsies is the classic David and Goliath story. Disenfranchised youngsters staged a strike against increases in the cost of newspapers that would destroy their profits – and they won.
Sara Douglas, Tom Kellough and Sylvain Brochu inspired the cast and crew to give it all they could. They were in rehearsals since September and this mighty cast connected with the audience to generate a feel-good vibe, proving that pride in what you do and commitment to a cause goes a long way in lighting up a stage. Thanks to everyone involved in enriching our community through the performing arts and especially for all the volunteer hours and community support that made this production possible.
Lynn Grossutti, Sechelt
