Augusta Christian School to Showcase ‘Newsies’ Musical

News Summary

Augusta Christian School is set to stage the musical ‘Newsies,’ celebrating the talents of its students and community support. The production, directed by Christopher Norris, highlights the resilience of young performers as they tackle challenges and embrace the performing arts. Reviving this production after a previous cancellation, students are demonstrating a polished performance level, with an emphasis on collaboration and responsibility, ensuring a memorable theatrical experience.

Augusta, Georgia – Augusta Christian School is receiving commendations for its upcoming production of the musical “Newsies,” which showcases the talents of its students and the support of the local community. Set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century, the musical tells the story of a newsboy named Jack Kelly, who rallies his fellow newspaper sellers in a fight against the unfair price hikes imposed by powerful publishing magnates.

The musical features a score by renowned composers Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, alongside a book written by Harvey Fierstein, both of whom are Tony Award winners. The production is part of the school’s comprehensive performing arts program, which has garnered a reputation for quality since its inception in 1993 with the staging of “The Music Man.”

Christopher Norris, the musical director and a veteran faculty member in the Fine Arts Department for 14 years, has been key in guiding students through this endeavor. His role involves not only directing the musical but also mentoring young performers, particularly those who may be shy or hesitant to take the stage. According to Norris, the performing arts program plays a vital role in helping students discover their abilities while also fostering a sense of community and teaching responsibility.

Despite the enthusiasm for the production, the program faces some challenges. Student participation can sometimes be impacted by peer pressure, reluctance to engage, or general apathy towards performing arts. Nonetheless, interest in musicals remains high among students, with popular titles such as “Hamilton,” “Les Misérables,” and “The Little Mermaid.”

Reflecting on the school’s previous production, the 2020 showing of “Newsies” was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic when the show was already 85% complete. This unfortunate incident sowed disappointment within the program. However, as the decision to revive “Newsies” in 2025 was made, the current students felt a connection to the material, turning prior setbacks into renewed enthusiasm.

Show selection for the school’s productions considers the talent available each year, looking for strong leads and appropriate staging resources. The students have reportedly embraced the “Newsies” production, asserting it has a polished quality similar to professional performances rather than typical high school shows. The cast engages in nightly circles to build support among each other and stresses the importance of every role, emphasizing the philosophy that there are “no small parts.”

Students actively participate in the production beyond acting, contributing by taking headshots, writing biographies, and marketing the program through ad sales for the Playbill, which helps fund their theatrical endeavors. Since 2014, the school has utilized the PLAYBILLDER program for its spring musicals, which has added a degree of professionalism to their productions while simplifying the overall program creation process.

Additionally, the PLAYBILLDER platform allows for the maintenance of an online archive of past performances, enriching the school’s performing arts history and fostering connections with the local community. As the production of “Newsies” approaches, Augusta Christian School continues its tradition of excellence in the performing arts, aiming to strengthen character development, enhance musical techniques, and increase parent volunteer involvement.

The school’s Fine Arts Department is committed to nurturing the next generation of artists and performers, with many students going on to engage with community theater and collegiate majors after their time at Augusta Christian. The spotlight on the “Newsies” production is merely the latest chapter in a long-standing legacy of achievement within the school’s performing arts program.

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Additional Resources

• Playbill: Newsies – A Production Five Years in the Making
• Wikipedia: Newsies
• Playbill: 10 Facts About Newsies
• Google Search: Newsies musical facts
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Newsies (musical)