Extra, extra "Newsies" opens in Orange Beach

By Allison Marlow
Managing Editor
allisonm@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 4/28/23

ORANGE BEACH — Orange Beach High School is performing the high energy show "Newsies," beloved partially because of its bold, acrobatic dancing.But first, the students had to learn to dance."The …

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Extra, extra "Newsies" opens in Orange Beach

Posted

ORANGE BEACH — Orange Beach High School is performing the high energy show "Newsies," beloved partially because of its bold, acrobatic dancing.

But first, the students had to learn to dance.

"The Broadway version is very dance heavy, and we wanted to be true to that," said Grace Stanton the school's theater teacher and director. "I think we have pulled it off beautifully. We have had to rehearse and rehearse and rehearse. Dance is a lot of work."

New York City based choreographer Melodye Redding videotaped the routines for the students who then watched together and followed her lead on screen. A local tap instructor spent an afternoon teaching the cast tap basics too.

"Having students dance, act and sing all at the same time, it's a challenge but they have rocked it," Stanton said.

The cast includes students from elementary through high school. Stanton said she picked the production last year before she knew the personalities she would be casting.

As a family-friendly show with a large ensemble, she knew it would be an easy fit.

"It's one of those shows I thought no matter what your age everybody is going to love it," she said.

Audiences  who caught "Bagful of Fables" at  South Baldwin Community Theatre will recognize River Hallex in the role of Crutchie. Hallex also delighted audiences as Seymour in Exit Stage Left's fall production of "Little Shop of Horrors."

The show runs April 26 - 28 at Orange Beach Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available online at gofan.co or at the door. 

The cast includes Houston Bryant, River Hallex, Faith Craig, Cate Courtney, Gabriel DeOliveiera, Luiza Salazar, Grace Barnett, Brenna Motta, Tennyson Tucker, Charlie Pishna, Paige Lipke, Brehanna McWhinney, Lexi Rice, McKinley Graves, Haley Elliott, Madison Lipke, Kenlee Leighton, Mila Miarka, Colton McBrayer, Branson Wiley, Reid Hollis, Gabby Meehan, Cami Wiles, Mason Steiner, Carlli Lenze, Lyla Wilkinson, Kaylin Stacks, Lilly Fagan, River Durden, Adolfo Chagoy, Seth Jacks, Blake Sterling, Ollie Stanton, Jettie Stanton, Ruth Kincaid, Leah Webb, Jayna Vittetoe, Elsie Vittetoe, Summer Rainwater, Daisy Carroll, Henry Grissom, Caroline Russell, Fallyn Villagran, Cedar Swafford, Cora Slade, Scarlett Lee, Charlee Leighton, Michael Leigton, CoCo Butler, Kaden Brane and Mirabella Matson.

Members of the tech team are Ro Barnett, Ryanne Perren, Grace Stanton, Margaret Barnett, Melodye Redding, Elizabeth Rayfield, Grace McAleer, Matt Carroll, Jake Clemons, Gerald Mills, Lola Slade and Kendall Courtney.