From April 16–18, Coronado’s theater department transformed the auditorium into the bustling streets of 1899 New York City, as students brought Newsies to life in a production that was both high-energy and deeply meaningful. With strong performances, powerful themes, and clear dedication from the cast and crew, this show stood out as one of the best performances of recent years.
At its core, Newsies tells the story of the 1899 newsboys’ strike, emphasizing resilience, teamwork, and the importance of standing up for what is right. These themes were not only present in the script but also reflected in the way the cast worked together on stage. The performers created a sense of unity that made the story feel genuine and impactful. Kaitlyn Deyoe, who played Hannah the reporter, highlighted the show’s relevance, explaining that it reminds audiences “that they have a voice,” while also emphasizing “the importance of loyalty and friendship.”
One of the most impressive aspects of the production was the commitment each actor brought to their role. Zoe Griffin, who played Morris Delancey – one of the thugs who worked for the corrupt newspaper owner, described how challenging it was to step into such a harsh character. “At the beginning, it was really difficult for me to be in character because he’s such a mean guy,” she explained, adding that she prepared by researching the role and “putting myself into his mindset.” Similarly, Deyoe approached her role by drawing inspiration from other characters across different media, noting that creative tools like Pinterest boards and playlists helped her better understand Hannah’s emotions and personality.
The production also demanded a high level of physical and vocal stamina, especially during major musical numbers. Griffin pointed out that “Once and for All” was particularly challenging due to the intense movement involved, explaining that she had to run across the theater while still being able to “sing and hold long notes at the very end.” These moments focused on the level of effort and discipline required to make each scene feel exciting and seamless.
Despite the difficulty, the cast kept performances fresh each night by embracing the uniqueness of live theater. Griffin shared that while the core performance remained consistent, “we would add a little thing every show,” keeping the experience fun and engaging. Deyoe echoed this idea, noting that “each performance was going to be different,” as every audience brought a new energy to the show and experienced the hard work of the students in their own way.
Beyond the technical elements, what truly made this production special was the sense of community among the cast. Griffin described how “this cast felt like a family… everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly,” a sentiment that was evident in the natural chemistry on stage. Deyoe also emphasized that it is ultimately “the cast and crew [that] make each show unique,” reinforcing the importance of collaboration in theater.
Even with its serious themes, the production allowed space for lighthearted and memorable moments. Deyoe shared that her favorite part was delivering the line, “the boy, Jack Kelly, he’s here,” which became an inside joke among the cast when she performed it in a deep voice. These small, personal moments added to the overall joy of the experience and strengthened the bond between performers.
In my opinion, Coronado’s Newsies was an incredible success. The energy, emotion, and teamwork that went into the production made it unforgettable. From the powerful musical numbers to the meaningful message, it was clear that this was more than just a school play: it was a passionate, student-driven performance that truly captured what theater is all about.
