Earlham Echo

November 11, 2025

With a long line of hit musicals produced by Earlham Performing Arts, what do they do for an encore? Simple. Just put out another hit. With two excellent performances of Newsies last weekend, they did just that.

Newsies had a little bit of everything. Strong singing and acting chops filled every scene. The uber-physical choreography was a game-changer, with actors leaping over each other during musical numbers, tap dancing on tables, a full-on fight scene that included believable high-flying kung fu kicks, and a chase scene that went from the stage, out into the audience, and back to the stage again. The sets were imaginative and technically functional—and it was almost as much fun watching the stage crew work their magic between scenes as the play itself. One of the sets was a multi-use, two-level wooden platform on wheels, one which some scenes were performed 10 feet in the air. The costumes, lighting, and sound added to the overall product, and it all added up to an enjoyable evening (or afternoon) of entertainment.

Newsies requires a large ensemble cast, and with the deep theater talent at Earlham School right now, that wasn’t a problem. There were no weaknesses in this lineup. From the top to the bottom of the cast, the kids acted, danced, and sang with confidence and presence.

Playing the lead character Jack Kelly, Landon Sheffield was terrific. He was in nearly every scene and never wavered under a full acting and singing load. As the charismatic dreamer and leader of the newsies, Sheffield delivered his lines with swagger, while nailing a Brooklyn accent.

The opening two scenes set the tone for the energetic, emotive show. Jack and Crutchie, played by Kim Doud, opened with two slow, moving songs. Doud is a poised performer with a strong, clear, and inviting singing voice. Doud’s and Sheffield’s voices blended well, and their duet set a high bar for the rest of the show.

A peppy ensemble number that included the newsies followed. The next scene introduced the bad guys, Joseph Pulitzer—played by Jamin Hardenbrook—and the staff of his newspaper, The World. Hardenbrook sang a solo in a well-acted scene that included Ellie Scapecchi, Elizabeth Adams, and Lillian Black.

After another rousing number from the newsies, the next scene took place in Medda Larkin’s Vaudeville Theater, a bright, bustling contrast to the gritty streets where the newsies live and work. Medda’s and her four showgirls’ colorful, fringy costumes were striking. Teagan Hatfield, as Medda, poured on the charm during her number, “That’s Rich,” a humorous and flirtatious song that got a huge reaction from the audience.

Sheffield delivered another slow number in his accented tenor singing voice, then the newsies picked up the pace with, The World Will Know, perhaps the most powerful and defining song in the play.

Jack and his romantic interest, Katherine—played by Valerie Meyer—meet in the next scene, and the chemistry between the actors was immediately engaging.

Meyer’s solo, the inspiring and clever Watch What Happens, was a highlight of the evening. Meyer was bright and energetic, delivering the number with humor and sincerity, and it proved to be another crowd favorite.

Sheffield’s acting may have peaked when Jack delivered a fiery speech to the newsies late in Act 1. That was followed by a rowdy and fun scene that included the rousing call-to-action song “Seize the Day,” a rollicking dance, and a chaotic street fight.

Sheffield closed the first act with a reprise of Santa Fe, a song that gives the audience a glimpse into Jack’s dreams, struggles, and spirit.

Many of the actors that didn’t have ‘major roles’ still had a major impact on the production. One of those was Lilli Strandberg as the wisecracking, cigar-chomping Race. Her dancing and solo on King of New York, joined by Meyer and the newsies, kicked off Act 2. Several of the ensemble showed off their tap dancing skills, bringing the scene to a thunderous conclusion.

Doud was terrific again in the next scene, singing the touching and emotional Letter from the Refuge. Set in a grim children’s detention center, the scene—with creative, low lighting—was another high point of the show.

Two of Jack’s Newsie friends, Davey—played by Alex Kosloske, and Les—played by Colton Van Pelt—joined Jack and Katherine in a funny scene that featured a reprise of the song Watch What Happens.

Tensions rise when Pulitzer delivers an ultimatum to Jack in another well-acted scene in Pulitzer’s office. Jack is conflicted, especially after learning Katherine is Pulitzer’s daughter.

Harrison Warden got in some good one-liners as Spot Conlon all night, and he sang a solo on the ensemble number, Brooklyn’s Here.

Jack and Katherine had a spat in Pulitzer’s office but made up in the next scene. Sheffield and Meyer sounded great with the tender and emotional Something to Believe In, which marked the deepening of their relationship.

Sheffield, Kosloski, and Meyer are prominent on “Once and For All”, in a soaring, defiant moment when the newsboys take their fight citywide and demand to be heard.

The ensemble number, Seize the Day (Reprise), ties together the story’s themes of courage, faith, and collective action. The entire company was ‘feeling it’ at that point, and in the finale, they brought the story full circle in the uplifting and emotional conclusion.

Newsies was directed by Ashley Maiers and Riley Jensen. Haley Coil was the choreographer, Gabby Little was the set designer, and Cadence Hammen was the stage manager.