IGNITE THEATRE presents S E A S O N 8 Director Mikayla Scramstad Choreographer Kendra Craig Vocal Instructor Maria Bamford Stage Manager Kailey Peters Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Jack Feldman Book by Harvey Fierstein Based on the Disney Film Written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions DISNEY’S NEWSIES is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International [MTI] All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.MTIShows.com Ignite Theatre is the theatre department of Heritage Christian Online School A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR It has been an honor to work with this dedicated team to put on Newsies. A story of kids taking a stand for their rights against all odds. This musical, with all it’s fun dance numbers and upbeat music, is based on a real life strike that New York’s newsboys had so that they might be treated fairly after a devas- tating war. This show encapsulated that even though you’re young you can still change the world for the better. It’s a show full of grit, heart and the power of our youths’ voices. A truly inspiring tale that still speaks to what our minimum wage workers are still fighting for today, in a fast paced musical package. MIKAYLA SCRAMSTAD Ignite Theatre Director PRODUCER’S MESSAGE At long last, Ignite Theatre is proud to bring to you our recorded live streams of Disney’s NEWSIES, June 18th - 20th. Two years in the making and after a valiant attempt to film our production in a Low- er Mainland theatre this spring to no avail [due to continuing Covid restrictions], we were finally able to bring the theatre to us! Thank you to Wild Coast Productions for creating a box theatre in our gym where we rehearse all year long, which allows us to take you back in time to turn-of-the-century New York City, with Disney’s Newsies. This Tony-winning Broadway musical is the heart-warming tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy filled with dreams of a better life, who rises as the leader to a group of orphaned, runaway, and dirt poor “Newsies.” When publishing giants raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack empowers Newsies from across the city to strike against the oppressive and unfair conditions. Based on the re- al-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City, the strength of a unified community of young people inspires everyone to seize the day and fight for what’s right. It leaves you filled with hope that change can happen, as people stand together in the face of injustice. Ignite Theatre, a dynamic group of Heritage Christian Online School students ranging from Grades 5-12, is committed to a high standard of excellence from the acting, singing, and choreography to the costumes, props, and impressive set design. Together, our stellar directing team teaches foundational performing arts concepts in a professional yet fun and engaging atmosphere, to stretch our students creatively while build- ing their confidence to communicate on stage. Stop the presses! Newsies is a spectacle to behold with it’s explosive dance, emboldening harmonies, and newspapers galore while heralding the themes of courage, determination, grit, friendship, and the impor- tance of standing together for what’s right. Our school, along with the Directing Team, Production Team, students and parents have worked hard on this year’s production of NEWSIES, it has truly been a labour of love for us to make this show come alive on the stage for you to view from your couch at home. This is our gift to you....enjoy! ALLANA LEMKE Executive Producer DIRECTING TEAM PRODUCTION TEAM MIKAYLA KATHY SCRAMSTAD WHITTOME Director Costume Design LISA HACKET KENDRA CRAIG Marketing and Choreography Hospitality MARIA BAMFORD WENDY KANDT Vocal Instructor Prop Design LINDSAY DONALSON KAILEY PETERS Hair and Make-Up Stage Manager Design ALLANA LEMKE Executive Producer CLARKE & DIANNA PETERS Set Design and Construction WE ARE IGNITE THEATRE Heritage Chrisitan Online School’s theatre department Ignite Theatre is the first of it’s kind among Distributed Learning Schools in the province. Located in the Fraser Valley, we are an enthusiastic group of 36 home educated students, ranging in Grades 5 to 12, who love to sing, act and dance. Our aim is developing students’ God-given talents to acheive excellence in the performing arts. Ignite Theatre is committed to strive toward a high level of acheivement in acting, singing, choreography, costumes and set design. As a theatre group we pride ourselves in creating an environment where students are encouraged and motivated to develop their talent, skill and voice not only for a stage, but also for life. We believe in more than enter- tainment. We aim to have kids grow in character, becoming productive citizens who glorify God with their whole lives. Through the generosity of local businesses, family and friends we have been able to grow and develop young talent for seasons in our beautiful valley. God’s grace has been evident in the relationships we’ve built with individuals and local partners, leading to years of successful performanc- es. We can’t think of a better way to say thank you to our communities in Langley, Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack than keep doing what we love and continue to share it with you each and every year. SONGS ACT 1 Overture Santa Fe (Prologue) Jack and Crutchie Carrying the Banner Jack, Newsies, Nuns The Bottom Line Pulitzer, Seitz, Bunsen, Hannah That’s Rich Medda Never Planned on You / Don’t Come A-Knocking Jack, Katherine and Bowery Beauties The World Will Know Jack, Davey, Les and Newsies Watch What Happens Katherine Seize the Day Davey, Jack, Les and Newsies Santa Fe Jack ACT 2 King of New York Davey, Les, Katherine and Newsies Watch What Happens (Reprise) Jack, Davey, Katherine and Les The Bottom Line (Reprise) Pulitzer, Seitz and Mayor Brooklyn’s Here Spot Conlon and Newsies Something to Believe In Jack and Katherine Seize the Day (Reprise) Newsies Once and for All Jack, Davey, Les, Katherine, Darcy, Bill and Newsies Finale Company 604-858-8188 46070 Knight Road, Chilliwack, B.C. V2R 1B7 CAST (cast 1 / cast 2) ADAM DONALDSON Les / Newsie, Goon This is Adam’s third show with Ignite Theatre. His favorite production is Hamilton. Adam likes dancing, singing, playing video games, and also going outside. He is so happy to be able to be a part of the the- atre community and finally be performing Newsies. Adam thinks the sets have been a lot of fun to move around and go on. Adam would like to thank all of the teachers that helped him learn to sing, dance and act. Adam loves you all and wants you to enjoy the show. ADI REITSMA Medda Larkin, Nun, Police Officer / Race Adi has been performing in musicals for over ten years now and has loved every minute of it. She is thrilled to have worked on Newsies this year despite the pandemic. When not on stage, she can be found hiding in a blanket fort drawing, playing guitar, or disturbing the neigh- bours with her loud singing. She would like to thank her family for the countless rides out of town to rehearsal, and the directing team for their adaptability this year. She hopes you enjoy the show! AMY PETERS Race / Morris Delancey, Nun, Darcy Amy has been with Ignite Theatre for 8 years now, and has loved every minute of it. She has played so many different roles, but her top two favourites were Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical and Ella in R&H’s Cinderella. Amy would like to say a huge thank you to all her current and past directing team and crew for bringing her this far and helping her grow in her theatre experiences. Enjoy the show! ANNIE ALLISON Hannah, Woman, Bowery Beauty, Scab, Newsie / Specs, Bowery Beauty This is Annie’s third year with Ignite Theatre, with her favorite perfor- mance being Peter Pan in which she played the Lost Boy, Slightly. Annie is so happy to finally be able to put on Newsies after 2 years of work. In her free time, she loves to read, crochet, play with her dog and hang out with her brother, Drew, who is also her best friend. Enjoy the show! ATLEY FRIESEN Bunsen, Bowery Beauty, Scab, Newsie / Bowery Beauty, Newsie Ayo!! This is Atley’s seventh year in theatre. Two of her favourite past shows include Aladdin and The Lion King. When she has free time she likes to SUP, hang with friends, listen to music, and eat pickles. Some of her favourite memories from over the years are eating grass flavoured jelly beans right before going onstage and taking selfies with other people’s phones while they weren’t looking. She would like to thank everyone who has helped so much over the past two years to make Newsies possible. :) BEN VAN BIERT Newsie, Goon, Brooklyn Newsie / Newsie, Cam- era Man, Brooklyn Newsie Ben loves being a part of Ignite Theatre! Ben spends a lot of his free time reading or building with Lego. He has spent most of his time re- cently writing a book that he hopes to make into a movie when he is older. He has really enjoyed getting to know his castmates and hopes you enjoy the show. BETHANY FREEBAIRNTommy Boy / Mush Bethany is thrilled to be part of Newsies in this, her debut appear- ance! She has especially enjoyed the extra challenge of playing different characters in two different casts.