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Song List

Act 1  

Overture ............................................................................................................................Instrumental

Santa Fe (Prologue)................................................................................Jack and Crutchie

Carrying the Banner............................................................................Jack, Newsies, Nuns

The Bottom Line...........................................................................Pulitzer, Bunsen, Hannah

Carrying the Banner (Reprise).................................................................................Newsies

That's Rich.......................................................................................................................Medda Larkin

I Never Planned on You / Don’t Come a-Knocking ....................................Jack, Bowery Beauties

The World Will Know.........................................................................Jack, Davey, Newsies

The World Will Know (Reprise)..................................................................................Newsies

Watch What Happens..................................................................................................Katherine

Seize the Day...........................................................................................Davey, Jack, Newsies

Santa Fe...................................................................................................................................................Jack

Act II  

Entr’acte.............................................................................................................................Instrumental

King of New York.........................................................................................Newsies, Katherine

Letter from The Refuge...................................................................................................Crutchie

Watch What Happens (Reprise)..........................Davey, Jack, Katherine, Les

The Bottom Line (Reprise)................................................Pulitzer, Bunsen, Hannah

Brooklyn’s Here.....................................................................................Spot Conlon, Newsies

Something to Believe In...............................................................................Katherine, Jack

Seize the Day (Reprise.....................................................................................................Newsies

Once and for All......................................................Jack, Davey, Katherine, Newsies

Seize the Day (Reprise 2)...............................................................................................Newsies

Finale Ultimo...............................................................................................................................Newsies

Sponsors

Cast and Orchestra

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Matt Babineau

Wiesel (Sun)/Albert (Tribune)

Matt Babineau is thrilled to be making his SME debut. His most recent stage appearance was in Virginia Tech’s 2016 mainstage production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip Tolentino). Prior to this, he appeared in multiple high-school and community theatre productions in his hometown of Fredericksburg, VA, including Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Lysander), and Shrek the Musical (King Harold/Ensemble). He works as a mathematics teacher and will continue his career at Blacksburg High School in the upcoming academic year.

Nick Babineau

Morris Delancey

Nick Babineau is a rising senior at Virginia Tech studying Creative Technologies. As part of his studies, he is currently directing a feature film called Bloodiron in which he plays many of the characters himself. The project is expected to be completed in spring of 2023. Newsies will be Nick’s first stage production in over three years; his previous roles include Mrs. White in Clue: The Musical, Captain Hook in Peter and the Starcatcher, and both Duke Orsino and Malvolio in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

Mary Baron

Jacobi

Mary Baron is making her SME debut in “Newsies”, as the deli owner, Jacobi. She has also been seen as Glinda in “The Wizard of Oz”, Sandy in “Grease”, and most recently as the Featherduster in “Beauty and The Beast”. Along with musical theater, Mary also enjoys singing, dancing, and is a huge Frank Sinatra fan! Mary would like to thank her husband for holding down the fort at home with their four sons so she could participate in this show!

Nicklas Bissey

Race

Nicklas Bissey is beyond excited to be making his debut with Summer Musical Enterprise. He is a recent graduate of Christiansburg High School where he performed in many shows including Horton in Seussical the Musical, Joe in Working the Musical, Ponyboy in The Outsiders, and Deputy Governor Danforth in The Crucible. Nicklas also loves to play the guitar in his free time. He plans on attending Shenandoah University Conservatory of the Arts as an Acting major in the fall. He hopes that you have as much fun watching this show as he does being in it!

Ashlinn Blevins

Katherine Plumber (Tribune)/Featured Dancer (Sun)/Dance Captain

Ashlinn is thrilled to be returning to SME for her 9th show with them! She just recently finished her first year at the American Musical and Dramatic Arts conservatory in New York City. Some of Ashlinn’s favorite credits with SME are: Silly Girl: Beauty and the Beast, Pickalittle Lady: Music Man, and Young Fiona: Shrek. She’s hopes this musical sparks as much joy for you as it has her. Thank you for coming to the show and thank you mom for making me audition for a musical 11 years ago. I am who I am today because of you! <3

Eden Braak

Featured Dancer

Eden Braak is excited to work with SME once again since her debut with them as a featured dancer in Beauty and the Beast. Some of her other past roles include Rose Brownlow in Oliver Twist and Mary Snead in Three Sisters Dressed in Black (New River Stage), as well as Philostrate in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Blacksburg High School). Eden is attending VCU this fall and is looking forward to immersing herself into local and school based productions.

Brian Bush

Davey/Dance Captain

Brian Bush (he/him) is thrilled to return to the stage as Davey for his eighth production with Summer Musical Enterprise! Brian currently attends Western Carolina University, where he is pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. Recent Credits Include: The Addams Family (Fester), Into the Woods (Steward), and The Little Mermaid (Scuttle). Brian would like to thank his parents for their constant support.

Evie Cameron

Buttons/Featured Dancer

Evie is very excited to be a part of SME’s production of Newsies. Some of her recent credits include her role of Titania in Blacksburg High School’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as well as her directing debut of One Lane Bridge. She is a rising musical theatre freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University. And she would like to thank her family for all their love and support.

Kirk Cameron

Joseph Pulitzer (Tribune); Nunzio (Sun)

Kirk Cameron is super excited to appear in his first performance role since the pandemic and his 8th SME Production. And how wonderful to participate in SME’s first full musical bringing Broadway back this summer to the NRV. As Joseph Pulitzer (Aug. 5, 7, 11 and 13) he is delighted to play the villain (again) while also stretching his comedic legs as Nunzio (Aug. 4, 6, 12 and 14). Kirk has worked with SME since his first stage role as Pig #3 in Shrek (2013) to fun roles as Sir Galahad and the Black Night (Spamalot, Forbidden Broadway) and as creeper Charlie Cowell (The Music Man) to Flight Crew in the Little Mermaid. He’d like to thank his daughters Evie (as Buttons in Newsies), Abby and Amelia for their support and training, and his loving wife Melissa and his SME family for indulging his theatre addiction.

Addison Campbell

Crutchie(Sun)/Mush(Tribune)

Addison Campbell is thrilled to be apart of his first show with Summer Musical Enterprise, especially to be fulfilling the roles of the charismatic Crutchie and fun-loving Mush. He’s been involved in theatre throughout the majority of his life. Some of his favorite roles include Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist, Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap, and Nick in Variations on a Theme. Special thanks to everyone at SME and his friends and family!

Eden Clark

Featured Dancer

Eden is making his debut with SME after years of enjoying the shows from the audience. His favorite roles include Cobweb in the BHS production of A Midsummer Nights Dream and Narrator in a senior directed one act entitled One Lane Bridge. Eden enjoys dancing and reading in his free time. He is looking at minoring in Theatre when he attends college. Thanks to Mom and Grandparents for the endless support.

Meagan Cox

Bowery Beauty / Nun / Jacobi's Deli Waitress

MEAGAN COX is excited to be making her debut with Summer Musical Enterprise. She is a senior theatre major and dance minor at Radford University. Her previous performances include: Singing in the Rain (Olga Mara), Broadway Melody (Meagan), Quiet Courage (Mable Purvis), Terminating (Dymphna), A Collection of Things We Forgot to Say (Join/Agnes), and Recent Tragic Events (Waverly). Meagan would like to thank Kendall Payne, Keith McCoy, and the RUTD faculty for helping her to become the performer she is today. Lastly, she would like to thank her family for constantly encouraging her to pursue her passion and chase her dreams. Enjoy the show!

Adam English

Pulitzer (Sun) and Nunzio (Tribune)

Dr. Adam English, an Illinois native, who now resides in Pulaski, Virginia with his beautiful wife Gloria and their 6 children is happy to be making his debut with SME! As a youth Adam had many opportunities to perform in local theater productions with his family and is grateful to continue the tradition. He is a vocalist and instrumentalist. He enjoys fishing and football. Dr. English is an Optometrist in Dublin, Virginia at Eye Care on the Ridge.

Gloria English

Bunsen

Gloria English is excited to be making her debut with SME and her return to the stage after 20 years. She was in her high school production of Once Upon a Mattress and The Nutcracker. This drama mama of 6 has a Bachelor’s degree in education from Utah Valley University and resides in Pulaski Virginia with her kids and her husband Adam. She is grateful for the opportunity to work along side of such amazing talent and wants to thank the Summer Musical Enterprise for making it possible to be on stage together with her family!

Jordan English

Romeo

Jordan English is a rising Sophomore at Pulaski County High School. He is active in his theater program. Some of Jordan’s favorite roles have been Earthworm in James and the Giant Peach, Smee in Peter Pan, Hans in Frozen Jr, and The Major General in Pirates of Penzance. Jordan is excited to be in his first show with SME. He has enjoyed his summer and hopes to be a participant in future productions. Jordan is the owner and creator of Re-Acting Youth Improv Club, where he teaches kids and peers the skills of improvisation for stage and life.

Liam English

Ensemble

Liam English is a rising 5th grader in Pulaski, Virginia. His previous shows are Peter Pan, Aladdin, James and the Giant Peach, Frozen Jr, Moana Jr, Adair Theater's Simply Christmas, and Pirates of Penzance. Liam loves legos, gaming, and his family. Liam loves being with his brothers and parents in the Newsies this year with SME!

Qyle English

Les (Sun) and Newsie (Tribune)

Qyle English, 12 years old, lives in Pulaski Virginia. Qyle has been on stage since he was 6 years old. Qyle loves acting, singing and dancing. Qyle's favorite roles include James in James in the Giant Peach (2019), Wesselton in Frozen Jr. (2020), Michael in Peter Pan Jr (2021), Plankton in Spongebob the Musical (2021), Fritz in The Nutcracker (2021), and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid Jr (2022). Qyle is excited to be acting with SME this season and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Kinley Fairbanks

Featured Dancer

Kinley Fairbanks is making her debut with Summer Musical Enterprise. She is a member of the Performing Arts Company at Dance.tech Performing Arts Studio in Blacksburg, Va. Here, she dances competitively and performs at community events. Kinley has also danced in The Nutcracker with The Blacksburg Ballet.

Preston Fisher

Les (Tribune)/Newsie (Sun)

Preston Fisher is excited to be making his debut with Summer Musical Enterprise. Recent credits include Fritz in The Nutcracker and Flynn in Rapunzel with Little Leapers. He likes tacos and rubbing his cats. His favorite thing about SME is acting. Thanks to Mom, Liam, Carol, Charles, Daisy, Dad, Miss Demeanor, Pepper, Sandy, Sigi, Rusty, and Mo.

Alice Goerlich

Featured Dancer

Alice Goerlich is delighted to make her debut with Summer Musical Theatre as a Featured Dancer in Disney Newsies 2022. She is 12 and is a rising 7th grader. She has been dancing since she was 2 years old. Alice has danced with Dance.tech for 8 years and she danced with a studio in Halifax County for 2 years before that. Her favorite dance style is Tap. She has performed on stage in Dance productions for the past 10 years and she has been performing Tap solo routines for the past 4 years and has received many awards. She has also performed in the Nutcracker for the past 6 years. She enjoys playing the saxophone and loves to draw.

Klaire Hall

Featured Dancer

Klaire is thrilled to be making her debut with Summer Musical Enterprise! Klaire is a rising 9th grader. She has 9 years of dance experience combined with both Dance.tech and Little Leapers. She has been a member of the Dance.tech competitive dance team for 8 years. Klaire was featured in Dance.tech's 2021 production of The Nutracker as Clara. She is a 2-time recipient of Turn It Up Dance National Dance Team, a Hollywood Summer Camp Scholarship recipient, a 3-time first place winner with Turn It Up, Celebration Talent, and LOC (2021), a WCTE Company Member, and a Hall of Fame Jazz Category Winner in 2022. She has also danced at Dance Makers Convention in Richmond in 2022 as well as the WCTE Convention in Virginia Beach in 2021.

Annabelle Heflin

Ensemble

Annabelle Heflin is very excited to be in a mainstage production. Annabelle has been in a few minor productions but this is her first time with SME. She loves acting, singing and dancing.

Zephyr Heflin

Bill & Photographer & Ensemble

ZEPHYR HEFLIN is excited to be making their SME debut! They love doing shows with their school’s drama club, but this is their first time on the mainstage. Their favorite roles include Bill Jukes in Peter Pan and Wendy and Pig 2 in Shrek the Musical Jr., both with Blacksburg Middle School Drama Club! In their spare time, they enjoy drawing and writing stories. Shoutout to Virginia Children’s Theatre, their classes have taught Zephyr a lot of what they know about performing.

Abigail Hewitt

Darcy/Featured Dancer

Abigail is a rising sophomore at Christiansburg High School where she is involved in theatre, choir, and plays the flute in symphonic band. She has been dancing ballet for ten years and has also trained in tap, jazz, and contemporary styles. She currently dances at Radford University Ballet Youth and participated in their 2022 International Summer Intensive. Recent credits include the role of Marie in The Nutcracker (LEAP Performing Arts) and Ensemble in Seussical the Musical (CHS). She is so excited to be in her first performance with SME and hopes you enjoy the show!

Amy Hogan

Snyder, Nun

Amy is excited to return to the stage after many years away working and raising kids!! A vocal performance minor at Virginia Tech (1995), she sang with the Blacksburg Master Chorale and was active with Opera Roanoke during her time as an undergraduate (Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro, chorus roles in Rigoletto, Sweeney Todd, The Merry Widow, and Carmen). During a few years spent living in central Pennsylvania (1995-2003), she performed with Theatre Harrisburg (Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, chorus roles in The Music Man and La Cage aux Folles) and Oyster Mill Playhouse (Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, pianist in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown). In addition to stage roles, Amy has choreographed a number of high school and community theatre shows (Pirates of Penzance, Into the Woods, The King and I). Amy also leads a worship group for the Campus Catholic Ministry at Virginia Tech, is a wife and proud mom of four amazing kids.

Jessie Hogan

Ensemble

Jessie is excited to be doing her 2nd show with SME! She's been a longtime theatre enthusiast, sings in the choir and has been active with the Drama Club at Blacksburg Middle School. She sang with the auditioned Bel Canto choir last year, and played roles in two Drama Club and theatre class productions (author in The Write Stuff!, Mrs. Hanagan in Annie, and was a Lost Boy Twin and Peter Pan's Shadow in Peter Pan). Jessie also played the role of Donkey in her school's prouduction of Shrek! In her spare time, she also enjoys a variety of arts and crafts, sewing, painting, lacrosse, and tennis. When she grows up, she wants to be a marine photographer.

Gretchen Honaker

Ensemble

Gretchen Honaker is a rising Junior at Blacksburg High School. Her theatre experience began with New River Stage's Paws, Claws, and Clues, Peace of Pizza, and Grizzelda and the Grimmers. Her SME appearances include Peter Pan, Shrek the Musical, The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. Gretchen's other musical endeavors include playing piano and clarinet. "Thanks to God, my family, and my pets, especially Perle and Bel, for your love."

Jacob Honaker

Mike

Jacob Honaker is a rising Sophomore at Blacksburg High School. His theatre experience began with New River Stage in Grizzelda and the Grimmers and continued with SME's The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. Jacob enjoys playing cello, wrestling, and lacrosse. "Thank you Mom, Dad, Gretchen, and Martin for always supporting me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Martin Honaker

Ike

Martin Honaker is a rising 7th grader at Blacksburg Middle School. His SME debut was Beauty and the Beast. He was also a stingray and shrubbery in The Little Mermaid. Martin's other musical interests are piano and trombone. When not singing and dancing with SME, he loves being outside, especially playing with his dogs and brother or on the lacrosse field. "I thank God and my family, friends, and pets for loving and supporting me."

Scarlett Hurst

Nun/Bowery Beauty/Waitress/Featured Dancer

Scarlett Hurst is a rising sophomore at VCUarts majoring in theatre with a concentration in performance. Some previous credits include Our Town (Emily Webb), Mary Poppins (Miss Andrews), and Mamma Mia (Lisa). Scarlett loves to roller skate and is quite handy with an etch-a-sketch! She’d like to thank her cast for being a pleasure to work with.

Patrick Joseph

Jack Kelly

Patrick Joseph is ecstatic to be playing Jack Kelly in this production! He is a performer originally from this area, and has been a part of SME shows in the past, including playing Prince Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid. Some of his favorite past roles in his career include Gabe in Next to Normal and JD in Heathers the Musical. He's absolutely thrilled you could make it to this show, please enjoy!

Pam Kampanya

Ensemble

Pam loves music, dance, and acting. She started her theatre journey as the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz for her elementary school's stage project in 3rd grade. She was trained in choreography (KPOP) by a dance teacher in Bangkok, Thailand and attended theater workshops with Joelle (Blacksburg, VA). Pam also plays the violin and piano. She was a concertmaster for GLE strings and was accepted into the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra for the 2021-2022 season. She was awarded with a silver medal from the 2022 Singapore International Piano Competition, Thailand Preliminary.

Lyra Kirkner

Featured Dancer

Lyra is excited to be making her debut in Summer Musical Enterprise’s Newsies. She is a proud member of the Dance.Tech PAC competition dance team as a solo, duo and small / large group performer achieving multiple placement and judge critique awards to date. Her favorite part of Newsies is dancing with new friends and her Dance.Tech peers. Thanks to mom, dad and all the of the family for their support.

Emma Lehman

Featured Dancer

Emma Lehman is happy to be back for her second SME musical! She is currently a rising sophomore at the University of Mary Washington where she is studying theatre. Her previous credits include Mary Poppins and Hard Candy, as well as many other shows with her high school, showcases in college, and of course, summer musicals.

Ashley Light

Hannah/Nun/Featured Dancer

Ashley is thrilled to make her debut at Summer Musical Enterprise (SME)! She was recently seen in Showtimers’ production of She Loves Me. Favorite past shows include Beauty and the Beast, South Pacific, Young Frankenstein, and I Love a Piano.  Many thanks to family and friends for all their love and support.  

Justin Linville

Jack Kelly (Sun) Oscar Delancey (Tribune)

Justin is back again for his second show with SME! He found his love for theatre back in his freshman year of high-school from his old teacher (and also director of this show!) Jeff McCoy. After doing every show he could in school, he took a five year hiatus from theatre to improve himself in other parts of his life. But three years ago he has come back and worked on his craft extensively and is ready to perform one his favorite musicals. "Thank you so much SME for this opportunity to play one of my dream roles!" Other favorite roles he has done include: Sunny(Xanadu), Seymour(Little Shop of Horrors), Cosmo(Singing in the Rain), and Chuck(Footloose)!

Madison 'Madi' Lucero

Elmer and a featured dancer

Madison ‘Madi’ Lucero is excited to be returning to the Summer Musical Enterprise stage, having previously been in The Little Mermaid. Madi is a member of the Dance.tech PowerPAC Performing Arts Company training and competing in jazz, tap, ballet/pointe, lyrical/contemporary/modern and hip-hop. In 2021, she was Fritz in Blacksburg Ballet’s, The Nutcracker. Madi performs in Blacksburg Middle School’s bel canto choir. She enjoys spending time with friends and watching Harry Potter movie marathons. Madi thanks her family for their support of her love of the performing arts and her SME family for an incredible summer.

Ryan Luu

Spot Conlon

Ryan Luu is originally from Sacramento, California but is now living in Radford, Virginia and is a Sophomore at Radford University and is majoring in nursing! Some of the previous shows he has been involved in include The Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, You Don’t Know Jack, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, Chicago, Home for the Holidays, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, Singing in The Rain,and Bright Star. He is excited to be joining SME and hopes to continue in their future productions!

Matthew McPherson

Tommy Boy

Matthew is excited to be back at Summer Musical Enterprise for his second show! He is a rising junior at James Madison University, where he is studying theatre with a concentration in education. Some of his favorite roles that he has played include Smelly Balls in Firebringer, Eddie in Mamma Mia, and Rooster in Annie Jr. He would like to thank his family and friends for the constant support and for dealing with his constant antics.

Lyndsey Miller

Katherine Plumber (Sun Cast)

Lyndsey is so excited to be performing as Katherine in her first show with SME! She has had the privilege of performing in several theater productions including Oak Harbor High School’s production of Into the Woods, Strauss’ opera Die Fledermaus with Central Washington University, and an international presentation of Othello with the University of Orléans. Lyndsey would like to thank Darren McCoy, Mia Spencer, and Tor Balisdell, and Dr. Gary Weidenaar for their investment in her musical development, the opportunities made available to her under their direction, and their inspiration to engage musical performance with excellence and exuberance.

Tucker Miller

Albert (Sun) / Wiesel (Tribune)

Back to the SME stage once again is Tucker Miller, playing the roles of Albert and Wiesel. This is his 6th show with SME and his credits include many other shows with companies across the New River Valley. He would like to thank his wonderful wife Lyndsey for embarking with him on the adventure of being in this years production of Newsies!

Jasper Moore

Crutchie/Mush

Jasper Moore is a rising 10th grader at CHS. He is excited to be preforming in his first musical here at Summer Musical Enterprise. His favorite credits are Flounder from “The Little Mermaid” Nigel from ”Matilda” and Genie from “Aladdin” He would like to thank his friends and family their support and most importantly Jesus Christ.

Madalynn “Rhea” Perdue

Scab 1/Featured Dancer

Madalynn “Rhea” Perdue (Scab 1/Featured Dancer) from Rich Creek, VA is a sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in Theatre Arts and Multimedia Journalism. She is thrilled to be making her SME debut in her favorite musical, Newsies! Some of her favorite roles include Mrs. White in Clue and Wendy in Tinkerbell. She trained in multiple dance genres at Giles County School of Dance for 11 years. She would like to thank all her teachers, family, and friends for always supporting her, and a special thanks to her little sister Cooper!

Ellie Peterson

Ensemble/Scab

Ellie is excited to make her debut with Summer Musical Enterprise as a cast member of her favorite show! Her credits include "Annie," "The Lion King," and most recently "Spongebob the Musical" as a participant in the children's and summer programs of the Pulaski County High School Theatre Department. Ellie also enjoys band and creative writing. She is grateful for the opportunity she has had to spend the summer working with the cast, and meeting new people who love theatre and "Newsies" as much as she does!

Christopher Phillips

Race (Tribune)/Guard

Christopher Phillips, Radford University Theatre graduate, is happy to make his SME debut. This show has always been on Christopher’s bucket list and is one that he is happy to be a part of. He wishes a huge “break a leg” to all his wonderful cast mates and thanks you personally for supporting this show and SME.

Megan Reed

Finch

Megan is excited to be making her debut with Summer Musical Enterprise. Favorite roles include The Drowsy Chaperone Ensemble with Radford Theatre, Georgia Mae James in Georgia Mae James Unplugs America with Radford Theatre, and Babette in Beauty and The Beast with Osbourn theatre. She is a student at Radford Univeristy studying Theatre and Business Management. Thank you to my very supportive friends and family.

Alex Richardson

Bowery beauty

This will be Alex Richardson’s first year in SME and she could not be happier. She has been in theater since 7th grade middle school and just graduated high school. Some of her favorite roles have been dragon from Shrek (Radford high school), Perl in Sponge Bob the Musical (Pulaski high school), and Ruth in Pirates of Penzance (Pulaski high school). Alex will be joining New River Community College in the fall as a freshman. She would like to think Madailein, Pierce, James, mom, and dad for being here and getting her into theater. She would also like to think her high school and SME director Jeff McCoy for teaching me all the tips and tricks of theater.

Tyler Rezac

Henry

This is Tyler's first production with Summer Musical Enterprise. He is a rising senior at Christiansburg High School. Recently, he also participated in the Senior-Directed one acts at Christiansburg High School. Though somewhat new to the world of theatre, Tyler is glad to be a part of the show and excited to show off his talents alongside fellow actors in this years production.

Joelle Shenk

Bowery Beauty/Waitress

Newsies is Joelle's eighth production with SME! She is thrilled to be on the stage again, and thinks this cast is worthy of front page headlines! When not on stage, Joelle loves networking, reading children's books out loud, traveling to places she's never been, and watching foreign movies. She wants the audience to remember that they can cheer and clap! Bring on the energy! Thank you for coming!

Mehailyn Sink

Featured Dancer

Mehailyn Sink is proud to be performing on the stage for the first time with the SME as a featured dancer. She is a rising fourth grade student at Kipps Elementary School where her favorite class is music. Mehailyn attends Dance.tech where she is in her fourth-year dancing with the PowerPAC Performing Arts Company. Mehailyn is also a member of the Blacksburg Ballet where she has performed numerous roles in the Nutcracker.

Charisse Skinner

Medda Larkin (Tribune Cast)/ Nun (Sun Cast)

Charisse is excited to be returning to the SME stage after a long hiatus. She first got the bug for theater in high school in the role of Laurie in Oklahoma. In college, Charisse was a performer with the New Virginians at Virginia Tech and went on to perform at Kings Dominion. Her favorite roles have been of a more ‘boisterous’ nature including Bonnie Latour in Anything Goes (which was her last show with SME) and Sister Mary Hubert in Nunsense. Charisse enjoys doing plays as well and loves being part of the theatre community in the NRV. In the ‘real world’, Charisse supervises a residential crisis facility with NRV Community Services. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends just generally having fun and loving Jesus.

Julia Thacker

Featured Dancer

Julia Thacker is so excited to perform as a Featured Dancer for Summer Musical Enterprise. This is her first production with SME and wishes everyone good luck!

Emily Triplett

Specs/Featured Dancer

Emily is thrilled to be back on the stage performing in her 6th SME production this summer! Previous credits with SME include A Christmas Story, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, just to name a few. She is a graduate of Blacksburg High School, where she was involved in many productions, including Mamma Mia and It’s a Wonderful Life. She is currently a student at James Madison University pursuing a degree in psychology. She would like to thank her parents (including the one and only Mr. Teddy Roosevelt) and friends for their support and encouragement!

Todd Triplett

Gov. Teddy Roosevelt

Todd Triplett is eager to seize the day in this summer's production. This is his fourth appearance with SME. He has been a part of many other performances both on and off stage: King Triton (The Little Mermaid), Maurice (Beauty and the Beast), Salesman #5/Constable Locke (The Music Man), Sky Masterson (Guys and Dolls), Technical Director/Set Designer (The Diary of Ann Frank). In his free time, who are we kidding he doesn’t have free time!! Many thanks to the artistic team for giving him this opportunity, his fellow cast members for their support and to Cheri and Emily for always giving him something to believe in. Keep your eyes on the stars!!

Heather Dexy Ursano

Seitz

Newsies marks Dexy's 10th year with Summer Musical Enterprise. Dexy began her time with SME back in 2012 as a pirate in Peter Pan. Since then she has been in numerous SME shows such as: Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and A Christmas Story to name a few. In addition to acting, Dexy serves on the SME Board as Co-Vice Chair and Secretary, teaches at Narrows High School and is the director of the Green Wave Theatre Department, and is the Virginia Thespians Vice One Acts Chair.

Jessica Vance

Medda Larkin (Sun), Nun (Tribune)

Jessica Vance, mezzo soprano, is happy to make her return to Haymarket Theatre with SME this year. Jessica received her BFA in Music: Vocal Performance with a minor in Theatre: Costume Design from Virginia Tech (2017), and went on to graduate from Westminster Choir College (WCC) with a Master of Music in Voice Pedagogy and Performance (2019). Recent credits include: Bunny (Babes in Arms), Ben Marino (Fiorello!), Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), Dritte Dame (Die Zauberflöte), The Witch (Hansel and Gretel), and, her personal favorite, Dinah (Trouble in Tahiti). Thanks to Mom, Christopher, and little Miss Panda for their support.

Samaya White

JoJo (Newsies)

This will be my first show with summer musical enterprise! I am extremely excited for being able to be a part of this production. Being casted as JoJo has been a very excited role to participate in! I have loved working with the whole cast and stoked to be able to perform in another musical after taking a year long hiatus with performing on stage! I hope you love the show as much as I do! - The things we do today will be tomorrows news, Crutchie

Annie Zaldivar

Splasher

Annie Zaldivar is ecstatic to be portraying the role of “Splasher” in SME’s 2022 production of “Newsies”. She is about to start her senior year at Christiansburg High School this fall. She loves every part of theater. This will be her first musical with SME and her fourth musical ever. She has been doing theater with Christiansburg since sixth grade when she was in a production written by Joelle Shenk. She is so excited be in a show with her first director, as well as everyone else in the amazing cast of people. She hopes you enjoy! And don’t forget to seize the day!

Maura Zaldivar

Woman/Brooklyn Newsie/Ensemble

Maura is thrilled to be making her SME debut in this year’s production of Newsies! Previous theater experience includes Ensemble in James and The Giant Peach, and most recently, “Riff Raff” in Tolls of Madness Rocky Horror Picture Show. Being on stage again, surrounded by this cast of incredibly talented people, has been a dream. Another part of the dream is performing with my little sister, Annie! I’m so thankful to this cast and the amazing directors and stage managers!

Donna Arnold

Drums

Linda Bartlett

Trumpet

John Crawford

Cello

Ian Epperly

Percussion

Kevin Faller

Trumpet

Tiffany Studebaker Freeman

Orchestra - Double Bass

I love being outdoors, traveling, reading, being with my people, creating and making music. If I could customize one superpower just for me, it would be the ability to do all of the things I love simultaneously.

Mason Gottschalk

Keyboard

Alyssa Ganino

Flute

Alyssa is a 2022 graduate from Virginia Tech. She currently works at Main Street Veterinary Clinic, and hopes to attend veterinary school in the future. She has played in several ensembles throughout college, but this is her first time playing for a musical.

Tatiana Hite

Violin

Michelle King

Violin

Michelle grew up in Utah and has lived in Christiansburg with her husband and six children for the past two years. She started playing the violin at age twelve and has played in college and in community orchestras. She taught elementary school orchestra for four years and currently teaches the New River Valley Homeschool Orchestra as well as private lessons. She now plays with the Blacksburg Community Strings.

Daniel McPherson

Orchestra (Guitar)

Daniel has played guitar and trumpet for several SME shows. He plays trumpet in the Blacksburg Community Band and the Sauerkraut Band.

Blake Miles

Bass

Jeff Richie

Trombone

Dixon Smiley

Reed, Orchestra Manager

Jenni Schoner

Violin

Playing her great-grandfather's violin is one of Jenni Schoner's favorite hobbies, especially in community music productions. She has been in the orchestra for several past SME shows including 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat', 'Shrek: The Musical', 'The Little Mermaid', and more. She plays regularly with the Blacksburg Community Strings. The many dedicated cast, crew, and musicians have made 'Newsies' a terrific experience. Enjoy the show!

Daniel Taylor

Orchestra- Keyboard

Originally from Independence, VA, Daniel Kyle Taylor currently resides in Blacksburg, VA. He works as a freelance accompanist and teaches private lessons in Piano, French Horn, Trumpet, and Voice. He studied Music Education at Concord University, and has a decade of experience as a professional church musician. This is his third musical performing in the orchestra with Summer Musical Enterprise.

Ben Slaughter

Keyboard 1

Ben is a multi-instrumentalist from Staunton, VA, although he has resided in Blacksburg for 12 years after completing a Bachelor's in Piano Performance and a Master's in Music Education in 2014 and 2015, respectively, from Virginia Tech. He has been playing piano for over 22 years and has thoroughly enjoyed playing for 13 musical productions, spanning from 2007-2022, including SME productions of 'The Little Mermaid' (2019) and 'Sweeney Todd' (2018). He also played for 'The Fantasticks' at Virginia Tech in 2011, as well as other community and high school theatre productions like 'Into the Woods', 'The Secret Garden', and 'Fiddler On the Roof'. Ben is an Eagle Scout who has many interests, such as various outdoor activities, video games, and frequenting cafes.

Carey Vice

Flute

Carey grew up in the New River Valley and graduated from Virginia Tech with a Degree in Music Education. She later went back to school to become Licensed Veterinary Technician and currently co-owns/manages Main Street Veterinary Clinic in Blacksburg.

Parker Vice

Percussion

Jeff McCoy

Stage Director

"This show will inspire the audience with the historical events of the little guy (the newsboys) versus the rich bureaucrats (Pulitzer). We hope to make our return to to the stage this summer with a bang! Exhilarating tap will raise the banner of the Newsies in their strike making this sure to be an audience hit. There is love, grit, and dynamic hijinks to take the audience on a roller coaster ride of the emotions. I am excited to be directing my fourth show with SME, bringing quality theatre to the NRV. Join us for live theatre to enhance your summer." Jeff McCoy is the director of Theatre Arts at Pulaski County High School. He has directed over 130 shows while he has been there including THREE Virginia High School League One- Act Festival winners. Jeff has appeared in over three quarters of the shows SME has produced over the years including the first show The Music Man. He has appeared in shows with many regional theatres.

Maria Maddy

Vocal Director

"Vocally, Newsies represents inspirational storytelling while imitating real life with the oppressed working together to promote change against injustice. As in the plot of the story, the strength of the vocals is in the strength of the ensembles and the ability of the singers to demonstrate massive swagger along with underlying vulnerability. I am delighted to have my first opportunity to serve as the vocal director for Newsies with SME. " Maria has a Master of Music in Vocal Performance. She has experience as a voice teacher, Music Director at churches in Virginia and West Virginia, has served as Adjunct Instructor of Voice/Voice Class/Music Appreciation/Ear Training/other classes at Bluefield College and also Instructor of Voice at West Virginia University. Maria also has degrees in Elementary Education, and she teaches 4th and 5th grade Reading and Language Arts at Narrows Elementary School.

Jay Durner

Musical Director

“With the music of Alan Menkin, who also wrote the scores for Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast as well as Alladin, what's not to look forward to!! The music is fresh and exciting and the orchestra will be a little different than what the SME audiences are used to hearing. I am anticipating it to be a little smaller orchestra, but very vibrant with a vast display of different styles.” Jay recently retired from the position of Band Director at Floyd County High School and is enjoying life on his mini farm in Pilot with his chickens and newly fostered hound, Claire. Before that he directed bands in NJ and PA. He also previously served as Music Director for a variety of companies including the Municipal Opera Company of Allentown (PA), The Jacksonville Theater Company (PA),and most recently Summer Music Enterprise productions of Pajama Game, Cinderella, and Peter Pan. He would like to give a huge thank you to his wife Chris, who has supported all of his hours in this endeavor called "Newsies"!

Paige Godwin

Choreographer

"The quick pace, exciting visuals, and inspiring story are motivating to all involved, starting from the artistic team, translated through the performers onstage, supported by the crew behind the scenes, and finally expressed to the joyful audience. " Raised in Northern Virginia, Paige trained in Vaganova technique at a classical ballet school and was on her studio’s competition team beginning at the age of 5. She was a captain and choreographer for the National Champion MV Wildcat Dance Team, danced in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and NFL Pro Bowl, and performed overseas in both England and France. In college she served on the Executive Board of the Dance Company of Virginia Tech, performing at Hokie Pep Rallies, charity events, and bi-annual Company Concerts. An avid lover of the arts, she participated in workshops and performances with Riverside Dinner Theater, sang in school and church choirs, and choreographed several musicals for her high school. Paige turned her focus to becoming a more impactful instructor when she began teaching at Dance-tech in 2010, recently attending Studio Owner’s University with Misty Lown and teachers’ classes at Dance Educators of America, Artists Simply Human and DanceMakers, Inc. She is Youth Protection Advocates in Dance Certified, a member of More Than Just Great Dancing, Main Street Connect, the American Business Women's Association, and part of the MCCC Leadership New River Valley class of 2022.

Nina Kempic

Choreographer

"I was blessed with the opportunity to take a masterclass from a Broadway Newsies cast member before seeing the show in New York. It was amazing to know that small piece of their choreography, and then see it take on life with each dancer's interpretation of the moves on stage." Nina was trained at the Ballet Royal Institute of Maryland and the B. Funk Dance Company. She has a background in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip-hop and musical theatre. Nina was a choreographer/dancer and cast member in Damn Yankees for her high school in MD. Additionally she danced at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, in a Disney Parade through the Magic Kingdom and with Disney World Master Dance Class. Nina was a spotlight dancer and cast member for a production of Annie with Howard County Summer Theatre also in MD. She has danced in many performances with the Dance company of Virginia Tech. Nina has served as Co-Director/Choreography for Blacksburg Ballet's The Nutcracker at Moss Arts Center and is the Ballet Director and Teacher/Choreographer for Dance-tech Performing Arts in Blacksburg. She is also a choreographer for competitive solos and duets in contemporary and jazz styles.

Heather Leeper

Choreographer

"...each character's journey should be considered through their movements. The storyline and character building is the most crucial dance element; every action should have a purpose in storytelling....The choreography should add details of the story that the words are not saying." Heather Leeper is the owner of the LEAP Performing Arts Academy in Blacksburg and Roanoke. She is the creator of Little Leapers’ unique dance curriculum. Heather has studied dance for over 30 years and taught for almost 20 years. She comes from a long line of dancers, including her grandmother who graduated from the Performing Arts High School in New York (Remember 'FAME'?) where she graduated with such prestigious classmates as Arthur Mitchell, founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Heather trained in Saratoga, NY under New York City Ballet esteemed alumni; Michael Steele, Olga Kostritzky, Deborah Wingert, and Garielle Whittle (School of American Ballet). She also trained under Darlene Myers of the Pennsylvania Ballet Company at the Myers School of Dance and performed with the Northeast Ballet. Heather has performed with various companies including the New York City Ballet, Saratoga City Ballet (soloist), NHL Washington Capitals Cheerleaders, MLB Washington Nationals Cheerleaders, MLL Chesapeake Bayhawks Cheerleaders, NFL Washington Redskins Cheerleaders Finalist performer, Ballet Regent, Northeast Ballet, Burklyn Ballet, Blacksburg Ballet, Albany Berkshire Ballet, the Dance Company at Virginia Tech, Summer Musical Enterprise (Beauty & the Beast - feature dancer). Before moving to Blacksburg, she was the choreographer for the Washington Nationals Dug Out Dancers and Varisity & JV head coach for the McLean Dance Team. She has been the artistic director of The Nutcracker at the Moss Arts Center for 10 years Heather is an active member in the community, offering student scholarships, as well as educational programming for multiple school systems, including the programs at the Moss Arts Center.

Bradley Grigg

Choreographer

"Something I love about Newsies in particular is the urgency and message behind the 'show stopper' dance numbers, such as Seize The Day." Bradley is 19 years old and is currently a sophomore in college. She has been dancing since she was 5 years old and has also participated in competitive dance for 7 years. She has won multiple national championships for Contemporary and Hip Hop styles of dance. Bradley has been active in many different shows at both Blacksburg High School and with Summer Musical Enterprise. To highlight a few, she was in SME’s production of “Shrek” and “Beauty and the Beast”. She is now sharing her love for dance in many different ways: She’s been working at Little Leapers & LEAP Performing Arts Academy for almost 5 years and is a choreographer for the LEAP Company. She most recently choreographed for “Elf Jr.” at BHS in fall 2021, and she’s beyond excited to choreograph in SME’s upcoming production of “Newsies”!

Cindy Blevins

Executive Producer

Cindy has been involved in music and theater her entire life! This is her nineteenth consecutive production with SME. She has been seen on the SME stage in My Fair Lady (Eliza), Oliver! (Nancy), Kiss Me Kate (Lilli Vanessi/Kate), Anything Goes (Virtue), Forbidden Broadway (Carol Channing/Lady of the Lake/Barbra Streisand), A Christmas Story the Musical (Mother), Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman), The Little Mermaid (Ursula) and in All Together Now! On the SME production side, Cindy served as Stage Director for Cinderella (2011) and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2018), Musical Director for Bye Bye Birdie (2007) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2009), assisted with production of Pajama Game (2010) and Cinderella (2011) and produced Peter Pan (2012), Shrek (2013), Spamalot(2014), Forbidden Broadway (2015), The Music Man (2016), Sweeney Todd (2018), From SME to You: A Christmas Revue (2018), and All Together Now (2021.) In the Blue Ridge and New River Valley she has performed with Opera Roanoke, Mill Mountain Theatre, Virginia Children’s Theatre, Blacksburg Master Chorale, and other local groups. When not on, under, or behind stage, Cindy is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She lives in Christiansburg with her husband Clay and two daughters Reilly and Ashlinn.

Leigh Anne Byrd

Associate Producer

Leigh Anne is excited to be a part of the production team for "Newsies" this summer. She feels fortunate to have been involved in a number of SME shows over the years. Favorite roles include, Dolly Tate, "Annie Get your Gun," Grace, "Cinderella," Eulalie Mackecknie Shin, "The Music Man," and Flotsam, "The Little Mermaid." Besides being on stage, Leigh Anne has served in various roles behind the scenes for other Summer Musical productions. In her everyday life, she is an Academic Advisor at Virginia Tech. She would like to thank her family for putting up with her love of theatre.

Tali Daniels

Stage Manager

Jordan Phillips

Stage Manager

Brian James

Sound Technician

Joelle Shenk

Props Coordinator

Melissa Cameron

House Manager

Eddie Sheffield

Props Artisan for Printing Press and Snyder's Cane

Joey Neighbors, Star City Sets

Set Construction

John Maddy

Rehearsal Accompanist Extraordinaire

Jessie Hogan

Props Assistant

Dixon Smiley

Orchestra Manager

Jeff McCoy, Leigh Anne Byrd, Cindy Blevins

Costume Coordinators

April Ayers

Box Office Lead

Haymarket Production Staff

Lighting

Haymarket Production Staff

Main Drape Operator

Haymarket Production Staff

Fly Rail Operator (backdrops)

Bob Bush

Master Carpenter and the Real King of New York

Jeff McCoy

Jack's Backdrop for Medda and Jack's painting of Santa Fe

Parker Wertz

Run Crew

Norcostco Theatrical Supply

Medda Larkin costumes, Katherine Plumber costumes, Seitz blouse, extra Derby hats

Photos

Donors

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