Hello and welcome to a sweltering Saturday here at the Wannaskan Almanac. Today is July 11.
The Youngest, aka WAKWIR 2.0, and his cast mates wrapped up a stellar week of performances in Newsies Jr. This kid musical tells the story of the great strike of newspaper boys in 1899, when publisher Mr. Pulitzer decides to raise the price of papers the newsies must pay to sell them from 50 cents to 60 cents for a 100-paper bundle.
"It's about how rich people can't exploit children," the Youngest explained. "And that, just because you're rich doesn't mean you can take advantage of people. Especially kids."
And it's based on a true story.
The true part was enough to pique my husband's curiosity. "Is this THE Pulitzer? As in Pulitzer-Prize Pulitzer?"
Google, google, google.....
Yes it is.
Nearly 50 kids committed their June and half of July learning songs and dance moves that would impress even experienced thespians.
You know it's a good production when you're kid wants to watch it over and over - the musical for adults, the musical for kids, the movie (featuring Christian Bale as Jack Kelly. A big deal in mind to recognize this actor, to which said son said, "Who?")
The music for it is catchy and toe-tapping. Spotify pulls it up automatically like this morning on our way to the baseball play-offs in Crookston. "The World Will Know" reminds me of last year's "Revolting" in Matilda. An energetic declaration that doing the right thing is the right thing to do.
While kids were sad to call it a wrap last night, Scoops soothed hearts with complementary ice cream.
Children's theater is something that makes me feel hopeful for the world. The earnestness and effort to perform their best. The teamwork, the kindness. The innocence yet unsullied by life's complexity.
This show's run is done, but if you're looking for another opportunity for some theater magic for kids in your life, and to enjoy kid-genuity, Roseau is hosting Storybook the second week of August. (Reporter Catherine from Newsies Jr, gave me the scoop!) Kids needed!
Imagine the headline: Kid Actors Wow Wannaska.
Fabulous production and "Romeo" played his part brilliantly. I had so much fun!
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