Walking into the Jeffreys Linn Arts Centre, I was immediately struck by the professionalism of the venue. Seating 400 guests and equipped with advanced sound and lighting systems, the space carried a quiet anticipation as the audience gathered — a fitting stage for a production of this scale and ambition.
St Peter’s Girls’ School presented a dynamic and high-energy production of Newsies, the Broadway musical inspired by the real-life 1899 newsboys’ strike in New York. In a bold and thoughtful decision, the all-female cast reimagined this traditionally male-led story through a fresh lens. The result was a powerful and unified performance that captured the spirit of youthful rebellion, solidarity, and hope.
At its heart, Newsies is about the strength found in collective action — a message that resonated clearly throughout the performance. From the opening moments to the final number, the cast committed fully to their roles, embodying the camaraderie, hardship, and resilience of the young strikers.
The production was led by three Performing Arts Captains, whose influence was evident not only in their performances but in the cohesion and professionalism of the broader cast. Their leadership was visible in the sense of discipline, mutual support, and collective energy onstage.
In the role of Jack Kelly, Alexandra Nguyen delivered a compelling and emotionally layered performance. Her portrayal balanced confidence and charisma with vulnerability, particularly in the solo “Santa Fe,” which stood out as a moving reflection of Jack’s longing for a better life. Her physicality, accent work, and vocal strength gave depth and believability to the role.
Zoe Papageorgiou and Alyssa Walpole also played pivotal leadership roles in the cast. Both brought exceptional skill and focus to the choreography, which was a defining strength of the production. The dance was ambitious, technically demanding, and central to the storytelling. Zoe and Alyssa led by example, and their clarity, control, and commitment elevated the ensemble around them.
Alyssa, in particular, demonstrated strong characterisation through movement. Even within ensemble scenes, she remained connected to the narrative, and her awareness of the group enhanced the overall precision of the choreography. Her performance reflected a strong foundation in technique and a high level of performance maturity.
Sophie Blight, as Katherine Plumber, gave a confident and articulate performance. She moved fluidly between comedic and sincere moments, and her voice carried strength and clarity throughout.
Supporting roles were also well-cast and well-executed. Abigail Hawkes delivered a heartfelt performance as Crutchie, portraying both strength and tenderness. Arlie McCarthy brought charm and comic timing to the role of Les, while Eliza Brill Reed provided a thoughtful and grounded presence as Davey. Together, the ensemble brought texture and dimension to the production, working as a cohesive unit throughout.
One of the production’s highlights was “King of New York.” This ensemble tap number was tightly executed, rhythmically precise, and full of energy. The cast’s commitment to the choreography and musicality resulted in a vibrant and memorable performance that showcased the discipline and unity of the group.
Visually, the production was resourceful and effective. The multi-level set design made excellent use of the theatre’s wide and open stage, allowing for dynamic scene changes and varied stage pictures. Costuming helped evoke the historical setting while supporting the movement needs of the cast. Lighting and sound were executed with care, enhancing the mood of each scene and ensuring clarity throughout.
The music was performed by a group of highly skilled musicians, positioned behind the stage. Despite the separation from the performance space, the band delivered a balanced and expressive accompaniment. The sound was well-managed, with technical coordination ensuring that the music supported — rather than overpowered — the vocal performances.
Special mention must be made of the technical team, whose work ensured the smooth operation of the entire production. Lighting cues, sound mixing, and scene transitions were handled with precision. The backstage crew’s efficiency contributed significantly to the polished and professional rhythm of the show.
This Newsies was not just a school production — it was a showcase of what can be achieved when student leadership, artistic discipline, and creative ambition come together. With just under 100 students involved, the scale and quality of the work spoke to the strength of the school’s Performing Arts program.
From choreography and direction to technical execution and ensemble strength, the production demonstrated a high level of excellence across all areas. The cast and crew should be proud of a cohesive, disciplined, and emotionally resonant performance that honoured the spirit of Newsies while bringing their own identity to the stage.
