The Westmoreland Jr./Sr. High School Drama Department knew the “show must go on.”
After a period of uncertainty due to COVID-19, the Drama Department held its annual spring musical on May 14 and 15 at a very special venue – The Stanley Theatre in Utica. 
In order to safely accommodate a limited audience, this year’s musical, Newsies, was moved to the historic and more spacious Stanley Theatre. For those unable to attend one of the live performances, recordings of the musical were streamed for a small fee on May 16.
“We started the school year telling the kids that we would find a way for the show to go on, but I really had no idea how that was going to happen with COVID-19 restrictions and our limited space,” said Mrs. Emily Davis, Jr./Sr. High School music teacher and director of the musical. “When Superintendent of Schools Mr. Migliori suggested The Stanley Theatre as a venue, I honestly was not sure if he was serious. Within a few hours, he helped us make the necessary arrangements and away we went.”
"I have been performing at The Stanley every year since I was four years old,” added Clare Calogero, senior cast member. “As a long time participant in The Nutcracker, I was devastated when last year’s rendition was canceled and I would not be able to perform at The Stanley one final time. Fortunately, I got that chance. It was so awesome to perform Newsies at The Stanley and I could not be more grateful to the school for the opportunity to cap off my senior year on a high note.”
Newsies, the Disney film turned Tony-winning Broadway hit, inspires everyone to fight for what’s right and seize the day. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right!
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.
While Mrs. Davis was beyond excited for her students to have the chance to perform at The Stanley, she was more impressed by their ability to adapt and perform under unique circumstances. Once they learned the spring musical could happen, they only had about eight weeks to prepare – far less than normal.
“The kids met every obstacle with a positive attitude, including distancing in the blocking, wearing clear masks and voluntary COVID-19 screenings on a weekly basis,” said Mrs. Davis. “I am so proud of this group of students. They proved that life is not defined by our circumstances, but what we make of them.”
They also proved the unique circumstances – and The Stanley Theatre’s bright lights – were not too much to handle.
Click here to view photos from the May 14 performance.