Newsies concluded its nine performance NZ Premiere season to a standing ovation from the final night full house on Saturday, March 29. Our Company reached outstanding performance levels in a show that demanded high energy and intense collaboration between cast and crew. Kirsten Clark and Lindsay Yeo drew some of the best ever ensemble singing from one of our companies. Leanora Potten, in her Choreography debut, produced a dynamic dance display that delighted the crowds. Alex Hughes and I brought it all together with assistance from many adults from our two schools and the community.

Sadly, in a sign of the times, ticket sales were down 20%, but that did not detract from the value of the experience for some 70 students. Performing to this level requires a high degree of commitment from students and their families and leads to the development of a close and supportive show whanau. For the adults involved, the best payback comes in the incredible transitions we witness as teens immerse themselves in our environment of high expectation with strong support and learn a lot about themselves while developing confidence and skills, making new friends and having fun!

While everyone in the company made a significant contribution to the final product, high fliers and outstanding contributors were acknowledged on Final night:

Liz O’Connor Award for outstanding musical potential: Suia Samuelu

High Five Award for the most promising understudy: Karam Dhari

Sandra Wheeler Award (Vocal) for outstanding musicianship: Lara Ogilvie

Monaghan Award for excellence in theatre technology: EJ Buckingham, Ruan Daniels, Sakthi Prabhu, Ishmam Biswas, Megan Winter, Emma Pryce, Azmain Ifrit, Rhiannon Hesp and Atta Rahim

Alex Hughes Award for most promising chorus dancer: Max Bradnock

Cara O’Neill Award for excellence in choreographed movement: Ngataria Pomana

Barbara Shorter Award for outstanding contribution to the senior production: acknowledges outstanding contributions to the Company by people who have not won any other award: Ethan Veale, Tommy Cottrill, Jack Wilson, Campbell Mackintosh and Bella Smout

Chris Burton Awards for excellence in performance drama:

Male: Angus Taylor as Davey, Tyler Thompson as Joseph Pulitzer and Ben Viljoen (with Gold endorsement) as Jack Kelly

Female: Prya Simon as Medda Larkin and Kaitlyn Crafts as Katherine Plumber

This year more than ever, we are indebted to our generous sponsors for their support especially in these tough economic times. Many thanks to Rachel and Sally Wenham for the wonderful work they do in bringing this support to our Productions.

During this year’s season, I was delighted to hand over the Artistic Direction of our company to Alex Hughes. Alex has been with us for over ten years as a student, Choreographer and now, Director. Importantly, this means she is well-versed in the unique culture of the company. An accomplished performer in her own right, she will lead us with passion and enthusiasm into the future and we wish her the very best. I am stepping sideways into the role of Production Manager.

Chris Burton.