The long-awaited USCHS musical recently finished a successful run of performances. This year the Upper St. Clair Musical Program showed the beloved Disney Musical, Newsies. The wonderful musical is based on the poor orphan boy, Jack Kelly, selling newspapers on the streets of Manhattan, accompanied by his friends, Crutchie, Davey, and Les. USC is very excited to see Greg Boughner play the protagonist, Jack Kelly accompanied by Adam Levine as Crutchie, Brian McFerran as Davey, and Ava Casciato Les. All of the cast and students did an amazing job in their production whether they were acting, singing, and dancing on stage or if they were helping backstage with props, costumes, or makeup.
USCHS is happy to thank the new staff who helped produce this year’s musical. Dr. Torquato is this year’s main director along with Mrs. Surguine and Mrs. Chrisholm. All of USC was excited to see what this year’s new directing staff brought to the musical and make Newsies one of the best musicals USC has ever seen. In fact, for the first time in ten years, Newsies was sold out for every show they did. This amazing round of musicals being sold out is now part of USC history and will forever be remembered.
All of the cast worked very hard after their school day from 4-9.30 PM trying to produce an amazing musical which they did. Julia Campagna, a sophomore in the stage crew, said, “Even though the hours after school were very long, I had a lot of fun with my friends.” She also added that, “This year’s musical was extra special because it is the last year I will be able to do a musical with my older sister.” Stage crew is a very important part of musicals because without them the musical would not be able to come to life without the important background.
A very crucial part of the musical is the actors. The musical had a wonderful cast who worked their very best to make the show the best they could be. They all persevered through the long hours of practice while managing their schoolwork on top of it. For many seniors, this was the last musical they will ever do in their career, making it extra special. Natalie Campagna, a senior who was also one of the dance captains for the musical said, “I am thrilled that for my senior year, I get to have such a crucial role within the dancing and choreography of the musical even though I do not have a speaking role.” Later she adds, “I have been dancing for 14 years and teaching dance for 3, so I’m very enlightened and super excited to have this opportunity!”
The 2024 Newsies show was one of the best musicals in USCHS history and brings great pride to Upper St. Clair! All students and staff who participated in or saw the musical will remember this musical forever!