Predawn’s crazy beauty fills the sky over Aurora with high hopes and anticipation. It lights the faces I see in my head of our multi-talented actors who will assemble on Monday, August 5, the first day of rehearsal for Paramount’s Newsies. You see, as ever, I am obsessed with gratitude and respect for our cast. That first time seeing them face to face never disappoints; all of them meeting each other, seeing who they are working with, eyes flashing smiling energy, acknowledgements of: “We’re finally here!” Spontaneously, they form a team, a new company. Season No. 9 begins and it just doesn’t get old looking forward to be in their presence.
The challenges we are about to meet can be daunting. But what makes us scared, makes us brave. May we be bold, healthy and strong together. Come see. Join us. This whole new season promises a whole new experience at Paramount.
The next few weeks, all day, every day, is to be filled with singing and dancing and telling the story, telling the truth. They have the chops to technically dazzle and entertain. Within them is empathy for the struggle and the stakes. My hope is we will discover the triumph of unity and solidarity. From diverse backgrounds, they are all shapes and sizes and colors and experience. Soon they will be family.
The challenges we are about to meet can be daunting. But what makes us scared, makes us brave. May we be bold, healthy and strong together. Come see. Join us. This whole new season promises a whole new experience at Paramount.
Love & thanks,
Jim