Venue: Standing Ovation Theater
Director: Matthew Logan
Role: Crutchie
01
The beginning
Newsies, Book by Harvey Fierstein, Music by Alan Menken, and Lyrics by Jack Feldman, tells the true-inspired story of the 1899 Newsboys' Strike in New York City, following a group of young newspaper sellers who unite to fight against unfair treatment by powerful publishers. At its heart, the musical is about resilience, courage, and the belief that ordinary people can create extraordinary change when they stand together. While the show is filled with energetic dance numbers and memorable songs, its greatest strength lies in its message that every voice matters, regardless of age or circumstance.
The story also explores themes of family, friendship, sacrifice, and hope. Through characters like Jack Kelly and Crutchie, Newsies reminds audiences that strength is not defined by physical ability or social status but by compassion, determination, and the willingness to stand up for what is right. These themes became central to my own approach to the production and shaped the way I developed my performance throughout the rehearsal process.
When I first auditioned for Newsies, my primary focus was simply earning a place in the cast. Receiving callbacks for multiple roles challenged me to think beyond singing the correct notes or delivering lines well. I had to demonstrate versatility, physical storytelling, and an understanding of each character's emotional journey. Once I was cast as Crutchie, I realized that portraying him authentically would require far more than learning dialogue and music. His optimism, humor, and resilience had to become the foundation of every scene.
Early rehearsals presented several artistic challenges. I spent considerable time researching Crutchie's physicality, experimenting with movement, and determining how to make his disability feel truthful without allowing it to define every moment of the performance. I also searched for films, performances, and historical references that reflected his spirit rather than simply his circumstances. By focusing on his joy, loyalty, and unwavering hope, I developed a more complete understanding of who Crutchie is beyond his crutch. Most of my inspiration came from a combination of Kieran Culkin's performance in The Mighty, Marty Balafsky's crutchie, and Andrew Keenan-Bolger's Crutchie.
02
The middle
As rehearsals progressed, I shifted my attention toward consistency. Maintaining Crutchie's physical mannerisms while singing, dancing, and reacting naturally on stage required constant adjustment. Every rehearsal became an opportunity to refine how he moved through space, interacted with the other newsies, and balanced moments of comedy with genuine vulnerability. Rather than treating the physical performance as a separate element, I worked to make it feel instinctive so that it supported the storytelling instead of distracting from it.
Another important area of growth was discovering Crutchie's emotional voice. I wanted audiences to see his resilience without overlooking the hardships he faced. This meant making thoughtful choices about his optimism, his friendships, and the quiet moments that reveal his determination beneath the humor. Through repeated rehearsals and reflection, I learned that some of the strongest acting choices come from restraint, allowing sincerity to communicate more powerfully than exaggerated emotion. I also had to learn to let go of fear of connection when creating a real friendship with my acting partner, Camden Loyless. I never go into a project expecting to create real friendships; however, it takes one off guard to find those friendships.
03
The End
As opening night approached, my focus turned from individual performance to serving the production as a whole. After months of rehearsals, technical runs, and continual refinement, I developed greater confidence in my preparation and trusted the work that had already been done. Rather than concentrating on perfect execution, I concentrated on listening to my fellow actors, remaining present in each moment, and allowing every performance to feel alive and truthful.
Looking back, Newsies became much more than another production in my theatre journey. It strengthened my understanding of character development, reinforced the importance of research and collaboration, and reminded me that meaningful performances are built through patience, persistence, and countless small improvements over time. Portraying Crutchie challenged me both artistically and personally, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for the responsibility of telling stories that celebrate resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
