Southern Nebraska Register
Through special arrangement with Music Theater International, Pius Players is presenting Disney’s Newsies Jr. June 26 and 27 at Pius X High School in Lincoln.
This is a unique opportunity for Pius students and local Catholic junior high students to collaborate on a production.
“We reached out to MTI three years ago to see if there was any possibility of creating a summer opportunity for some of our high school students and our junior high students from our feeder schools,” explained co-director Mary Odgaard. “We wanted to give students an opportunity to create beautiful, faith-centered art and facilitate friendships that begin before high school and continue to grow as they go through Pius.”
The summer collaboration of Pius Players and local junior high students has been well received.
“We are seeing the Holy Spirit very much at work in this summer collaboration,” said co-director Sarah Moje. “Not only have the numbers of students involved dramatically increased, but the friendships that are being cultivated significantly shape our incoming Pius students. Our current Pius Players students – both onstage and off – are amazing leaders and so welcoming to the junior high students. This encourages friendships that sustain students through their time at Pius and beyond. We are so edified by the work of the Holy Spirit in this.”
Current Pius Players students Delayna Bucknell and Matthew Zimmer agreed.
“It is such an amazing experience to work with incredible people from all over the city,” Bucknell said. “This summer show really intensifies the opportunity to step up as leaders and to grow with your fellow artists. The bonds that come from this are just amazing.”
Zimmer concurred: “It’s unbelievable that we can create this whole production in three weeks. In order to do that, everyone has to be totally on board and have each other’s backs. We all grow so close through this process and build relationships that last through high school and beyond.”
Every Catholic junior high in Lincoln has students involved in this year’s production, truly living out the Pius X motto: “In the One, we are one.”
Newsies Jr. will be presented Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 28 at 1:30 p.m. at Pius X. Due to construction of the new performing arts center, the show will take place in the school’s original gym. Parking will be available in the east lot, with entrance at the Commons doors, as well as concessions and admissions. Tickets are $5 for general admission at the door; running time is one hour. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.
