Seven D.202 students and alumni to star in Summer Place Theatre’s “Newsies”

Seven District 202 students and alumni take the stage in Summer Place Theatre’s production of “Newsies” in the Naperville Central High School auditorium.

“Newsies” is playing now through August 6, 2023.

Plainfield East High School junior Cecilia (CeCi) Wynne is playing Seitz and other ensemble parts.

Ira Jones Middle School seventh grader Charles Long is portraying Les.

Jacob Long, also a seventh grader at Ira Jones, is on the production crew.

Four PEHS alumni and one Plainfield High School-Central Campus graduate are also taking the stage in the Tony Award-winning musical.

The main character, Jack Kelly is portrayed by PEHS graduate Salem Channell ’22.

Other PEHS graduates include Amanda Rissman ’22 who is playing JoJo and is also the understudy for Katherine; Claire Correll ’17 is playing the role of Hannah and other ensemble parts and Nick Baumgartner ’16 is playing the role of Mike.

PHSCC graduate Jordan McCully ’21 is playing Finch.

PEHS choir director Ali Kordelewski is the show’s vocal director.  

“It is always a joy when I have the opportunity to work with some of our former students beyond high school,” Kordelewski said.

“This is one of my favorite aspects about community theater,” Kordelewski said. “I love that theater connects so many different ages.”

She praised the cast members for their hard work in crafting their roles in the family friendly production.