Book reviews
Weirdo 25 by Anh Do
Reviewer: Oscar R, St Augustine’s P.S.
This book is about Weirdo and his band and they are playing in a concert. Weirdo plays the triangle, Bella has the guitar, Henry plays the drums and Wendy is on the flute. My favourite part was when they were playing in the band on stage and dancing around. This was my favourite part because the pictures made it look like good music, if you could hear it. I love the pictures in these books because they are really funny. You should read this because it’s super funny, I even got my friend to start readying these books.
Rainbow Magic, Jude the Librarian Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Reviewer: Lucy R, St Augustine’s P.S.
This book is about 3 wonderful fairies and one of them was called Jude and her friends were called Rachel and Kirsty. And there were some goblins and there was one goblin and he stole the magic stamp and Jack Frost stole the glasses and magic bookmark. All of the library books got mixed up because of the goblins and people were shouting in the library and they couldn’t stop. My favourite character was Jude the fairy because she had a wand and I liked her hair. My favourite part was the ending because they lived happily ever after. The pictures I liked the most was when Jude got her bookmark back. Other kids should read this book – all of the girls and some of the boys if they like fairies.
Puzzle of the month
June Puzzle of the Month Winner
Congratulations to Oscar T from St Monica’s in Footscray who solved last month’s puzzle with this image. He has won a Bouncing Putty pack courtesy of Chalk Yarraville!
How do you draw a square with three lines?
July Jokes
What do you call a sleeping bull?
A bulldozer.
– Rose, St Augustine’s P.S.
What did the wave say to the other wave?
Nothing. They just waved.
– Sharlie, Holy Eucharist P.S.
Why did the teddy say no to ice cream?
He was stuffed!
– Max, St Augustine’s P.S.
NEWSIES STOP THE WORLD!
By the cast of Newsies Jr.
Before phones and the internet, people had to stay up-to-date with what was happening in the world through printed newspapers. Over 100 years ago, these were sold by kids called ‘newsies’, who faced really hard work and weren’t paid a lot. These newsies get to take centre stage, sing, dance, and fight for their rights in Williamstown Musical Theatre Company’s next production, ‘Newsies Jr’!
All of the performers are 8 to 18 years old, and we are some of the youngest members of the cast. We’re going to answer some questions about the show and our experience to give you a ‘behind the scenes’ pass and get to know ‘Newsies Jr’!
Can you tell us what the show is all about?
Margot: Newsies Jr. is about a giant group of poor orphan kids in New York City who sell newspapers, and they literally have to fight a bunch of greedy rich grown-ups to survive!
Annelise: Newsies is based on a true story about a group of determined kids called the Newsies who sell newspapers in New York. When the newspaper publishers unfairly increase the prices, the Newsies decide to work together, stand up for themselves and fight for what is right.
What was your first reaction when you found out you were cast in Newsies Jr?
Margot: When the phone finally rang, my heart was beating so fast and I had all my fingers crossed tight! As soon as they told us the good news, my mum and I were jumping up and down and screaming with joy!
Georgia: I was very surprised but happy and proud.
Can you tell us about the role you play and what you love about it?
Penelope: I’m excited to be part of the ensemble because I know I’ll get to do a lot of dancing and it’s really fun.
Annelise: I am part of the ensemble, who helps tell the story to life through singing, dancing and acting throughout the show. My favourite thing about being in the ensemble is that we get to play so many different people with different personalities which makes every scene exciting and fun.
Why do you love performing and doing theatre?
Eadie: I love performing and doing theatre because it gives me a feeling of fulfillment, like I have really achieved something.
Penelope: I love the rewarding experience of the applause at the end and the work we have to put into it, the dedication we all have to have, it’s just mind blowing
Harvey M: I love the thrill of being on stage and the adrenaline! I just love it!
Yusuf: I love performing because I get to entertain the audience and make them feel the emotion of the performance. I think being an actor, comedian, dancer or musician is the same as being a storyteller and I believe it’s important to tell stories.
What has been the most fun or exciting part of rehearsals so far?
Penelope: I think the most exciting and fun part is learning the choreography because [our choreographer] Gabi has really helped us all get the choreography down pat and it’s amazing.
Annelise: The most exciting part so far was when our director Stuart showed us what the set will look like. It looks absolutely incredible and it made the show feel even more real!
Eadie: The most exciting part of rehearsals for me was the first dance we learnt, Carrying the banner
Georgia: It has been fun meeting new people and doing the dances and songs.
Is there a song or scene in Newsies Jr that is your favourite to perform?
Harvey M: ‘Carrying the Banner’ is my favourite because it’s high energy, quick movements and everyone’s on stage at the same time.
Yusuf: I love to perform ‘Seize the Day’. This song is about all the Newsies uniting and forming their strike. It involves most of the cast singing and dancing in unison, forming a strong bond.
Penelope: I love ‘Carrying the Banner’ because of the vocals and the harmonies
Why will audiences love watching Newsies Jr?
Yusuf: I think audiences will love Newsies Jr for its heartwarming and comedic moments. The story of Newsies Jr is based on a true event, making it even more awesome! This musical is fun and friendly, making it perfect for ALL ages!
Margot: Audiences are going to absolutely love watching Newsies Jr. because it is such a fun, upbeat, and entertaining show. Everyone in the cast is super talented, and we all bring so much energy to the stage.
‘Newsies Jr’ is being performed from the 31st of July until the 9th of August at Altona Theatre. It is a Disney musical fun for the whole family! For more information and to get tickets, go to wmtc.org.au.
To go into the draw to win a double pass to the Thursday 6th of August performance of Newsies Jr, email dearkatkats@gmail.com with the subject line ‘Newsies Jr Giveaway’. The first person to email wins the tickets!
