Zander Vandeman, to the left, and Laylah Lucas, on the right, share a tender scene Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, at the dress rehearsal of the musical “Newsies” at Hermiston High School. Vandeman portrays protagonist Jack Kelly and Lucas performs as the journalist character Katherine Plumber.

Featuring an elaborate stage design and a live orchestra pit, the Hermiston High School Drama Club is ready to make headlines with a production of “Newsies: The Broadway Musical.”

“The music combined with the dancing is really uplifting,” choir teacher Jordan Bemrose-Rust said. “And these kids have worked really hard.”

Based on the Walt Disney Pictures film, it is a historical drama inspired by the newsboy strike of 1899 in New York City. Bemrose-Rust, who is the show director, said a portion of the set, which is vertical, gives the impression of a highrise building fire escape.

With a cast and crew of 70 students, she said it was the perfect opportunity to stage the production. And as a huge Disney fan, Bemrose-Rust is excited to present the community with a fun evening of entertainment.

“I love this musical,” she said. “It’s really magical and I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time.”

Cast in the lead role of Jack Kelly is sophomore Zander Vandeman. While it is his debut performance with the drama club, Vandeman has been involved in the school’s music program, including the marching band, choir and jazz band.

Bemrose-Rust encouraged Vandeman to participate in auditions in mid-November. Although, it didn’t take much urging.

“Last year when Hermiston did ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ I watched with friends,” he said. “I thought, ‘dang that’s really cool, I wish I did that.’”

Vandeman initially lacked familiarity with “Newsies.” However, when he learned it was selected as the season’s musical, he immediately went home and watched the Walt Disney film.

“I loved it. I thought it was very good and it got me excited for the production,” Vandeman said. “I practiced my New York accent and then the next day I watched it again.”

“And again and again and again,” Bemrose-Rust interjected with a laugh. “He had an excellent audition, which is why he was cast in the lead. And he has a pretty good New York accent.”

Bemrose-Rust said the entire cast and crew have been amazing to work with. Their dedication, she said, includes rehearsals since right after Thanksgiving — even gathering on a snow day in December and some Saturdays.

The production, Bemrose-Rust said, has been a team effort. The live orchestra is directed by Sean McClanahan and includes several community members. Also, assistant director Joshua Blake has been busy with the technical aspects of the show, including lighting, sound and set construction. And Tori Scott is in charge of choreography, which, Bemrose-Rust said, features five big dance numbers with everything from jazz, hip hop and even a tap dance.

“I think the music is amazing and people have been working really hard on it,” Vandeman said. “The audience will really enjoy the dancing. We have been working really hard.”

As a school club, Bemrose-Rust said money to run the drama program comes primarily from fundraisers and ticket sales. She was especially grateful for recent support from the Eastern Oregon University music and theatre department. She was both surprised and thrilled when Peter Wordelman, EOU music professor, reached out to offer show sponsorship.

“They gave us a nice chunk of money to purchase set materials, costumes … and some other props,” she said. “It’s very expensive to put on Disney shows.”

Tickets are $13 for ages 11 and up or $10 for children, senior citizens and students with ASB cards. For more information, search bit.ly/3kPF41P or call 541-667-6100.

“Newsies: The Broadway Musical”

• Feb. 10-11, 17-18, 7 p.m.

• Feb.18, 2 p.m.

Hermiston High School, 600 S. First St.