OH junior Sora Williams was selected to perform at the Illinois High School Theatre Festival production of “Newsies.”
Being part of this production is really important for Williams because she wants a career in music, whether it is Broadway or opera, and this statewide production was a great way for Williams to pursue this path in life.
“I want to go into music, like, as a whole career,” Williams smiled.
Although the performances happened this Jan. 4 to Jan. 10, Williams’ road to the stage began last summer. The audition process happened over the summer of ’25, and Williams’ rehearsals started in July. She earned a central role in the “Newsies” production as Medda, a competitive, highly sought-after main role.
The production included professional actors and Illinois high school students who are interested in tech and directing. Students from various high schools in Illinois get involved in this production after auditioning for roles; 339 students auditioned and Willliams was one who earned a spot on stage.
“Because this is statewide, I [got] to meet so many other people and, like, connect and everything,” Williams said.
The All-State production offered many opportunities to students all around Illinois who were interested in theater. It also gave them a way to meet new people who have the same interests.
The environment also encouraged positivity because every student had something in common: singing, acting, music, or tech, which was the reason why they were in that production in the first place.
“The environment altogether was actually really positive,” Williams said. “Because… everybody from all around Illinois state [is] coming together to do this one production and most of them have everything in common,” said Williams.
There are a lot of Williams’ friends who are proud and excited for the opportunity that she had this year.
“I’m just so proud of her, [and] I think it’s great,” said OH sophomore Faith Perry, who has been friends with Williams since freshman year.
“All she has to do is keep being herself. She’s doing absolutely great.” said Perry about Williams’ success.
According to IHSTF, 120 students from 76 high schools all around Illinois were involved in this All-State production. A total of 30,120 hours were spent preparing, with 256 hours per student in the production. Five weekends were spent practicing, 1,040 lines were learned, 700 costume pieces were made, and there were 51 instruments that were played and learned.
“Newsies” is a musical based on the 1992 Disney film and the real-life 1899 Newsboys Strike in New York. The character that Williams auditioned for, Medda Larkson/Larkin, is a character who keeps the newsboys safe and is a mentor to the newsboys.
Hi, I'm Nadirah. This is my first year in 42Fifty and I'm currently a Sophomore. I do color guard after school and I really like reading! You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
