A few questions with Nick Natalie

We recently caught up with Lincoln-way Central Alumnus Nicholas Natalie, who plays JoJo in the upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies at OLPD theatre, and he took a few moments out of his busy schedule to chat with us about the show.

I recently realized that you play two different parts in this OLPD theatre show. I knew you were the Newsie named JoJo, but I did not realize you were also a Brooklyn Newsie. How did you fool me?

In this show I play JoJo, an original Newsie , as well as a Brooklyn Newsie in Act II . We do change costumes, but I also try to play the roles differently. I play JoJo as a regular guy, a little more lighthearted. I play the Brooklyn newsie a bit more tough: my facial expressions and mannerisms and even the way I sing and move convey a more serious, tougher, grittier character in keeping with the “tough guy” reputation of the Brooklyn Newsies.

What’s the toughest part about being in this show?

The show is is very demanding , both vocally and physically. I really work hard to take care of myself by doing vocal warmups and stretching before each show.

You have a thriving theatre following in Mokena. Why are your driving out to Oak Lawn to be in this show?

First of all, I love Newsies and I have wanted to be in it since I first saw the movie version of the musical years ago. But more importantly, working with the Oak Lawn theatre is always a lot of fun. Everybody gets along, and we all help each other and work together to make a great show.

What’s next for you?

I will be going back to school at Bradley University where I major in User Experience Design.

What’s that?

It’s the study of how to make everything more user friendly and work better.

Sounds just like the theatre experience at OLPD theatre, where dedication, cooperation, hard work and mutual respect have resulted in an incredible show!

A few tickets are still available for this weekend’s production of Disney’s NEWSIES at OLPD. Due to overwhelming demand and sell out shows, a second matinee has been added for Saturday August 10 at 3pm.

IF YOU GO

This family friendly musical is full of familiar tunes and amazing dancing. Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this new Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys' expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of "the little man", the real "King of New York". This high energy musical features eight local Lincoln-way area performers. After a sold out first weekend, remaining showtimes are Friday August 9 @ 7:30pm, Saturday August 10 @ 3pm and 7:30 pm , and Sunday August 11 @ 3pm. Tickets at Showtix4u.com For more information, call 708 857-2200 or find us on Facebook !