New Lenox siblings share the stage for musical NEWSIES

We recently caught up with New Lenox students Hayden and Mackenzie Valecek, who play a Delancey brother and a Newsie in the upcoming production of Disney's Newsies at OLPD theatre, and they took a few moments out of their busy schedules to chat with us about the show.

What is it like being in a show together?

Hayden: Being in a show with my sister is very common, we often do shows together. It gives us a chance to work together and my mom likes that I can drive her to rehearsals.

MacKenzie: I like to be in a show with my older brother because he helps me with music or lines. I also like when he drives me to rehearsals because we bond and he buys me an icee.

Why haul all the way out from New Lenox to Oak Lawn?

Hayden: I enjoy the cast and staff. Also, their musicals are high quality and the best around!

MacKenzie: I absolutely love Oak Lawn for their musicals and their production team. I feel that Oak Lawn has the best dance and choreography. I love to dance and they make sure to have challenging dances.

What's special about this version of Newsies?

Mackenzie: The amazing cast. They work so hard and give it their best effort. The dance numbers are so much fun, too.

Hayden: The cast makes it special and the bond between the cast members is tight. We all care about each other and it shows!

Hayden, do you have a back story of the Delancey brothers? Is it harder or easier to play the bad guy?

I think the brothers were wealthy and prey on the weak because it makes them feel powerful. I think they were raised to worry only about themselves and look down on the less fortunate. I feel it is harder to play a bad guy because it is pretending to be completely different than the person I am. I enjoy the challenge of portraying a bully.

Mackenzie , the dancing is intense in this musical! How do you maintain high energy needed for the intense dance numbers in this show?

I dance and tumble a lot so I am used to these type of performances. Before the show, I get so excited and pumped! The energy from the cast keeps me going !

What's next for you?

Hayden: Hot Blade Harry in Urinetown at Beverly Theater Guild in October. See you there!

Mackenzie: I am on the competitive dance team at Stage Door Dance Academy and the season starts in September. I'm also looking forward to many more musicals at OLPD theatre in the future!

Congratulations to both of you and we look forward to seeing your finished product in this amazing musical this weekend. Hayden and MacKenzie also wanted to stress how important the message of Newsies is and how important the story is to tell. Hayden and Mackenzie's grandfather has been a member of the Pipe Fitters Union 597 for 50 years, so this story has a special meaning for them. The Valeck family is thankful for the 8 hour work day, child labor laws, paid vacation, sick leave, work day breaks, minimum wage, overtime pay and other benefits that were initiated with the strikes .

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 !