NEWS FLASH; CARSON BRANDT'S NEWSIES SPOTLIGHT

Clear Creek Amana’s musical this year is Newsies, which is based on the book "Newsies" written by Harvey Fierstien, the musical's lyrics are done by Jack Feldman, and the music is by Alana Menken. The show is based on the 1899 Newsboys Strike in New York City. Carson Brandt’s character is Jack Kelly, who is the lead role for this musical. Carson Brandt playing the lead role as a junior is something I thought was amazing, so I wanted to get more information on what he thought about his character, and the musical! 

CARSON BRANDT AS JACK KELLY; PHOTO BY ROWEN BLOMME

What's the most challenging part to bring Jack to life?

“I feel that the most challenging part about bringing Jack to life is that he's like a complete switch from the characters that I've played in the past, usually I play a more comedic unserious role but Jack is a much more serious and more emotional character.”

 How did it feel to get the leading role of this musical? 

“ When I found out that I got the lead in the musical, I was super super excited. I couldn't wait to put my own spin on the role!” 

 What’s your favorite part of the show? 

“My favorite part of the show is in between the fight scene or performing Santa Fe.” 

 What’s your favorite thing about Jack? 

“My favorite thing about Jack is that, while he's a more serious character, he's funny in his own way, he's a little sarcastic and I think it's fun to try and play into it.”

 What do you do to have less anxiety on stage?

“Something that helps me have less anxiety on stage is just being myself when I perform. Anytime I perform no matter the role or what it's for, I try to put a little bit of myself into it. So like with Jack, I'm not gonna say the lines exactly how Jeremy Jordan's Jack said them. I'm gonna make Jack's lines also my lines if that makes sense.”

 What’s your favorite song to perform and why?

“My favorite song to perform is Santa Fe because it allows me to use my vocal range in a nice way!” 

 How long have you been in the performing arts for?

“Well I've been in choir since sixth grade, but I started doing performing arts my freshman year.”