Broadway Actor Jess LeProtto Workshops with Cast & Crew of Newsies

The cast and crew of the Harlequin Ensemble had a special opportunity on Sunday, Oct. 5, as they attended a workshop with a member of the original Broadway cast of Newsies.

Guest artist Jess LeProtto worked with Middle School students in the Carrafiell Family Theater on choreography and talked about his experiences as a Broadway actor.

"Meeting Jess LeProtto is an experience I will never forget," shared 8th grader Ella Christie. "Throughout learning the combo, he would share fun facts about the original Broadway cast! He also threw in some original moves from the show. It was such an amazing experience, and I'm very grateful."

"Jess and I participated in a summer theater program called Passaic Valley Summer Theatre," shared EA's new Technical Director and Theatre Manager Daniel Grayberg. "It is a program where students from surrounding areas can all audition together and learn from each other. Jess and I were in The Who's Tommy in 2007. I was the Narrator/Tommy, and he was Young Tommy."

"I learned about the Broadway theater life and how the audition process I would want to go through is like," said Gus Ebmeyer '30. "It inspired me to strive for my goals and try to aim for something and reach for it."

"It was definitely an unforgettable and interesting experience," said Henry Goens '32. "I thought it was super cool to hear how he managed everything, and that having a job and working can be very fun. I felt more inspired to pursue a career in acting. Jess showed our cast that we can do anything!"

EA actors had plenty of questions as they inquired about nerves, success, the audition room, and Jess's career as a full-time actor on Broadway and in film.

"This provides context to an industry that seems 'out of reach' or that the only form of success is making it to Broadway," reflected Mr. Grayberg. "Jess works all over and has had many different types of opportunities, and though he has been on Broadway, he gave students insight into what it means to be a working actor."

Middle School Drama Teacher Gina Tomkowich is directing the upcoming production of Disney's Newsies JR.

"It was amazing to see our cast learn from a Broadway performer from Newsies. Jess taught us a fun, high-energy dance combination and even pulled from some of the original choreography," said Ms. Tomkowich. "The students asked thoughtful questions, and Jess gave them a glimpse into the discipline it takes to be a professional actor. We loved his stories about his pre-show rituals and past performances—including one time when he fell off of the stage while performing a uniquely difficult trick in Newsies, but still made it back onstage in time for the final moment of the song!" 

"I love to dance, and when this show was announced, I was so excited," said Gus. "This dance-heavy show has been hard, but when we put in the work, our show will look amazing on stage. With Jess here, we were even able to add Broadway choreography to the show! This inspired me to keep on dancing."

"Learning from Jess LeProtto inspired me to chase my dreams," said Ella. "He was such a nice and happy guy who really seemed like he loved his job, and that's what I would love to be like when I'm older."

"I knew that it would be a great opportunity for the EA students!" said Mr. Grayberg.

The Harlequin Ensembles's production of Disney's Newsies JR. will take place Nov. 21-22. Stay tuned for ticket information.

"It is so inspiring to be a part of such an amazing team of individuals," remarked Ella. "I never leave rehearsal without a smile on my face, and it makes me want to do it my whole life. Being in the production at EA is such an amazing experience that I would love to continue through my years." 

"It was such a cool experience to learn from one of the best of the best. His insightful acting tips about the show were super helpful!" beamed Gus.