WRITTEN BY SEVI CULLUM
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rhonda Lehan, Stage Manager for Circle Theatre’s upcoming Main Stage production of Newsies to discuss what goes on behind the scenes to make a production of this size happen.
Lehan first managed for the Circle stage over 20 years ago, with this being her 3rd time managing Newsies throughout her career.
Despite doing the show so many times, the era of the musical still holds challenges. Newsies is set in the summer of 1899 in New York, making the setting of the story difficult to replicate. With a smaller stage like Circle’s comes simplified sets. A simplified set and a difficult timestamp creates need for detail. When asked what may be the most difficult part of the production, Lehan mentioned the props:
“How did they use the printing press? What can we do to make it look like we’re really printing these newspapers? …
“When Pulitzer’s getting his hair done, it’s not going to be the same scissors or even comb that we would have in 2026.”
“How do we simplify what we’re doing but still make it time-period appropriate?”
With a simplified set, it’s important to pay attention to the detail, and this production requires outsourcing the “appropriate” props, costumes, and stage dressings in order to tell the story authentically. As a stage manager looking to make a strong show, Lehan prepares the show to make room for the actors and crew coming in later for rehearsal. As a manager, it’s her responsibility to ensure everyone is ready prior to the show, including herself.
“I typically get here a half an hour before everyone else, sweep and mop the stage before every show. Sometimes I come in and do it myself because I feel like I’m adding an extra layer of help and it helps me to get in the right headspace. Otherwise, it’s checking in and making sure everything’s where it’s supposed to be, making sure the actors and crew are here, then running through warm ups.”
Newsies has several key moments that require more prep than others: fight call is for action scenes to practice choreography, this is very important to run every night so there are no surprises that could end up placing someone in danger; intimacy call ensures actors intimacy choreography is clean and the actors are comfortable; vocal warmups warm up the voice for an over two hour long show of projecting; and physical warmups let the actors stretch to prepare their bodies for strenuous non stop movement. All are run prior to a performance night to make certain the actors are safe and feel good throughout the show. 
And it cannot be understated how challenging technologically shows can be. Crew members need to stay on headsets all night and remember cues just like actors, all to ensure the seamlessness a great theater show needs. Without crew members, there would be no show, and without a stage manager like Lehan, there would be no one to call cues and organize cast during rehearsals. It falls upon the stage manager to ensure everyone is supported.
“30 people working as actors – 29 plus a swing – and every single one of them is amazingly talented and dedicated”
But that doesn’t mean everyone has know-how. Circle Theatre recruits many people, no matter their experience levels.
“We take all experience levels. There is a job for everyone to start at at Circle Theatre. Word of mouth, networking, then finding out where their interests lie to fit them to the right job.”
Whether it be exciting jumps and dance breaks or moving vocals, Newsies is a story for all. Join us for a night to watch this touching story on the Circle stage.
“There’s no Christian Bale in this production, unfortunately.”
Newsies closes this week – you have 4 more chances to see this outstanding production. Grab your tickets at https://circletheatre.org/individual-tickets/
WRITTEN BY SEVI CULLUM, Culture Corps Intern