What is All-State?

The Illinois High School All-State Production stands as a unique and unparalleled experience in the high school theater world. All-State is just one of the many parts of the Illinois High School Theatre Festival, which is produced by the Illinois Theatre Association every year. The All-State Production is a collaborative project where students from across Illinois unite to create something special that wouldn’t be possible through the efforts of any single school. Through their combined talents and hard work, they produce a show that highlights the incredible talent and creativity that exists within the state’s high school theater community. 

Why Newsies? 

Anna McSweeney, Director      

Vision

Choosing Newsies was both a nostalgic and intentional decision. Growing up, I was captivated by the 1992 film—rewatching it endlessly, memorizing every song, and feeling deeply connected to its rebellious spirit. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of its themes, but in revisiting the story, I see its power more clearly:

• The Power of Youth & Determination – Newsies is a celebration of young voices rising against injustice. These kids, many struggling to survive, find resilience and courage in the face of overwhelming power. Their fight is messy, raw, and real—something I want to highlight rather than polish into a clean-cut Disney package.

• Friendship & Loyalty – The newsies are a family, built on trust and loyalty. Their bond is their strength, and visually, we aim to emphasize this connection through movement, costumes, and props.

• Dreams & Aspirations – Jack Kelly’s longing for “Santa Fe” isn’t just about escape; it’s about hope. It’s the American Dream reimagined—starting as individualistic but transforming into a collective movement, inspired by Davey.

• Standing Up Against Injustice – The newsies’ strike represents something bigger than themselves. The fight against Pulitzer mirrors a broader theme of challenging unfair power structures, something still deeply relevant today.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Visually, I want to lean into the grittiness of the world. The film captures a raw, unpolished energy—kids who are scrappy, rebellious, and full of life. This is not a prim-and-proper Disney fairytale. The world should feel lived-in, messy, and real. Some ideas include:

• Design Choices: Exaggerating the innocence of the newsies through contrast—strike signs vs. newspapers, the youthful vibrancy of the kids against the stark, monochrome greed of Pulitzer’s office (inspired by political cartoons).

• Costumes & Props: Tying the characters together visually through color and shared textures—hints of unity before they even recognize their own strength.

• Set & Atmosphere: Rooftops aren’t just scaffolding—they’re alive with laundry, plants, and the personal touches of the kids who call them home.

The Importance of Collaboration

A production of this scale is only possible through teamwork. I want to cultivate an environment where all voices are heard—just as the newsies learn to stand together, our production team should model collaboration. Regular meetings, shared vision boards, and open communication will be essential.

What I Hope the Cast & Audience Take Away

At its heart, Newsies is about the power of youth. It’s about finding your voice, standing up for what’s right, and realizing that change is possible when people come together. More than anything, I want our students to feel that their voices matter.

For the audience, I want them to leave feeling inspired. The show isn’t just about the past—it’s a reminder that young people can and do change the world. It’s a story about found family, about the fight for justice, and about the idea that there is always hope.