From Graphic Arts to the Spotlight: Logan D’alessio Takes a Leap in “Newsie’s”

By Reyna Sanchez
Staff writer
Email: thehutchinsoncollegian@gmail.com

For Logan D’alessio, stepping onto the stage for a community theater production meant stepping way outside of his comfort zone.

D’alessio, a Hutchinson sophomore and Graphic Arts Major here at Hutchinson Community College, recently made his musical debut in the hit Broadway musical “Newsies” at Hutchinson’s Family Community Theater.

D’alessio decided to audition for such an intense show after seeing it performed at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center.

“I thought it was cool,” D’alessio said. “When auditions were open, I just decided to try out.’’

Going into auditions, D’alessio said he was extremely nervous and was unsure of what to expect. He did not participate in any theater during high school and had no previous stage experience. “I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” he said.

After earning his role in the show, D’alessio quickly realized how much time such an intense show requires. As a full-time college student, he had to balance intense rehearsals with classes and homework.

“It takes a lot of time,” he said. “I’ve had to spend many late nights doing homework, and I even had to cut out spending time with friends.”

Although the production required sacrifices, D’alessio said the experience had been the most rewarding. He gave the cast credit for the environment, calling it one of the most meaningful parts of the show. 

“I’ve never been in a group with a bunch of theater people before,” he said. “They’re really caring. You can genuinely see emotion and feeling in them.”

While D’alessio has experience in college choir, the dancing parts of the show were completely new to him. He described the rehearsal process as more demanding than anticipated, with long hours and weeks of repeated practice dedicated to perfecting scenes and choreography. He said learning choreography, such as tap dancing, was a whole new challenge for him.

As he finishes his final year at HutchCC, D’alessio is unsure if he will continue his theater career, but he would consider participating in other community theater productions if given the opportunity.

Auditioning for Newsies was a new experience for D’alessio, but it became an opportunity for growth, learning, and connections.

Reyna Sanchez from Sterling freshman studying journalism. Contact her on instagram @reyna_alejandra_13

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