RCC's Summer Conservatory Delivers High-Energy, Heartfelt Production of Disney’s Newsies
Disney’s Newsies opened to enthusiastic audiences on July 18 at Riverside City College’s Landis Performing Arts Center, launching RCC’s Musical Theatre Summer Conservatory with a Broadway-caliber production filled with grit, heart, and spectacular choreography, led and directed by Professor Jodi Julian.
With nearly 100 cast and crew members, this ambitious undertaking united RCC Theatre students, local youth, and professional instructors for a dynamic celebration of community and musical theatre. The result: a thrilling, high-octane experience that captured the spirit of resilience and the power of storytelling through song and dance.
Leading the cast as Jack Kelly, Carter Friedhof delivered a standout performance, balancing streetwise swagger with emotional depth. Bella Ramirez brought poise and passion to the role of Katherine Plumber, earning cheers for her powerhouse vocals in “Watch What Happens.” Jeamil Haboud moved audiences as Crutchie with a touching rendition of “Letter from the Refuge,” while young Luca Genazzini charmed the crowd as Les with confidence and charisma beyond his years.
Choreographed by Brenda Jill Castro, the ensemble's dance numbers dazzled. Audience favorites like “Seize the Day” and “King of New York” lit up the stage with tap, flips, and fast-paced footwork that showcased the cast’s athleticism and artistry.
Part of RCC’s commitment to arts education, the Summer Conservatory invites aspiring performers from across the Inland Empire to train and perform in a professional setting. Founded by Jodi Julian, the Summer Conservatory stands as a shining example of the excellence and innovation within RCC’s Theatre Arts program. This year’s production of Newsies was more than a show—it was a powerful example of mentorship, collaboration, and the transformative magic of live theatre.
“The Newsies production is a shining example of how RCC continues to invest in programs that create meaningful opportunities for our students and community,” said Kristine DiMemmo, Ed.D., Vice President of Business Services. “These performances highlight the incredible talent in our region and the importance of keeping the arts accessible and thriving.”
With a strong partnership between RCC and the surrounding community, Newsies has also captured attention online. Cast members have taken to TikTok to share behind-the-scenes moments and highlights from rehearsals, gaining a growing fanbase and showcasing the fun, dedication, and spirit of the production. Follow RCC Theater on Instagram and Tik Tok to continue to watch what happens!
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