Delavan High School’s Spring Musical, Disney’s Newsies, burst onto the Poppenga Gymnasium stage Friday night with an opening performance full of grit, charm and undeniable momentum. Directed by Alison Knapik, the production once again proved why the spring musical has become the entertainment event of the year in Delavan—a tradition that brings the community together and showcases the extraordinary talent of local students.

At the center of the show, Cash Calsyn-Grys delivered a commanding performance as Jack Kelly, anchoring the production with a presence far beyond his years. Calsyn-Grys brought a striking blend of confidence, emotional nuance and vocal strength to the role, shifting seamlessly between Jack’s swaggering bravado and his quieter moments of longing. His rendition of “Santa Fe” was a highlight of the night—rich, heartfelt and delivered with a maturity that drew extended applause.

Opposite him, Jaylyn Diekhoff shined as Katherine Plumber, offering a performance that was both spirited and deeply polished. Diekhoff’s natural comedic timing made Katherine instantly likable, but it was her beautiful singing voice—clear, expressive and effortlessly controlled—that elevated her performance into something truly memorable. “Watch What Happens” was a showstopper under her lead, earning one of the evening’s loudest reactions.

The night also featured extraordinary supporting performances. Gwen Tierney brought star power presence and vocal strength to Medda Larkin, commanding the stage with confidence. Elisha Waggoner’s portrayal of Davey was steady and sincere, offering a thoughtful counterbalance to Jack’s boldness. Nola Houston, as Crutchy, delivered one of the most heartfelt performances of the evening, earning an emotional response from the crowd. And Seanik Gagliardi gave Joseph Pulitzer a sharp, authoritative edge that heightened the show’s dramatic stakes.

Two younger cast members delivered true breakout moments. Ryker Grys, as Les, charmed the audience with fearless comedic timing and natural stage presence. Oliver Knapik, appearing as Spot Conlon, matched that energy with a bold, humorous performance that drew immediate applause. Both young actors proved they can command a stage with ease.

The production also featured a memorable cameo by Dave Knapik, who not only oversaw the show’s impressive set but stepped into the role of Teddy Roosevelt with surprising gravitas. His appearance was met with delighted recognition from the audience, and he delivered the character with believable authority.

A major force behind the show’s success was the ambitious choreography of Trudy Shaffner, whose work brought the stage to life with movement that was both energetic and captivating. From the explosive rallying of “Seize the Day” to the intricate tap rhythms of “King of New York,” Shaffner’s choreography challenged the cast and elevated the entire production. The students met that challenge with enthusiasm, showcasing teamwork, stamina, and a clear sense of pride in their performance.

The accompaniment from the pit added richness and momentum to the musical numbers, while the technical crew kept the fast paced show running smoothly with polished lighting, sound and scene transitions.

Opening night felt like a true community celebration, with families, staff and supporters filling the gym and cheering on the students’ hard work. The energy was unmistakable: Delavan showed up, and the cast delivered.