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January 29, 2026

Centreville Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Centreville

6 Arts Notes

Disney’s NEWSIES JR. Playing at The Country School in Easton

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Disney’s Newsies JR. leaps onto the stage at The Country School for three performances: Friday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. This high-energy musical is based on the beloved 1992 Disney film Newsies and the Tony Award®-winning Broadway production of the same name.

The Country School’s production features a cast of 64 students, directed by Laura Spies and Jessica Newell, and showcases the talent, heart, and hard work of young performers from across the school community.

“Newsies has been one of my favorite musicals since I was a little girl. I can’t wait to see it come to life on our stage for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy!”  -Laura Spies

Audiences will be swept up in the story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and the leader of a scrappy band of young “newsies” in turn-of-the-century Manhattan. When powerful publishing tycoons raise distribution prices at the expense of the boys, Jack unites young workers from across the city to strike against injustice and fight for what’s right. Bursting with electrifying music, athletic choreography, and a timeless message about courage and community, Newsies JR. delivers nonstop thrills for audiences of all ages.

For information on purchasing tickets, please visit countryschool.org.

Disney’s Newsies JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Music Theatre International (MTI).

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

The Country School Presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr. March 1-3

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Easton’s streets will be filled by the smell of rebellion when The Country School presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. Based on the beloved book “Matilda” by Dahl and adapted from the award-winning full-length musical, Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

“One of my favorite moments early on in the show is when Matilda sings, ‘Even if you are little you can do a lot’. It’s such a powerful reminder for each of us, tall and small, to take ownership in how we can create our reality,” says director, Laura Spies. “Through the process of putting on this musical, these students are doing just that: they are joining together and working hard to create this extraordinary event for their community. We think they deserve a standing ovation for all their work,” she adds.

The Country School will present Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. on March 1s & 2nd at 7pm and on March 3rd at 2pm in the school’s auditorium. Tickets are $10.  For more information, visit countryschool.org.

Matilda, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers, lives with cruel parents who find her to be a nuisance, a lousy little worm, and a bore. When Matilda enters her first term at school, she captures the attention of Miss Honey, a kind teacher, and the two form a wonderful friendship. Unfortunately, the school is ruled by a tempestuous and mean headmistress named Miss Trunchbull, who hates children and delivers cruel and unjust punishments to all her charges. Matilda is determined to change her story, but will her cleverness and courage be enough to withstand the reign of Miss Trunchbull?

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019, 212-541-4684, mtishows.com.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Renowned Scholar Celeste-Marie Bernier visits The Country School to Illuminate Frederick Douglass’s Legacy

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This week, The Country School was honored to welcome a distinguished visitor to its campus, Professor Celeste-Marie Bernier, Chair of United States and Atlantic Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Professor Bernier, an esteemed authority on African American literature and culture, shared her groundbreaking research on the life of Frederick Douglass and his family. This two-day event provided a unique opportunity for all students, from Pre-K through 8th grade, and staff to engage with Professor Bernier’s wealth of knowledge on this pivotal figure in American history. Students of all ages were given the opportunity to ask questions of Professor Bernier during a Q&A session, providing an interactive platform to delve deeper into the complexities of Douglass’s life and legacy.

Frederick Douglass, a towering abolitionist, writer, and orator, played a transformative role in the fight against slavery in the United States during the 19th century. Professor Bernier’s research delves into Douglass’s life, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of his personal journey, as well as the experiences of his family members.

“We were thrilled and honored to welcome Professor Celeste-Marie Bernier to The Country School,” said Jean Brune, Interim Head of School. “Her expertise in United States and Atlantic Studies, combined with her in-depth research on Frederick Douglass and his family, aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering a deep understanding of historical and cultural narratives among our students. This occasion not only enriches the academic environment at The Country School but also serves as an opportunity for students and staff to appreciate the significance of Douglass’s contributions to American history.”

Professor Celeste-Marie Bernier is the author/editor/curator of over 85 books, essays, exhibitions, and educational guides. Her recent books include an eight-book series, Douglass Family Lives: The Anna Murray and Frederick Douglass Family Biography and Collected Works. She is the winner of a British Association for American Studies Book Prize and co-winner of a European Association for American Studies Book Prize and International African American History and Genealogical Society Maryland Book Award. Professor Bernier has held visiting appointments and fellowships at Memphis, Harvard, Yale, Oxford, King’s College London, University of California, Santa Barbara, National Center for the Humanities and Obama Institute. 

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.