More than a century after New York City’s newsboys took a stand against powerful newspaper publishers, over 50 young performers will bring their story of courage and solidarity to the Renaissance Theatre.
Mansfield Youth Theatre, better known as MY Theatre, will present Disney’s Newsies Jr. September 11 through 13 as part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Performances begin at 7:00 PM Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 PM Sunday. Dauphne Maloney directs the production, with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors.
Young Voices Take a Stand
Inspired by the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, Newsies Jr. follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic young newspaper seller who dreams of escaping the streets of New York for a better life. When publishers raise their prices at the expense of the children who sell their newspapers, Jack and his fellow newsies organize a strike. Their fight becomes a lesson in determination, community and the influence young people can have when they refuse to remain silent.
“At its heart, Newsies Jr. is a story about young people discovering that their voices matter and that they can accomplish great things when they work together,” Maloney said.
She said the young cast members embraced that message from their first rehearsal.
“Our cast has demonstrated incredible dedication, resilience and teamwork,” she said. “I couldn’t be prouder. Watching them grow as performers and as individuals has been one of the greatest rewards of working on this production.”
A Cast Drawn From Across the Area
The production brings together students ages 9 through 18 from schools and communities throughout the region. Cast members represent Ashland, Clear Fork, Crestview, Discovery School in Mansfield, Foundation Academy, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield City Schools, Mansfield Christian, Mansfield Classical Academy, Mansfield St. Peter’s, Ohio Connections Academy, Ontario, Richland School of Academic Arts and Shelby, along with area homeschool students. Milo McDonald leads the cast as Jack Kelly. Nicky Morabito portrays Davey, Kiptin Ball plays Les, Elijah Burton appears as Crutchie and Jackie Metz takes the role of Katherine Plumber.
From Disney Film to Broadway Hit
Newsies Jr. features music by legendary Disney composer Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright Harvey Fierstein. Adapted from Disney’s 1992 film, the full Broadway production premiered in 2012 and became a theatrical sensation. It received eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, and won for Best Original Score and Best Choreography.
The youth production includes such familiar songs as “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “King of New York,” combining energetic musical numbers with a story about determination, teamwork and the strength found in standing together.
Sensory-Friendly Performance Planned
MY Theatre will offer a free sensory-friendly performance at 1:00 PM Saturday, September 12, for families of individuals on the autism spectrum and those with other sensory-processing needs. Advance registration is required through the Renaissance Education Department at 419-522-2726, extension 212. Tickets are limited, and no walk-up admissions will be available for that performance.
Tickets and Performances
Regular performances of Newsies Jr. will take place at 7:00 PM Friday, September 11; 7:00 PM Saturday, September 12; and 2:30 PM Sunday, September 13.
General-admission tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Renaissance Theatre Box Office, by phone or online at www.rentickets.org.
Source, Photo: Renaissance Performing Arts Association