Stop the presses! Colony High School Presents “Newsies”

When local teens take the stage to belt out 'Seize the Day' on the Glenn Massay Stage this weekend, they aren't just performing a musical—they are channeling the voices of a generation fighting against injustice. Colony High School's upcoming production of the Broadway musical, “Newsies” brings headlines, history, and hope to the center stage while bringing the high-energy 1899 newsboy strike to life, reminding audiences that even the smallest voices can make a massive impact against corporate giants.

Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of “the little man.”

“Our Creative team--Dr. Jamin Burton, Choreographer Pam Burlingame, and myself--decided on “Newsies” after last year’s success of “Hadestown,” says CHS Music Director Kelly Rentz. “We wanted a show that was bigger than life with lots of choreography! It was Pam’s dream to do “Newsies,” so that’s where we settled. Sadly, Pam passed away unexpectedly in October. This show is our love letter to her and her love of Colony Drama.”

Rentz says the CHS production is the full Broadway version, promising high energy and lots of fun. It features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and the book by Harvey Fierstein. The show is based on the 1992 musical film of the same name, which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City, with Fierstein's script adapted from the film's screenplay by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White.

The CHS cast is led by Aiden DeLeon, who plays Jack Kelley, the defiant leader that dreams of a better life; Hazel Price who plays Katherine Plumber, a reporter looking for a "hard news" break who helps the young men gain public support; David Asbury, in the role of Crutchie, Jack’s loyal best friend who remains optimistic despite having a "bum leg" and being captured during the strike; and Jack Curren as Davey, the pragmatic "brains" of the newsboy strike. They are supported by dozens of students and the CHS Orchestra, Stage Manager Daisy Van Blarcom and Assistant Stage Manager Maddie McWherter.

The Broadway musical won two Tony Awards in 2012 for Best Original Score and Best Choreography. To help with the high-energy songs and dance numbers, Rentz says they called in some talent to help out. “We brought on Hannah Brooke and Lily Foster to help with choreography and our vision of the show, and they have done an incredible job! They have earned the student’s respect and mine as well.” And as for the young performers, she has nothing but praise for the troupe of performers.

“The students have been amazing! They are always ready to meet a challenge, and have adopted a ‘we can do anything!’ attitude in regard to dance and choreography. They have worked hard to learn routines and blocking, and I couldn’t be prouder. You’ll see some amazing dancing and tumbling tricks, as well as some exciting tap dancing.”

While the production is set against the backdrop of the 1899 New York City newsboys' strike, its themes of youth empowerment, workers' rights, found family, and the fight for social justice remain strikingly relevant today.

As a ragtag band of underdogs takes on the powerful publishing giants of yesteryear, the local production serves as a rousing reminder that no voice is too small to spark meaningful change in its community, something Rentz hopes resonates with audiences that come to the shows.

“There are so many take-aways from this show, and I hope people will leave motivated to make this world a better place for all people, no matter how small or insignificant we may feel. Small acts can result in big change!”

While there are several dazzling musical numbers in the show, one in particular stands out for Rentz, who describes the moment this way:

“My favorite moment in the show is during the song, “Once and For All.” There is a moment where the entire cast faces the audience and sings: “There’s change coming Once and for All” with zero choreography or movement, and acapella harmonies. We purposely took the band out to make the moment more poignant- and to contrast the high energy of the rest of the show. That moment gives me chills every time and I know it will bring the house down!”

The musical will be held at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College starting February 19-21, and the next two weekends. The curtain rises at 7:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at www.glennmassaytheater.com