Extra, Extra! Read All About It! Mill Bay's Frances Kelsey Secondary presents Disney's Newsies: The Musical from Feb. 27 to March 8.
Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this new Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. Kelly befriends the Jacobs siblings who are both green to the black and white print trade. Things get interesting when publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsies' expense, making it harder for the youngsters to make a buck which quickly leads to them taking action and going on strike. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of 'the little man.' The old themes of social injustice, exploitative labour practices, and David-versus-Goliath struggles still resonate with what is happening in the world today.
This powerhouse musical is directed by the school's theatre teacher Anna Roberts who has been directing two to five productions each year since 2006 including last year's Once Upon a Mattress which was based on the Hans Christian Andersen classic The Princess and the Pea. This will be Roberts's 11th time directing a Broadway musical and she will have the assistance of her teaching partners MyraJean Marshall, and Jordan Heath to bring this show to life. Many would have recently seen Heath in his hilarious portrayal of the the UPS delivery man in the Cowichan Musical Society's Legally Blonde: The Musical.
"I've always been fascinated by stories of the underdog finding a voice in the face of adversity," said Roberts. "This play is based on the true story of the New York City Newsboy's strike of 1899. They faced up to unjust treatment from publishing giants such as Joseph Pulitzer and prevailed in the end. This story is one that is still relevant to kids of today, and the high energy music and dancing makes it a blast to produce."
There will be 39 student performers from Grades 8 through 12 in this original Disney Musical as seen on Broadway, as well as 20 students doing backstage, tech, and front of house positions said Roberts. Stepping into the lead roles are Milo Mills as Jack Kelly, Aviana Audenart as Katherine Plummer, Stella Wolfe as Davey, and Olive Flaman-Taylor as Medda Larkin.
"These students are opening doors for like minded kids of all grades to find community and connection," said Roberts. "Directing a student cast always has its challenges and victories. This year the kids have worked very hard to create an entertaining and authentic experience for our audience. My favourite part is seeing nerves and potential during auditions that blossom into great character work and incredible performances."
Community theatre connoisseurs can catch one of several performances inside the Mill Bay school theatre with 7 p.m. performances on Feb. 27, 28, and March 1, 6, 7, and 8 as well as two 2 p.m. matinees on March 1 and 8. Tickets are $20 for adults or $15 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online via Schoolcash online at https://sd79.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Index, in person at the FKSS office or if they have not all sold out, in-person at the theatre doors an hour before showtime.
"Our hope is that audience members will leave our theatre feeling energized from the music and with a little more joy in their hearts," said Roberts.
