C.R.O.W. Presents "Newsies"

Now is the Time to Seize the Day with C.R.O.W.

C.R.O.W. is excited to present Disney’s “Newsies” April 12-21, 2024 at the Florence Events Center.  There will be 6 public performances, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2 pm. 

“This is a wonderful show that reminds us to fight for what’s right, and to stand up for what we believe in,” said Artistic Director, Melanie Heard.  Together, with a team of talented volunteers and production coordinators, Heard says she is excited to bring this mainstage extravaganza to the stage.  “I’m most excited about the catchy music and big dance numbers,” said Heard.  “Newsies is full of acrobatic, energetic, and over the top dancing, singing, and stage comradery.  It’s a great show for C.R.O.W. because the core themes are working together, building important relationships, becoming strong in one’s own beliefs, and knowing right from wrong.  These are things we want our kids to connect to.”

Set in turn-of-the century New York City, and based on the actual newsboy's strike of 1899, “Newsies” is the tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy. Jack is the leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When Joseph Pulitzer and the other Titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the kids’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions.  Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by true historical facts, “Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (“Little Shop of Horrors”) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (“Kinky Boots”). The show features the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” "King of New York," and “Santa Fe.”

The cast is comprised over 55 youth participants, plus a few adults who have graciously stepped in to fill roles not suitable for kids.  The cast features both brand new and returning talent, including talented familiar face, William Owens as “Jack.” William dazzled audiences last year as “SpongeBob SquarePants” and returns this time in a very different type of role.  New to the C.R.O.W. family this year is Adelaide Lake as “Katherine Plumber,” Jack’s love interest and headstrong journalist in her own right.  Other featured performers are Ezra King as “Race,” Henry Stone as “Henry,” Maggie Walls as “Les,” Andrew Hester as “Crutchie,” and many other rising stars.  The role of “Medda Larkin” will be portrayed by the incomparable Maree Beers. 

The “Newsies” production team is in the process of creating functional set pieces for painting and design, designing hundreds of period appropriate costumes and props, and teaching music, choreography, and blocking to cast members 5-6 days a week.  The show is musically directed by Maree Beers, Assistant Directed by Genevieve Shahan, Assistant Musical directed by Angie Walls, and Assistant choreographed by Elyse Stewart.  Melanie Heard will Direct and Choreograph, returning for her 13^th C.R.O.W. mainstage Spring youth musical.  A list of show sponsors may be found on C.R.O.W.’s website, and sponsorship opportunities are available (and very much needed) through March 1^st.  For information, please visit www.crowkids.com/programadsandsponsorships

Tickets are on sale now at the Florence Events Center box office.  This year’s show will only be available to view in person, as livestreaming rights were unfortunately not available for this title.  For more information, visit www.crowkids.com/newsies  or call the Florence Events Center Box Office: 541-997-1994