We've Got Good Newsies

Contributed

Did you hear the scoop? *Newsies: The Broadway Musical is coming to the Erie Playhouse. Join Anthony Nunez as Jack Kelly (left) and Peyton Thiem as Katherine Plumber as they bring the real-life labor strike of 1899 to life on the LECOM Stage.

PREMIERS FRIDAY, JUL. 26

Extra, extra! Read all about it! The latest production to hit the LECOM Stage at the Erie Playhouse is Disney's Newsies, the musical inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City, and it is a production you won't want to miss.

Newsies follows a group of orphaned and homeless newsboys living in Lower Manhattan as they struggle to make ends meet. When costs for the boys rise on the papers they sell, their informal leader Jack Kelly declares the newsies to be a union, organizing a protest that turns into a strike against the unfair hike in cost. What follows is their fight for fairness in their profession against the big newspaper tycoons, leading to monumental support across the city and highlighting the changes that can occur when one fights for a cause they believe in.

Although true to the original script, the production will still have its unique features: "As with any show, the actors bring the characters to life with their own take on the roles," director Ryan Ingram said. "We are making an effort to maintain the essence of the Disney film and hit Broadway show, but our production is very much our own with original choreography by Leah Johnson and Heidi Sheehan."

For many directors, a cast composed of many new faces can be a daunting challenge, but it is one Ingram feels can be an advantage. "We have a whopping 15 cast members making their mainstage debut [in Newsies], which has brought an intensity to rehearsals," he said. "They are coming ready to work (even in the heat) and proving that they all deserve to be here. This has sparked the Playhouse 'regulars' to step it up as well."

One of the most rewarding aspects for Ingram is seeing each of the actor's grow into their roles, no matter the part. "Seeing the confidence rise in the newer performers has been incredible to watch," he said. "As the show is coming together, everyone is dropping any inhibitions and the excitement is growing about how all the pieces are falling into place."

With moving solos, an ensemble that works beautifully together, and choreography that is exciting and energetic, Newsies is set to be a highlight of the Playhouse's season. "It is truly a show that should not be missed," said Ingram.

Fridays and Saturdays, Jul. 26 through Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. // Thursday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, Aug. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. // Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St. // $19-$30 // For tickets and info: erieplayhouse.org