Theatre Arts for Kids in conjunction with sponsors Great Western Bank and Lincoln Kids Newspaper presents Newsies, a musical based on the 1992 musical film Newsies, which was inspired by the New York City Newsboys Strike of 1899.
Newsies tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellions newsboy who dreams of life as an artist away from the big city. After publisher Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With the help of reporter Katherine Plumber (Pulitzer’s daughter), all of New York City soon recognizes the power of “the little man”.
This show brings familiar faces back to the Theatre Arts for Kids stage. Former students of Director Leah Kolar, Chris Sanders is here from New York to co-choreograph the show with another TAFK favorite, Becca Schmucker (formerly Stouder). Leah Kolar notes, “The choreography is incredible! Becca and Chris have done an exceptional job bringing this dance intensive show to life!”
Race, played by Ellyson Stolcpart (age twelve), is a high-energy character that helped Ellyson improve her “honest acting” skills. Full of energy herself, Ellyson typically takes on animated, lively roles. However, as her acting matures, she wants to invite the audience to genuinely connect with her character. Race has helped her to do just that. “Race goes through hard times just like all of the newsies. He has times where he has a lot of energy and times when he is angry or sad about the Brooklyn Newsies not thinking they would hold their ground,” Ellyson said.
Logan Crist’s character, Jack Kelly offers great challenges for this twelve year old. With the help of the director, Logan has become more confident on stage and in his abilities. “This show has definitely been the show that helped me the most with my singing and stage presence. Now what would have been far fetched is one step away.”
Director Leah Kolar is excited to put on the show, as she commented that she has been waiting a long time for a stage version of the show to be created. Newsies also marks a special Theatre Arts for Kids accomplishment, “Newsies will bring our five year anniversary year to a close. It is a very special way to celebrate a triumphant five years of TAFK here in Lincoln,” Leah said. Newsies has a cast full of variation in age and experience with sixty-three students and adults ranging from ages two to forty-five years old that make up three casts.
Newsies show dates are Thursday and Friday, December 13th and 14th at 7:00 PM, and Saturday, December 15th at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. All shows are performed at Christ Lutheran Church (4325 Sumner St.). Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com.