Newsies

Performances: March 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 2019

Directed by Lissa Woodbury Jensen

Music Director: Jill Rohrer

Playbill

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The Kodiak Arts Council presents the musical theatre production Disney’s Newsies, March 3 - 10, 2019, at the Gerald C. Wilson Auditorium. Under the direction of Lissa Woodbury Jensen, a cast of 67 local actors, singers, and dancers delivers heartfelt songs, acrobatic dancing, and a rousing story of underdogs taking on the establishment. 

 

Disney’s Newsies features Jack Kelly, and a ragtag team of teens and kids who make a meager living selling newspapers on the streets of New York City. When publishing executives, facing declining distribution, hike the price of “papes” and refuse to buy back unsold editions, the newsies are compelled to organize their ranks. 

 

Inspired by the true story of the 1899 Newsboys Strike, Disney’s Newsies is an ebullient, joyful, and entertaining musical capturing the strength that young people have when they join together and stand up against injustice. 

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Director's Note:

Last year's "Mary Poppins" set record attendance and won effusive praise. It was a show of rich, jewel tones, astounding magic and "anything can happen." How, on earth, could we follow that? "Newsies" was the perfect choice and stands in stark, artistic contrast. The show is a gritty, steely blue, black and gray toned story of determination and unbridled youth. It represents the underdog's universal dilemma with quintessential "David and Goliath" undertones. Two entirely different shows, yet both soaring with emotion, leaving audiences equally satisfied.​