Making headlines

Discord over a hike in the wholesale price of newspapers, the newsboys’ who peddled papes for New York City’s two major news outlets threw down their delivery bags in the summer of 1899 taking a stand against the Goliaths of publishing.

Together the newsies formed a union taking on the two most powerful men in publishing—Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst.

Word spread of an impending strike and just one day after unionizing, the newsies took a stand refusing to sell the city’s two main papers and instead of hawkin’ headlines, they were making them.

The strike went on for 13 days, coming to an end when the publishers reached a compromise with the newsies.

The strike was one for the history books and it’s a story that has been adapted into a Disney film and a Broadway musical by Disney Theatrical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Felman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, all Tony Award winners for their work.

The recently released junior version of “Newsies,” adapted by Collen McCormak and David Simpatico, is set to take the stage this weekend as a cast of 55 Coal City Middle School students tell the tale on the stage in the Coal City Performing Arts Center.

Although a work of fiction, the real life newsboys created a legacy, and this group of middle schoolers are showing their community what the strike of 1899 meant not only to the city of New York, but the entire country.

The cast is led by eighth grader Brody D’Orazio, in the role of Jack Kelly, the leader of the New York newsies, and fellow eighth grader Caroline Childres in the role of Katherine Plumber, an up and coming reporter looking to make a name for herself.

Theo Fritz, another eighth grader, appears as Jack’s best friend and fellow newsie Crutchie.

New to the stage is Alex Collins in the role of Davey, the brains behind the strike and his younger brother is being played by Jack Steinhouse.
The rest of the knicker clad newsies taking the stage are played by Bobby Stoudt, Alex Carlson, Bella Bartholomew, Gianna Carver, Tyler Phillips, Addy Muhlenbruch, Lexi Dearth, Lavila Wantroba, Ethan Donnelly, Wyatt Chase, Nettie Connor and Connor Rodriguez
Along with Jaycee Chase, Tyson Harding, Kennedy Larson, Maddox Meents, Kinley Neary, Emma D’Orazio and Anastastia Papch.

The newspapers distribution group consists of the Delancy brothers, Gavin Clubb and Gabriel Hamilton, and their boss, Wiesel, played by Maxx Kramer, who also appears as Gov. Teddy Roosevelt.

Chris Groves appears as newspaper man Joseph Pulitzer and his staff consists of Kyah Hawkins, Josh Kosch and Jackson Hollis.

Theater owner and star of the Bowery is none other than Cora Armstong who is backed by her Bowery Bridgade consisting of Penny D’Arcy, Addyson Planeta, Victorya Morales, Hawkins, Cora Bill, Marina Figge, Liz Nadess and Darcie Ladas.

Additional character roles are played by Keaton Berta, Denny Greene, Jonah Micetich and Olivia Vota.

And, rounding out the cast is an energetic ensemble consisting of Amelia Kramer, Gabby Van Duyne, Haley Johnson, Payten Boyd,Giavella Carver, Cameron Haas, Olivia Ferrari, Brody Pierson, Bradley Street, Brody Promis, Ethan Sikora and Audrina Nugent.

“Newsies, Jr.” opens at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 10 with additional shows at 7 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m., in the Coal City Performing Arts Center.

The cast and crew encourage the community to “Seize the Day,” and join them in the theatre.

Advanced reserved seat tickets can be purchased on-line at bit.ly/CCTDTickets The box office will open 45 minutes prior to each show, cash only for on-site sales.

Audience members are encouraged to arrive at the theatre no later than five minutes prior to the start of each show.