Media release from Darlington School:
Stop the press! This Disney film turned Tony-winning Broadway hit will inspire everyone to fight for what’s right and seize the day.
Darlington’s fine arts department and The Darlington Players will present Disney’s “Newsies, the Broadway Musical” Feb. 21-23 downtown at the historic Rome City Auditorium. Show times are 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Disney’s “Newsies,” produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), is based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story. “Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, and book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
Set in New York City at the turn of the century, “Newsies” is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of young newsies, who dream only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right.
“Newsies” is inspired by the real-life Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, when Kid Blink and David Simons led a band of orphan and runaway children on a two-week-long action against newspaper publishers Pulitzer and Hearst.
“It has been a dream to work with artists from our entire Darlington Community,” said Theatre Director Shelley Daniel, the show’s director and designer. “Our crew members have been tireless in their efforts to support the show’s technical requirements, and you will see incredible performance work by students ranging from grades 4-12, as well as several talented faculty actors.
“Over 70 artists have worked on and off the stage since November, tackling complex projects, unlocking performance potential, making designs bloom, defining teamwork in action, and celebrating together as beautiful moments materialize onstage,” she continued. “We have truly become a family!”
The production features 42 Upper School students, 21 Pre-K to 8 students, and 8 faculty members contributing as actors, crew, student staff, builders, and designers.
“Darlington’s Upper School theater season is designed to offer students experiences in both a play and musical, and the opportunity to apply their performance skills in an intimate black box as well as on a large proscenium stage,” said Daniel. “The cast and crew look forward to performing at the beautiful Rome City Auditorium. It is a wonderful space for a show that requires such complex stage tech.”
Daniel hopes “Newsies” will draw the entire local community to come out and experience live theatre. “Our company is grateful for the opportunity to share what we hope will be three unforgettable performances with Darlington and our greater Rome community,” she said. “We eagerly anticipate opening night and we hope to thoroughly entertain with colorful characters, commanding vocals, high-energy dance numbers, and a message that will warm your heart. Please join us as we produce this beloved show!”
Other faculty members working on the production include Choral Director Alex Johnson as the show’s vocal director, Director of Fine Arts Kim Tunnell as house manager and production support, and Communication Arts teacher Ethan Pender as headshot photographer and playbill designer.
Please use the link below to purchase tickets for one or more of the three scheduled performances as listed on the GoFan website for Darlington School:
”Newsies, the Broadway Musical” Tickets
PG Advisory: This production contains some mild language and thematic elements, stage combat, and prop cigars.
