Extra! Extra! Blue Light Players Presents NEWSIES the Musical
The Blue Light Players are the first mid-Michigan community theatre to present Newsies the Musical, a high-energy celebration of the triumph of “the little man,” on stage the first two weekends in March at East Lansing’s Hannah Community Center.
Based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City, this Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly (Adam Woolsey), a charismatic and rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer (Bill Henson) raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow “newsies,” including sweet cripple Crutchie (Jake Hall), serious Davey (Alex Quinlan), and his exuberant little brother Les (Reann Thelen/Jocelyn Snitgen) take action. With help from determined reporter Katherine Plumber (Kathryn Mulcahy), all of New York City soon recognizes that strength in numbers can topple even the most powerful tycoon.
Director Helen Hart has assembled a vibrant cast of 28 singing, dancing, leaping performers who represent several mid-Michigan communities, including Dewitt, Delta Township/Waverly, Grand Ledge, Holt, Haslett, East Lansing, Lansing, and St. Johns. John Dale Smith leads the production’s pit band (a first for Blue Light Players), working with music director Kait Wilson. The dance numbers choreographed by Kathryn Mulcahy are sure to bring audiences to their feet as the cast cavorts up, down, and around the custom-designed and fabricated steel set.
Performances are at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2, and March 8 and 9, and at 4 pm on Sunday, March 3 and 10, at the Albert A. White Auditorium, Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., in East Lansing. Tickets are $20; $15 for seniors (55+) and students; all seats are reserved.
Proceeds from Blue Light Players’ productions support the families of fallen and critically-injured law enforcement officers. Since its inception, the theatre troupe has donated more than $32,000 to this cause.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.bluelightplayers.com
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