Hot off the press: Wolfpack Theatre Co. first in state to stage 'Newsies'

Stop the presses! With high-energy musicality, non-stop fun and a touch of Disney magic, the Wolfpack Theatre Co. will present Disney’s “Newsies: The Musical” March 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 6:33 p.m. in the Wolfpack Theatre at Glacier High School.

Admission for this special musical production is $12 for adults and $10 for children, students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at the GHS Main Office, Photo Video Plus and, if still available, at the door.

Based on the 1992 Disney film, “Newsies” is the tale of newsboy Jack Kelly, who dreams of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. In 1899, New York City got its news from an army of ragged orphans and runaways called newsies. When newspaper owners raise distribution prices at the newsies’ expense, Jack and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the spirited reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of young people as these unlikely heroes strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.

“‘Newsies’ is based on the real life strike of the newsboys and girls of New York against the newspapers owned by Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst (This story focuses on Pulitzer).

“These poor and powerless young people stood up against some of the richest and most powerful men in America,” director Marceline Maroney said. “There are several themes in this musical that I hope touch the heart of every audience member — the importance of loyalty, standing up for what is right, and the idea that all work is important and deserves respect.”

“Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Featuring well-known classics including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” “Newsies” is perfect for the whole family.

The choreography in this show was created by a group of GHS students lead by Bria Anderson and showcases the talents of the 27-member cast,”

“Since the production rights only recently became available, we are the first high school in the state to produce ‘Newsies!” Maroney said.

The acting company includes Aren Alexander-Batee, Dresden Allred, Janasya Amaker, Hailey Anderson, Christopher Breese, Ashley Bruce, Conner Byle, Taylor Dannic, Ty Espeseth, Sydney Fletcher, Ellie Haag, Teslyn Hartman, Simon Hill, Lincoln Jones, Kyrie Kensey, Suzanne Loviska, Landon Mumm, Brooklynn Pitts, Megan Rediger, Sierra Riley, Asher Robinson, Joe Schlegel, Isaac Schroeder, Derek Smith, Ethan Strand, Willow Whitewolf and Alexa Wilton.

Supporting the story in the orchestra pit are musicians Annika Birney, Haily Brown, Jack Corriveau, Jon Gardner, Ashley Garza, Luke Heupel, Ammon Hill, Evan Kohler, Jocelyn Kuhl, Dakota Lengele, Terran Mehan, Galvin Ness, Kjell Sandler, Shea Siderius and Delaney Wirtala.

The choreography team lead by Anderson includes Megan Rediger, Teslyn Hartman, Sydney Flether and Taylor Dannic.

Drew Fitzgerald, Zach Hill, Nick Jaffe, Isabelle Johnson, Lauren Kohler, Victoria Kramer, Brooklyn Lamers, Zach Lapke, Drake Larkey, Kimberly Liles, Abigail Logudice, Taylor Powell, Alyssa Roberts, and James Wheeler make up the stage, sound and lighting crew.