‘Disney’s Newsies’ musical to be performed at MHS

Submitted by Judy Kropp

The Mena High School Theatre Department is now preparing their fall musical, “Disney’s Newsies.” The show will be performed for the public on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m. and Monday evening, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Mena High School Performing Arts Center. Admission is $5 and donations will be accepted.

“Newsies” is directed by MHS drama teacher Jessica Kropp with the help of some capable adult volunteers. Abi Tilley and Zeke McPherson are the choreographers of this energetic show featuring exuberant dance numbers. Judy Kropp is once again lending her expertise as the music director. Scottie Jenkins and Michael Rohland have constructed the beautiful set. Ruby K Manis has collaborated with the directorial staff on designing and building the costumes that reflect the correct era and mood of this show. MHS art teacher Jenny Rob- ertson, along with her art students, have completed painting the elaborate set.

The extremely talented cast have about three more weeks to complete all choreography and blocking to bring you this delightful Disney story. Leading roles are being played by Eric Decker as Jack and Holiday Neufeld as Katherine. David Williams and Aaron Burt portray brothers Davey and Les, and Anna Burt plays Crutchie. Mr. Joe Pulitzer is being played by Hayden Copelin. For the first time ever, a faculty member is cast in a role; Deedra Hooker is portraying Wiesel.

“Disney’s Newsies” is based on the true events surrounding the Newspaper Boys strike against Joe Pulitzer and William Hearst in the1890s. Pulitzer and Hearst decided to raise the price of the papers for the “Newsies” (as they were commonly known) from 50 cents to 60 cents per 100 papers to purchase, but their customer prices were to remain the same. The Newsies famously fought back, despite their young age and low esteem in the business world. This is the inspiring underdog story that you will be watching unfold. (“Kids on Strike” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Page 54).

“Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (“Aladdin,” “Little Mermaid,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Sister Act”) and Jack Feldman.

The book is by triple Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” “Newsies” is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience. Mark your calendars today, you won’t want to miss this!