Here’s the Headline: “Newsies” at MLHS

Read Time:2 Minute, 29 Second

Just like in years prior, Mountain Lakes High School’s Theatre Department is ecstatic to present yet another musical production! Get ready to travel back in time for a viewing of MLHS’s Newsies. Unlike last spring’s production of Grease, instead of slicked-back hair and shiny cars, MLHS Theatre brings you the true story of the Newsboy’s Union of 1899.

Leads of MLHS *Newsies*
Top row, L-R: Sophia Li, Eric Lee, Toleeya Napolitano, Conrad Lewis, Rowan Zollner
Bottom row, L-R: Kayla Giordano, Ava Capetta, Catherine Pickett, James Purcell, Casey Covart, Liz Jantzen, Jamie Barnett

Many people’s minds may go straight to the original 1992 Newsies film upon mention of the musical, but MLHS Theatre is reproducing Broadway’s 2017 Newsies production, which has provided the inspiration for the set. The costumes have also been rented out to the theatre department by MTI (Music Theatre International) to make the production as memorable and accurate as possible.

A little history lesson never hurts, right? The Newsboys Strike started on July 20, 1899 in New York City. The newsboys who worked for the New York Journal went on strike after the retail price of one hundred newspapers went up from 50 cents to 60 cents, demanding a return to the original price. The price never was returned to 50 cents in the end, but the newspaper owners agreed to refund money for unsold papers. Just for reference: about 0.50 cents in 1899 is equal to about $16.94 today.

The Dance Core doing the signature Newsies jump
L-R: Sophia, Liz, Catherine, Rowan, Casey, Kayla, Ava

The Theatre Department is excited to re-enter the Mountain Lakes High School auditorium’s stage instead of operating with makeshift stage settings and seating. COVID-19 guidelines will still be in place, and all audience members will be required to wear a mask indoors. There will be refreshments provided by the generous FOTA (Friends of the Arts). A thank you goes out to every member of FOTA.

Both the cast and crew of this show have been working endlessly to make it as perfect as it can be. Thank you to all the adults that have made this production possible: Angela Tsai, Anthony Vazzano, Karin Putz, Kandy Delgado, Theresa Kemp, Gabriel Weiss, and Meredith Boyan. And of course, very special thanks go out to the director, Judy Kolek; the assistant director, Ryan Price; and the music director, Austin Vallies. The MLHS Theatre Department would agree that without such determination and hard work, this show would not go on.

Toleeya Napolitano (playing “Katherine Plumber”) and James Purcell (playing “Jack Kelly”)

Tickets are out, so make sure to get yours at https://mlhs.booktix.com/. The performances will take place on March 3rd and 4th at 7:30 PM and March 5th at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Performances will have ASL interpretation provided. You don’t want to miss it!

Credit to @picturethisbycariss for her amazing photography!