“Newsies” is the right musical at the right time for Shaler Area High School, according to director Jennifer Birch.

“One of the big draws of this musical, for me, is its message of perseverance, overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles, to never give up,” she said. “I’ve seen it in the way the cast is performing through these pandemic conditions.

“They’ve been quarantined, learning remotely or can’t get to rehearsal, but every time they get up on stage, they just have so much joy and tenacity.”

Set in late-1800s New York City, “Newsies” is the inspiring story of Jack Kelly, a homeless newsboy and leader of a band of teen-aged “newsies” whose livelihoods are put at risk when newspaper publishers raise distribution prices on them. Aided by a sympathetic journalist, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions.

The musical is based on the 1992 film of the same name, itself inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City.

“It’s a show that has a lot of name recognition, and it’s a fun, friendly show for the whole community,” Birch said.

It also showcases the performing chops of more than 60 Shaler students.

“The talent at this high school is wide and deep,” Birch said. “We have the most amazing group of actors and dancers this year, and they’re absolutely phenomenal in a large number of featured roles.”

Music will be provided by a 16-member pit orchestra of student musicians, conducted by Geoff McKain, a Duquesne University music education major.

Performers in lead roles include junior Alex Eastly as Jack Kelly, junior Lauren Lorenz as Katherine Plumber, sophomore Josh Clark as Davey, freshman Sophia Trgovic as Les, sophomore Max Milligan as Crutchie, senior Jenna Masucci as Medda Larkin, junior Jordan Geidel as Race and senior Connor Schneck as Joseph Pulitzer.

“We also have a handful of student apprentices who are instrumental in the creative process,” Birch said. Among more than 30 crew members are the stage manager, senior Dominic Beatty, and assistant stage manager, senior Sarah Schneider.

The backstage crew will be costumed because all but one of the scene changes happen during the action of the show. The staging includes three mobile scenes and one stationary scene, all designed and built by a parent of one of the students.

“With a mobile set, the crew is instrumental in recreating the cinematic feel envisioned by the original writing and directing team of the Broadway show,” Birch said. “We had ambitious goals for the set, and it has exceeded our expectations.”

The spring musical will be staged March 4 through 12 in the high school auditorium at 381 Wible Run Road.

Curtain times for “Newsies” are 7 p.m. March 4-5 and 11-12 and 2 p.m. March 6. All audience members must be masked.

Tickets a $10 each for general admission. Advance tickets are recommended; tickets not sold in advance will be available at the door.

For tickets, visit showtix4u.com.

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