Preview of 'Newsies' by Broadway Method Academy

“DISNEY’S NEWSIES” TO BE STAGED BY BROADWAY METHOD ACADEMY THIS FEBRUARY

Chaz Wolcott (“Newsies“ First National Tour) directs for performances at Westport Country Playhouse.

Broadway Method Academy (BMA), the resident conservatory of Westport Country Playhouse, announced casting for its upcoming musical, “Disney’s Newsies.” A host of Broadway actors will be featured in the cast alongside the Academy’s 40 students.

Directed and choreographed by Chaz Wolcott (original national touring cast of “Newsies”), nine performances are scheduled at Westport Country Playhouse, Friday through Sunday, February 7 – 9, and 14 – 16.

“'Newsies’ has an incredible, poignant story,” said Connor Deane, BMA Executive Director. “We are so excited for Chaz Wolcott from the first national tour to lead this company of exceptional performers. Our BMA students will have such a unique experience performing alongside several performers from the first national tour of ‘Newsies’”. There is an energy around this show that audiences will feel from the first downbeat.”

The cast will be headed by Joey Barreiro ( national tours of “Newsies,” “A Bronx Tale”) as Jack Kelly; Aisha De Haas (Broadway’s “Caroline, or Change,” “Rent”; Medda in the national tour of “Newsies”) as Medda Larkin; Alaina Mills (national tour of “Beautiful”) as Katherine Plumber; and James Judy (Broadway’s “Into the Woods,” “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” national tour of “Newsies”) as Joseph Pulitzer.
The ensemble will feature 40 students from Broadway Method Academy.


Set in turn-of-the century New York City, “Newsies” is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right!

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (“Little Shop of Horrors”, “Sister Act”) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (“Kinky Boots”). Featuring a live orchestra and 40 BMA students alongside Broadway professionals, and songs like “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.

The creative team also features set designer Ryan Howell, lighting designer Weston G. Wetzel, costumer designer Dustin Cross, and wig designer Kaitie Adams. Garrett Taylor conducts the 11-piece orchestra. Connor Deane, J. Scott Handley, and David Dreyfoos serve as executive producers. “Disney’s Newsies” is produced by Broadway Method Academy, the resident conservatory of Westport Country Playhouse.

Performance Schedule:
WEEKEND ONE
• Friday, February 7 at 7PM
• Saturday, February 8 at 1:30PM & 7PM
• Sunday, February 9 at 1:30PM

WEEKEND TWO
• Friday, February 14 at 7PM
• Saturday, February 15 at 1:30PM at 7PM
• Sunday, February 16 at 3:00 PM

Sensory-Friendly Performance
• Sunday, February 16 at 11:00 AM

Tickets are $45 and are on sale now at Westport Country Playhouse

A limited number of premium $65 tickets, which include a reception in the Playhouse’s Smilow Lounge during intermission, can only be purchased by phone or at the box office.

Group discount for this BMA production is 15% off for groups of 15 or more.
Student ticket price of $20 with valid high school, college, university, or international student ID at the box office or by phone, subject to availability. Limit 1 ticket per ID. Student rush ticket price of $15 starting at noon day of performance only with valid high school, college, university, or international student ID and subject to availability.

Purchase tickets to “Disney’s Newsies,” at www.westportplayhouse.org, or call or visit the Westport Country Playhouse box office at 203-227-4177, located at 25 Powers Court, Westport, CT. For more information about Broadway Method Academy, visit www.broadwaymethodacademy.org

All play titles, artists, and dates are subject to change.