Preview of 'Newsies' by Waterbury Arts Magnet School at the Palace

By Nancy Sasso Janis

The Waterbury Arts Magnet School Theatre Department will present “Disney’s Newsies
The always talented WAMS students are directed and choreographed by Alicia Magliaro, who is a theater arts teacher at the magnet school. The producer is Dr. Maria P Stasaitis.

The show is based on the 1992 musical film, which was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. Harvey Fierstein's script was adapted from the film's screenplay. “Newsies” features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, including the memorable "Carrying the Banner," "King of New York," "Seize the Day," "Santa Fe," and my favorite, "The World Will Know."

The cast of 52 consists of WAMS grade students in grades 6-12 and there are student musicians in the pit playing the accompaniment live.

“The passion and dedication of the cast, band and crew really make live theater experiences like ‘Newsies’ memorable and unique,” said Magliaro. “The performers’ fearless energy and commitment to giving their all on stage creates an electrifying atmosphere that will captivate the audience of all ages from start to finish.”

The leading role of Jack Kelly will be played by Quinn Soulliere and the leading role of reporter Katherine Plumber will be portrayed by Karleigh Santos. Newspaper mogul Joseph Pulitzer will be played by Jaheim Moaze.

As the newsies, Connor Marshall is Crutchie, PJ Lawlor plays Davey, young community theater veteran Nicholas Bates is Race, Hannah Cady plays older brother Les.

Medda Larkin will be brought to life by Karlaysia Daniels. Spot Conlon/Albert will be played by Noah Gomez, Hannah will be played by Madison McDougall, Darcy /Jo Jo will be played by Sadie Rodriguez.

Finch will be played by Billie Labriola, Elma by Erika Dessalines, Romeo/Bill by Seven Angels veteran Geno Bascetta, Splasher by Megan Pelletier, Tommy Boy by Patrick Silva, Mush by Teuta Hida, Specs by Hanalei Cocchiola, Buttons by Maddy Meeker, Char by Vera Therrien, Mike by Dane Guerrera, Sasa by Peyton Gray, Henry by Lyam Seginet, Ike by Nathanael Riccio, Snyder by Kieran Smith, Wiesel by Adrian Ramos, Seitz by Nailah Walker, Mrs. Jacobi by Grace Labbe, Bunsen by Ian Schulte, Nunzio by Camdyn Bringhurst.

Oscar Delancy will be played by Braelyn McDougall, Morris Delancy by Zenobia Hernandez
Theodore Roosevelt will be played by Mr. Baker.,

The dancing New York City Newsies include Delilah Rivera, Donovan Wade, Julia Dumont, Kiara Villatoro, Madeline Lund, Maximo Rodriguez, Samantha Battistoni, Mary-Kate Fac, Sergio Melendez, and Skylar Jacobs.

The ensemble is composed of Adelaide Luchun, Amanda Miceli, Arielle Parker, Juliette Livolsi
Molly Crossley, Chalsie Bhadrasain, Kiyan Brown, Mackenzie Scovill and Savannah Markey.

Performances at Waterbury’s Palace Theater are scheduled for Apr. 11 at 7 p.m., Apr. 12 at 7 pm.m and Apr. 13 at 1 p.m.

General Admission per show $15; Students and senior citizens $10. Tickets sold through the box office at the Palace Theater 203-346-2000 palacetheaterct.org. "Newsies" runs approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including one 15 minute intermission.