Musical 'Newsies' To Be Performed At Coleytown Middle School This Month

WESTPORT, CT — The Coleytown Company will stage the musical Newsies this month at Coleytown Middle School, bringing the story of the 1899 Newsboys’ Strike in New York City to local audiences.

Four performances are scheduled for March 27 through March 29. Tickets are available at cc.ludus.com.

Inspired by historical events, Newsies follows a group of young newspaper sellers who organized a strike against publisher Joseph Pulitzer to protest changes in pay. The musical dramatizes the newsboys’ efforts to unionize and advocate for improved working conditions.

The production's artistic director, Ben Frimmer, said the production highlights themes of collective action and representation.

"Their voices were not about shouting," Frimmer said in a statement. "It was about being counted. In the world of Newsies, they had no voice, no economic leverage, no seat at the table, and no protection if they failed. But the moment they spoke to each other, organized collectively and refused to accept invisibility was the moment they claimed their power. The strike only worked when they stopped being individuals and became a chorus – literally and politically."

Preparations for the production began with a benefit concert on Feb. 2, produced by Frimmer in partnership with Broadway music director Mat Einstein. The concert featured four performers from Broadway’s Newsies, including Westport native Adam Kaplan. Kaplan also led a master class for the student cast the following day, working directly with performers on music and choreography.

The production, directed by Abby Root Mularew, features a middle school cast and is supported by a team of professional designers. A student technical crew is assisting with set design, lighting and sound.

Updates and behind-the-scenes content are available on Instagram at @coleytown_company.