‘Newsies’ seize the day
Published 10:07 pm Friday, October 5, 2018
One of Broadway’s great shows, which made its state premiere on the Haven stage Thursday, will continue its three-week run today with two shows and a matinee tomorrow as well.
“The Mississippi premiere of Disney’s ‘Newsies’ at our historic Haven theater is a performing company’s dream come true,” said Emily Waterloo, BLT’s managing artistic director. “Securing rights to certain show titles, especially new ambitious titles, can be tricky and often ‘unavailable’ is the unfortunate answer for an amateur theatre like ours.”
But, BLT is recognized statewide because of its “passionate and talented arts community we have created and the dedication to our mission to expose people to the arts,” she said.
Nearly 60 actors plus 40 crew members and volunteers from Brookhaven, Hazlehurst, Crystal Springs, Raymond, Clinton, McComb and Monticello create the backbone of bringing this musical extravaganza to life.
Inspired by the real-life newsboys strike of 1899, “Newsies” is a family musical directed by Nick Rocz of New York. Musical director is Tonya Matthews and choreographer is Holly Moore of Showstoppers Studio of Dance. Waterloo is the show’s producer.
“Newsies” features music by Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Jack Feldman (“Copacabana”). The musical took home Tony awards for Best Original Score and Best Choreography.
It stars Connor Cagle as Jack Kelly, Josh Brown as Crutchie, Eric Johnson as Davey, Austin Tanksley as Les and Courtney Carney as Katherine Plumber.
Tickets are available by calling 601-990-2243 or can be purchased online at haventheatre.org. A limited number will be available at the door.