Under the production of Jason Eaton and the direction of Shannon Egenolf, a cast of 63 kids in grades 2-8 are performing the smash Disney hit, “Newsies Jr.”
Prelude Children’s Theater in Hartland has gathered talent from all over Livingston County, including Maria Usher from Maria’s School of Dance, who will hone the tap and jazz talents of the performers in this dance-intensive production. Prelude has also rented a professional set from Crane River Theater.
“We at Prelude want to give a Broadway-level experience to our patrons, all the while putting our phenomenally talented kids in the middle of the spectacle,” Eaton said.
Prelude is best known for its productions of “Lion King Jr.,” “Frozen Jr.,” “Peter Pan Jr.,” Peter Pan Jr.,” “Madagascar Jr.,” and “James and the Giant Peach Jr.”
“We view our program as children’s theater with a Broadway edge,” Eaton said. “We are really excited to share with the community what we have been preparing for the last six months.”
Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, “Newsies Jr.” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
The story takes place when powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, and the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right. Including the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.
With over 1,000 tickets already sold, this show is on track to sell out all six of its showings. The show will be performed Jan. 27-29 and Feb. 3-5, with performances at 7 p.m. on Fridays, and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at the Hartland Performing Arts Center, 9525 Highland Road.
You can purchase tickets online at http://our.show/prelude2.
For more information call the Hartland Community Education office at (810) 626-2150.
