Disney’s ‘Newsies’ opens Nov. 3

Contributed story

TORRINGTON — The Warner Stage Company will present Disney’s “Newsies” on the Main Stage Nov. 3 to 11, sponsored by Thomaston Savings Bank.

Set in New York City at the turn of the century, the play is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged “newsies” who dream of only a better life far from the hardship of the streets.

The story is inspired by the real-life “Newsboy Strike of 1899,” when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphaned newsies on an action against powerful newspaper publishers. High energy and with nonstop thrills, the stage version introduces eight brand-new songs by the original team of Alan Menken and Jack Feldman while keeping many of the beloved songs from the film.

The Warner Stage Company production of Disney’s “Newsies” is directed by Richard McKenna with music director Jim Luurtsema, choreographer Sharon W. Houk and associate choreographer Caitlin Nolan Beaudry. The cast features (alphabetically) Naomi Aldrich, William Armstrong, Thaddeus Asheim, Julie Baerney, Peter Bard, Tyler Bard, Mary Cantoni-Johnson, Colin Christie, Michael Christie, Aiden Cincotta, Marc Evan Costanzo, Kathleen Cummings, Jonathan David, Riley Delaney, Zachary Geiger, Brendan Reilly Harris, Holly Havens, Robbie James, Jack Lewis, Conio Lopardo, Doreen Lopez, Doug McCarthy, Jeff McGurk, Cassandra McKenna, Robert Melendez, Colton Morris, L. Nagel, Aubrie Oporto, Louis Oporto, Raelin Oporto, Charlie Pelletier, Colin Quigley, Michael Ramalho, Trevor Rinaldi, Noel Roberge, Michael Ruby, Zachary Taylor, Dick Terhune, Kelly White, Sara Wilson, Jim Wood, Dylan Zawisza.

Performances are Nov. 3, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein. Based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White. “Newsies” is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.