Orange Beach, Ala. - (OBA) - Extra Extra read all about it... the timeless tale Newsies Jr. will light up the stage this weekend with accounts of friendship, heartache, and a fight for fair wages inspired by the rousing true story of the Newsies strike of 1899 in New York City.

The modified musical version by Harvey Fierstein based on the familiar 1992 Disney film broadens in casting numbers for the inclusion of cast as young as kindergarten. Local Theatre director, now Theatre arts teacher for Orange Beach Middle and High School Grace Stanton says this is the largest cast to date over 60 crew and cast members combined making for a fun, powerful high-spirited performance full of heart.

Houston Bryant, senior plays the lead role and fan favorite Jack Kelley. Newsies is filled with vibrant dance moves to the now classic songs like “Carrying the Banner,” and “Seize the Day” showcasing the ups and downs of social injustice and adult plights these youngsters faced. Bryant still fully embracing his character backstage smiles reporting his favorite song to perform however is the slower-paced transparent song “Sante Fe,” “I get to show the audience a different side of Jack, reminding them that he really is just a kid." 

Bryant started theatre with Mrs. Stanton when he was just seven years old. He loves that he’s getting to send off with her in his last performance as an Orange Beach student. The cast includes eight seniors bringing some emotion to the stage as well as inspiration. Stanton expresses, having so many seniors gave me more motivation to go out with a bang,” reminding her of how special her last show was in high school. 

One of the main protagonists Kathrine Plummer and reporter for the New York Sun is played by junior Faith Craig. Craig landed her role in confidence as it is one she has longed for the chance to be cast for if the opportunity came along. Craig is most looking forward to having a chance to inspire someone in the audience. Concluding, “One person may end up leaving changed for good and that’s a great feeling to have.” 

Senior River Hallex landed the role of lovable Crutchie says “Theatre is my thing” and is also a fan of the more wholehearted scenes and songs like “Sante Fe/Letter from the Refuge.” Hallex goes on to say the “size of the show really shows the seriousness of how committed these kids are to pull off something so amazing to tell a fantastic story.” Hallex is looking forward to performing like Bryant “Sante Fe/Letter from the Refuge,” explaining that it “evokes a lot of emotions and really expresses the heart of the show.” 

Make sure to join the incredible cast this weekend for the timeless family-friendly story of New York orphans and street kids banding together to make a real difference in campaigning for child labor and demanding their voices be heard.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students, with an additional $1 service fee per ticket. To secure your seats… 

• 7 p.m. Friday, April 28th - Disney's Newsies Jr.
• 7 p.m. Saturday, April 29th - Disney's Newsies Jr.
• 2 p.m. Sunday, April 30th - Disney's Newsies Jr.