‘NEWSIES’ COMING TO SHS — The Steubenville High School Drama Club and Thespians will stage a production of Disney’s “Newsies: The Broadway Musical,” at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the school auditorium. Tickets are available online through Wednesday at the cost of $12 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets at the door will be $15 for adults and $10 for students. Visit steubenvillehsfinearts.ludus.com to pre-order. Those in the cast include, from left, front, Gabe Ensell, Colton Davis, Trymia Mayo and Michael Lancia; and back, Anthony Pearce, Logan Lynch and Mia Loy. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Stop the presses!

The Steubenville High School Drama Club and Thespians will stage a production of Disney’s hit show “Newsies: The Broadway Musical,” at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the high school auditorium.

Advance tickets can be bought online for $12 for adults and $10 for students.

To purchase tickets at the door, the cost will be $15 for adults and $12 for students.

“Newsies, The Broadway Musical,” centers on the 1899 newsboys strike in New York City, where a group of young newspaper sellers known as “Newsies” revolt against powerful publishers like Joseph Pulitzer, amid greed and exploitation.

Led by Jack Kelly, the group gains help from reporter Katherine Plumber in their fight for fair treatment and better pay.

The cast includes junior Anthony Pearce as Jack, junior Mia Loy as Katherine, senior Gabe Ensell as Davey, sophomore Michael Lancia as Crutchie, senior Trymia Mayor as Medda Larkin, senior Logan Lynch as Joseph Pulitzer and Harding Middle School sixth-grader Colton Davis as Les.

The performances are directed by Scott Wolodkin, with music and book by Alan Menken.

Lyrics are by Jack Feldman, based on the Disney film.

The production is presented with special arrangements with Music Theater International.

The production includes 47 cast and crew members and performers.

There will be “plenty of music and dancing in store for the audience to enjoy,” officials commented. Among the songs to be performed are “Something to Believe In,” “Seize the Day,” and “Once and for All.”

Wolodkin said he attempted to stage the musical in 2020, but plans were impacted by the COVID pandemic. Now, the performance is receiving a second chance.

“In 2020, we were one week from presenting ‘Newsies,'” Wolodkin said. “Unfortunately, COVID prevented us from presenting the show.”

Wolodkin recalled, “Costumes had been delivered, drops were in place, the set was built and we were ready to open.”

“I had planned that we probably wouldn’t go back and present the show, but after some time away from the production, our design team felt it was time to bring ‘Newsies’ to a new audience,” he said. “We are glad that we did. The students started back in August learning how to tap and brush-up on their theater dance styles. It has been non-stop ever since, from auditions to getting nearer to opening night.”

Cast members say they enjoy being a part of the show.

“I think it’s nice to see everything coming together,” Lancia stated. “It’s very dance heavy.”

“It’s also a great experience and you make friends,” Pearce added.

“We got very close because we spend so much time working toward the same goal,” Ensell commented. “It’s a very community-building thing.”

Loy said, “I’m excited to perform. That’s my favorite part about it.”

“This show is truly one of the best we’ve ever had, and every day we continue to improve and refine it,” stated Lynch. “We’ve poured so much time and effort into making this production as spectacular as possible.”

A group of fathers of former and current students helped to construct the set, making it “a real community experience,” officials said.

Advance tickets are available until Wednesday by visiting the website steubenvillehsfinearts.ludus.com.

For information, contact the high school at (740) 282-9741.