Casting Announced for FPAC'S Newsies

Initial casting has been announced for the Franklin Performing Arts Company's upcoming production of Disney's Newsies running at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA October 13,14 and 19-21. Broadway's Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon) will star as Jack Kelly, Ali Funkhouser (nat'l tours of Joseph...Dreamcoat and Evita, The LEX's Legally Blonde) will play Katherine Plumber, and Nick Paone (TheaterWorks USA, Cabaret) will appear as Joseph Pulitzer. The production will be choreographed by Broadway cast member Clay Thomson (Newsies, Matilda). Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Christopher Rice appeared on Broadway in The Book of Mormon, in the national tours of West Side Story and Irving Berlin's White Christmas, and in The Most Happy Fella at Encores!. Rice's viral tap dance video series #TAPPY has been seen by over 3 million people worldwide.

Clay Thomson made his Broadway debut in Newsies, playing Spot Conlon. He then appeared in the Original Broadway Cast of Matilda the Musical. His national tour credits include West Side Story and Wicked. He is featured in the viral YouTube videos #TAPPY.

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Disney's Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). It features the now classic songs "Carrying the Banner," "Seize the Day," and "Santa Fe." Disney's Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

To purchase tickets or for more information about Disney's Newsies presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.fpaconline.com. You can follow FPAC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.