NEWSIES To Take Hanover Stage

Acts of Kindness Theatre Company (AOK) is spreading the news about their summer blockbuster musical hit, Disney's' NEWSIES! The show will be produced LIVE on stage at The Eichelberger Performing Arts Center in Hanover, PA, July 27, 28, 29 and August 3, 4 and 5. Friday's and Saturday's showtime is at 7 p.m. Sunday's showtime is at 2 p.m.

The award winning stage musical is based on the 1992 film inspired by the real newsboy strike of 1899 in New York City. Music is by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and the book is by Harvey Fierstein. This new Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys' expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of "the little man. The real newsboys' strike of1899 was a youth-led force to change the way that newspapers compensated their newspaper hawkers.The strike lasted two weeks, causing Pulitzer's New York World to decrease its circulation from 360,000 papers sold per day to 125,000.The strike was successful in increasing the amount of money that newsboys received for their work.

The production features 26 newspaper carriers who dance and sing their hearts out as they stand up for their rights to ultimately end the strike by getting a fair compromise. The technical dancing in the show is made possible by some of the most talented young men and women who have taken dance from numerous York and Adams County studios. Jazz dance styles, tap dancing as well as gymnastics is heavily utilized throughout the production resulting in a high energy, technically advanced show. The show is under the Direction of Rene Staub. Musical Director is Lisa Pantano. The Choreographer is Sarah Flynn and the Assistant Director/Production Coordinator is Jessica Staub. The cast includes award winning talent including Isaac Silver as Jack Kelly, Vincent Beck as David Jacobs, and Brooke Weber as Katherine Plumber. Others include Luke Mumma as Crutchie, Rowen Barber as Les Jacobs, local theatre veterans Drew Derreth as Joseph Pulitzer and Bonnie Raubenstine as Medda Larkin as well as a cast of over 35 dancers and vocalists to tell the story of this incredible historic event.

This is AOK's 14th production, giving their hearts through art by giving over $150,000 back to the community to such organizations as Make-A-Wish, The Hanover Symphony Orchestra, Wigs for Kids, SPCA, American Heart Association, Hanover Library and more. This year's proceeds will benefit the Hanover High School Parents Association Supporting Theatre Arts (P.A.S.T.A.) and the Adams County Arts Council. Advance tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for students/children. Premium seating is available for $20. Tickets will be $2 more day of show at the door, so buy now and save! Group pricing is also available. Visit www.theeich.org for tickets or call call 717-637-7086, or visit the Eichelberger Box office M-F 10am-2pm.

Photo: Luke Mumma as Crutchie & Isaac Silver as Jack Kelly