Axelrod PAC Presents NEWSIES

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC), New Jersey's newest professional theater, proudly presents Disney's smash-hit, crowd-pleasing musical "Newsies," June 1 - 17. The production is directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Marcos Santana, whose recent production of Newsies for the Maltz Jupiter Theatre received a Carbonell Award.

Newsies tells the real-life story of how a newly formed union of New York City newsboys, in 1899, defied the publisher of a prominent New York newspaper to strike for fair wages and fair treatment. The musical's book, written by Harvey Fierstein, tells the story of how the newsboy strike impacted two major newspapers for two weeks.

"'Newsies' is one of those heart-stopping musicals that explodes with energy and emotion," says Axelrod Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco. "It's perfect for the entire family!"

With music from Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, under the musical direction Andrew Sotomayor, the score includes the soaring ballad "Santa Fe," the rousing newsies' anthems "Seize the Day" and "Carrying the Banner," and the show-stopping tap number "King of New York."

Based on a 1992 film, the musical had its world premiere in 2011 at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse, where it opened to great critical acclaim. The show moved to Broadway the following year, receiving eight Tony Award nominations, winning Best Score and Best Choreography.

Alan Menken is one of Broadway and Hollywood's most prolific composers, having written such popular musicals as "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "Little Mermaid," and, most recently, "A Bronx Tale."

Director and Choreographer Marcos Santana makes his Axelrod PAC debut with this production. He began his career in his native Puerto Rico, training in contemporary, modern and Latin dance, ballet and jazz. His Broadway credits include "On Your Feet," "Guys and Dolls," and "In the Heights." On Broadway, he has also contributed as a choreographer to "On Your Feet" and "Rocky," receiving Tony nominations for both shows.

Newsies runs for 14 performances from June 1-17. Tickets are available online at www.axelrodartscenter.com. Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Ave., Ocean Township. The theater offers senior and student discounts, as well as ample, free, on-site parking and is completely handicap accessible.

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is New Jersey's newest professional theater, offering main-stage musicals with casts and production teams from New York City and beyond as well as original concerts throughout the year. The Axelrod fosters artistic excellence by showcasing varied and distinct cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual, and creative soul, while cultivating an appreciation of diverse communities through the pursuit of the arts. For more information, please visit www.axelrodartscenter.com.