Kerry Butler Directs NEWSIES at Rise Above Performing Arts in Sarasota

Rise Above Performing Arts presents Newsies which opens October 19th. The production is directed by Broadway’s Tony-Nominated, Kerry Butler (Beetlejuice, Mean Girls).

This is Mrs. Butler’s directorial debut, and she is thrilled that Rise Above is home to this experience, noting, “I love the passion and energy of these young performers. Their talent and work ethic are nothing short of spectacular!”

Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right!

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, 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). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

Newsies is the third production of Rise Above’s eight year with Anastasia, The Sound of Music, and Bring It On scheduled for later this season.