‘Newsies The Musical’ opens at David Douglas High Theater

Discover what their fall musical show offers audiences when ‘Newsies’ opens on November 10. As the newsboys of the day would shout, ‘Read all about it!’ …

Rehearsing for their upcoming play in the David Douglas High Theater, Newsies The Musical, this scene is at the newspaper’s distribution window, where newsboys find out that the publisher has hiked up the wholesale price for papers they sell.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

About 100 David Douglas High School (DDHS) student actors, dancers, singers, musicians and stage technicians have been preparing for the opening of their Fall Musical, Newsies The Musical, opening on November 10.

Newsies The Musical features 16 lively song and dance numbers that frequently fill the stage with colorful action and excitement.

Although homeless, will rabble-rousing newsie Jack Kelly (played by Erick Leiva) find true love with Katherine (played by Dottie Hayden)?

About the story
Newsies The Musical started as an American historical musical drama film released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1992.

The storyline revolves around the New York City newsboy strike of 1899 by child newspaper sellers, who feel exploited by wealthy publishers like William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Pulitzer, who raised their wholesale prices, which lead to the labor unrest.

Newsies The Musical director Michael Givler gives coaches student actors.

The newsies gather, ready to go in strike.

“This show is about kids finding their power, and standing up for themselves against a system of callus adults,” elaborated DDHS Theater Instructor and the show’s director Michael Givler at a recent rehearsal.

“This is an uplifting show about kids finding their voice and their power, which is exactly what we need right now in our society,” opened Givler.

In this dramatic scene, it’s the publishers “goons” versus the striking newsies.

One of the reasons for selecting the play was the great musical score that gives their student actors and musicians the opportunity to shine, Givler noted. “And, after auditions, we found we had the cast for this show,” he added.

With a cast of 42 on stage, 35 musicians, all aided by 20 stage technicians, this is another grand DDHS Theater production.

This is a challenging production to rehearse and perform, observed Givler. “But, our cast, musicians and crew were ready for a big challenge, especially, after the pandemic,” he said.

As this ensemble number shows, there’s a triumphant ending to Newsies The Musical.

Opens November 10, tickets selling fast
Suited for the whole family, Newsies The Musical opens on November 10 at 7:30 p.m.

The show also plays the evenings of November 11, and November 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Or, see Sunday Matinee performances at 2:30 p.m. on November 12 or 19.

TICKETS: $15 Adults | $10 Students/Seniors. Tickets are selling fast (we checked). Get yours securely online: CLICK HERE. Or, come by their Box Office November 8, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., and buy in person.

All performances are at the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, located at 1400 SE 130th Avenue (between SE Stark and Division Streets).

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