By Martha Savage Image Credit: Dee Van Meer This winter the Lincoln School Theater Department has been hard at work on their production of Newsies, the critically acclaimed and Tony award winning musical scored by Alan Menken; an apt story for the Plaid Post, don't you think? Newsies is based on a true story and takes place in New York City in the late nineteenth century, chronicling the campaigns of a group of newsboys as they rebel against the city’s oppressive publishing corporations. The children unionize and strike, leaving the publishers powerless as they suddenly lack all distribution. It is a story that galvanizes the young psyche, as it confirms that voices of all ages can make a tangible difference. Like the children in Newsies, the musical itself overcame initial societal dismissal. When Newsies was first proposed, it was rejected by Broadway. It only became popular after Disney picked it up and put it on cable, where children fell in love with the story. The show's sudden popularity allowed it to reach Broadway, leading Newsies to become one of the world’s most beloved musicals. When asked why someone should see Lincoln’s production of Newsies, Mr. Barnard, the show’s director, immediately answered “for the FUN!” This sentiment was echoed in my conversation with Newsies cast member August Selvaggio. August went on to add that Newsies is an important show not only because of its joyous nature, but due to the inspiration it ignites. “We are telling a story that not only has great music, but is also a story about friendship, and relationships, and relying on one another… I think that it is a really great story to tell in high school and middle school… because it sort of parallels our own lives," he said. If you are a fan of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, or Little Shop of Horrors, you will likely love Newsies too! Alan Menken wrote the music for all of these shows! You can see Newsies Friday, March 4 @ 7 or Saturday, March 5 @ 2. Get your tickets while you still can!
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