The Wayne Theatre is excited to announce its upcoming production of Newsies Jr., which will be performed live on the Wayne Stage from November 9th through November 11th.

Newsies Jr. tells a story inspired by the real lives of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, when powerful newspaper publishers raised prices at the newsboys’ expense. Our main character, the charismatic Jack Kelly, must rally newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair treatment by newspaper publishers. Together, the newsies learn they are stronger united and have a responsibility to fight for what is right.

Newsies Jr. is a condensed version of the 2016 Broadway musical and features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman. Including the now-classic songs “Carry the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies Jr. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.

Fifty-eight talented and dedicated students ranging in age from 7 to 18 have come together from across the Shenandoah Valley to perform on the Wayne Stage. This is the largest cast to perform at the Wayne Theatre since its reopening in 2016.

We are particularly excited to showcase costume pieces generously donated to Studio Wayne by Jeanie Cheek, which were featured in the Dick Van Dyke 98th Birthday CBS special.

“So much love, time, and effort have been given to this show by everyone involved, not just the cast, and I think that’s very visible,” says Sophia Stamm, who plays Davey. “Getting the chance to work with such an amazing team on something everyone is clearly passionate about is such a beautiful experience. Through every show I’ve done with Wayne Theatre, they’ve gone above and beyond to make sure every performer gets that experience, and I am so grateful to them for that. You can tell how much love for the arts there is in everyone working on this show, and I am so excited to perform something I’ve worked on with my favorite people in the world.”

Emery Grubb, who plays Katherine, also shared, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this marvelous show! I have loved getting to know talented, incredible people and working with them on a show I adore so much! I can’t wait for the audience to be pulled into this wonderful story, and I hope they leave the theatre singing the songs!”

Wayne Theatre invites everyone to join us for this heartfelt and powerful performance, put on by incredibly talented, dedicated, and passionate students. Newsies Jr. is sure to deliver a wonderfully emotional show.

‍Tickets for November 9 can be found here.

‍Tickets for November 10 are here.

Tickets for the Arts Education Program (AEP) on Nov. 11 morning performance are available here.

Tickets for the Arts Education Program (AEP) on Nov. 11 noon performance are available here.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Adam Holmes