Happy #TechTuesday, Encore fans! I hope that you’ve had a chance to enjoy the gorgeous weather today (it’s almost 70 degrees here at Encore’s Main Campus!). All this sunshine has us dreaming ahead to this summer’s mainstage production of Disney’s Newsies. The rights for this fan(sie) favorite were only recently and Encore is thrilled to produce it for our audience here in the DMV area. Not sure if you’re ready to make headline news as a part of the show? I’m gonna give you seven reasons to “Seize the day!”
1) Irresistible Tunes
With Disney heavy-hitter Alan Menken at the helm, the Newsies score is chock full of catchy songs that are a blast to sing (just ask the people who get to hear me sitting in traffic). Favorites from the 1992 film, like “Seize the Day” and “King of New York,” make energetic reappearances alongside additional songs that were written for the Broadway debut. One listen on Spotify will have you prepping for auditions in no time.
2) Bust a Move
Such an energetic score calls for enthusiastic company dance numbers. From the most experienced dancer to the cautious newbie, Newsies will be a fantastic chance to push yourself and your dance abilities to the next level. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be a part of that epic newspaper dance?
3) Stylin’
This production will be a wonderful chance to experience the fun that time period-specific costumes can bring. Channel your inner tiny child and have a blast playing dress-up in types of garments you’d never get the chance to try in real life!
4) Brothers (and Sisters) in Arms
Behind the flashy dances and catchy songs, Newsies is, at its core, a show about sticking together for what’s right. The fellowship found between these characters will surely bind the cast together for an unforgettable experience that will last long after the strike is over.
5) “Watch What Happens”
I try to keep these posts as spoiler-free as I can, so I’ll keep the headline at this: Newsies is an uplifting story about friendship, love, and facing down adversity. Don’t you want to know how it ends?
Source: National Child Labor Committee Collection, The Library of Congress
6) The Real Story
Audiences may be surprised to learn that both iterations of Newsies (the 1992 film and Broadway musical) are based on an actual newsboy strike that took place in 1899 in New York City. The musical contains tidbits to satisfy history buffs in both the cast and the audience. For instance, the character of Katherine is based on a real life female reporter.
Photo by: OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
7) Familiar Faces on the Front Page
Participants who joined us for The Music Man (2017) or Seussical (2018) will recognize several faces behind the audition room table.
Encore is excited to welcome back both director Elizabeth Pringle and Music Director Sarah Markovits, who will be joining Stage and Production Manager Rebecca Pfeil for this production!
All fired up and ready to take on Pulitzer with the rest of the Newsies?
Mark your calendar to audition for Disney’s Newsies:
Ages 15+ (Including College Students and Adults): May 13 & 14, 2019 | 7-9pm
Youth Audition (Ages 11-14): May 14, 2019 | 5-7pm
Crew (Ages 12+, including College Students and Adults): May 13 & 14, 2019 | 7-9pm
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
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