Singing stories of news strike

The hustle and bustle of the turn of the 20th century, and those who handed out its stories, will be the focal point behind one of two coming shows from the Ballarat Centre of Music and the Arts.

Performed alongside Alice in Wonderland Jr as a double bill offering next weekend, the school’s intermediate musical theatre students will stage a production of Newsies Jr.

Based on the 1992 Disney musical film Newsies, which itself was inspired by the 1899 newsboys’ strike in New York City, the show is a child-focused version of the 2012 Broadway musical.

BCMA director Paula Heenan said the show had a sepia-toned feel.

“It’s not dingey so much, but it’s a heavier storyline about an uprising and the colours are a lot more muted,” she said.

“Our actors will be dressed in late 1890s fashion instead of outlandish costumes.

“The intermediate students were actually asking us to do Newsies, and when we announced it they were thrilled.

“They’ve really developed the script and the songs. They’re loving the storyline… and the music is very uplifting and inspiring with terrific harmonies, which as older children they’re finding easier.”

Casting for the production began in March.

Boasting about 40 actors aged between 11 and 15 years old, Heenan said Newsies Jr has required more from students than its surrealist sister show’s younger performers.

“Because the storyline and intent is much heavier, the children have needed to study the themes behind it and the rebellion,” she said.

“It calls on much deeper acting ability. The harmonies are much more intricate and there’ll be lots of sets moving and intricacies in that way as well.”

Newsies Jr will be performed at Mount Clear College’s Gay E. Gough Theatre on June 15 at 2pm and 6pm, and June 16 at 1pm.

For tickets, head to bit.ly/3R6Qiwb.