November 25, 2019

Newsies in the PenBay Pilot!


BELFAST — Belfast Area High School presents Newsies - The Musical as its fall musical production. Performances will take place at the Crosby Center, 96 Church Street in Belfast.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 15, 16, 22, and 23, at 7 p.m.; and Sundays, Nov. 17 and 24, at 2 p.m.

The Broadway hit Newsies is based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, and tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of “the little man.”

The cast includes Bryan Spaulding as Jack Kelly; Willa Bywater as Crutchie; Phoebe Norman as Katherine Plumber; Emily Wakeman as Race; Gemma Bradney as Finch and a Bowery Beauty; Alice Dyer as Elmer; Haley Black as Mush; Hayle Withee as Albert; Sarah Cournoyer as Romeo; Maiara Rebordao as Buttons; Savannah Springer as Specs; Marina Bannister as Henry and a Bowery Beauty; Ada Curry as Jo Jo and Spot Conlon; Annabelle Lisa as Tommy Boy and Scab 1; Mercedez Whitmore as Davey; Maddie Mailloux as Les; Shaylynn Williams as Morris Delancey; Paige Rollerson as Oscar Delancey; Paige Ford as Medda Larkin, Nun, and Scab 2; Hannah Marsden as Weisel, Bunsen, Nun 1, and Bill; and Lily Christian as Hannah, Nun, Woman, Darcy, and Scab 3.

Adults roles will be played by Mike Lawson as Nunzio, Guard, Mr. Jacobi, and the Mayor; Bob Withee as a Policeman and Teddy Roosevelt; Scott Cournoyer as Snyder; and Eric Sanders as Joseph Pulitzer.

The production team includes Director Jason Bannister, who also led the Set and Light Design, Music Director Dominic Williams, and choreographers Julia Clapp and Michelle Lemieux,

Gymnastics instructor Amber Resmini, Stage Manager Melora Norman, Costume/Hair/Makeup Designer Sarah Joy, Stunt Coordinator Nathan Roach, and light board and follow spot operators Paige Sweetland and Sofia Barnard.

"It's been an incredible experience directing Newsies," Director Jason Bannister said, in a news release. "These high schoolers have worked tirelessly over the last 8 weeks, nearly 100 hours, with the adult guidance of two choreographers, a music director, a stunt coordinator and a gymnastics instructor. I am honored to be surrounded by such talent and determination. The focus on creating the strongest theatrical performances possible is at the heart of this production."

Tickets are $5/adults, $2/students, and will be available at the door.

For more information visit the BAHS website at www.bahs.rsu71.org.