Extra, extra, read all about it: Company ‘N Tempo presents ‘Newsies’

by Mark Jahne

Editor

Students at Company ‘N Tempo Music, Theatre & Dance Centre are diligently rehearsing for upcoming performances of the Broadway musical “Newsies.” It’s a Tony Award-winning stage musical based upon real-life events.

Back in 1899 newspapers “hired” young children, often orphans, to sell their product. The children had to buy the papers from the company and then try to sell all of them on the street to make a few dollars.

The were not reimbursed for any unsold copies.

When major publishers raised the cost per copy these children, called “newsies,” went on strike and formed a union. Author Harvey Fierstein, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, turned this historical footnote into a musical stage show.

Christina Billings, the music director at Cromwell-based Company ‘N Tempo, said this is the first time the center has produced “Newsies.” One of the appealing factors is it provides opportunities to perform on stage for a wide range of ages. There are 47 cast members.

“Our youngest is 6 and our oldest is 17,” Director Chris Stone said. “The stage crew are all volunteers. Some are students, some are parents. We depend a lot on the parents.”

Billings called the show challenging because there are so many songs, some 25 in all, that the performers must learn. There are also dance numbers.

“There are a few solos. The most well-known song is ‘Seize the Day’,” she added.

“It’s more inspiring and hopeful” despite the tragic history of the 1899 newsies, Stone said. “Some of the characters in the show are real-life characters.”

In addition to appearing on Broadway “Newsies” was also a Disney movie. Juanita Harris, a professional dancer, is the choreographer for this show.

“It’s fun. They’re all enthusiastic about musical theater in general,” she said of the young performers. “This my fourth musical with Company ‘N Tempo. ‘Newsies’ can be a little technical.”

She described most of the steps as jazz dancing.

Performances are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 21, and 2 p.m. Nov. 22.

Tickets are $28 and can be purchased on companyntempo.com. CL

For more information call 860-635-2787.