‘Newsies Jr.’ among CAST’s largest shows
The Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre will present “Newsies Jr.” Feb. 6-8 and Feb. 12-14. The show features 41 students ages 8 to 18 and is among the largest productions the community theater has produced. Cast members are shown rehearsing during a jail cell scene and the strike. — Courtesy photo
Production features more than 40 students from 8 to 18 years of age
By Andy Stine
astine@altoonamirror.com
The Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre (CAST) will present “Newsies Jr.” on Feb. 6-8 and Feb. 12-14. All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of Feb. 8, which will be a Sunday afternoon matinee at 3 p.m.
Based on the 2012 Broadway musical and the beloved 1992 film, “Newsies Jr.” features a book by Harvey Fierstein and music by Alan Menken. It tells the story of the real-life Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, as the determined and charismatic Jack Kelly leads fellow newsies to stand up against powerful publishers who raise prices at their expense.
The play will be directed by Mason and Kellie Strouse. Mason is a family and community partnership director for Cen-Clear Child Services, and also serves as the mayor of Clearfield and as the director of music at the Presbyterian Church of Clearfield. Kellie is a community relations director at Colonial Courtyard in Clearfield.
“Mason and I have done several junior shows over at the community theatre,” Kellie Strouse said. “We always try to help them find their own voice. We thought that this show in particular was really important.
“It’s always cool to be able to encourage that and support that, but this year it seems like we’ve really seen a lot of kids coming out of their shells.”
“Newsies Jr.” is nearly identical to the original Broadway show, except the show is condensed into 60 minutes for children.
“They think it’s one of the largest casts we’ve ever had,” Mason Strouse said. “There’s 41 students all between the ages of eight and 18, seven adults directing them, two choreographers, a stage manager, a student stage manager and a music director.”
The co-directors said this particular group preparing for “Newsies Jr.” have been amazing as they work to tell the tale of young newspaper salesmen.
“They’re such a talented group of kids,” Kellie Strouse said. “Some of them are on the shy side, and are debuting, and they’ve just really blossomed.”
CAST is open to anyone interested in being involved with it, even if individuals can’t work up the nerve to audition for a show. The organization is always looking for volunteers in various roles, even in upgrading the theatre or being an usher or to hand out programs at a show.
“There’s always something for everyone,” Mason Strouse said. “I always like to say we’re always looking for people who can’t act, they can’t build, but can you volunteer your time? If you want to be involved in any way, we’ll find something for you.”
CAST has about five or six shows a year, with the next being “The Grapes of Wrath,” scheduled for April.
The Strouses have been around long enough in the Clearfield Arts scene that they have seen young students come in, and those students are now are starting families of their own.
“We’ve been able to make lifelong friends and family members,” Mason said. “That’s the best thing about it. A lot of these kids start young and brand new, and they stick with it.”
For anyone interested in joining CAST, or any other community theatre, there’s no better way than to jump in.
“It’s important to put yourself out there,” Kellie said. “You have to just go and be a part of it.
Season tickets are on sale right now for CAST shows and tickets for “Newsies Jr.” in particular are selling fast. Tickets for “Newsies Jr.” are $17.
Tickets are available online at www.ClearfieldArts.org, in person at the CAST office on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and at the door 30 minutes before each performance, if they have not already sold out.
For more information, go to CAST’s Facebook or Instagram page, or visit their website at clearfieldarts.org.