Weekend Showcase: Stages Theatre Presents “Newsies Jr.”
A story about the struggles of young newspaper hawkers in 1899 New York City first captivated moviegoers 30 years ago. Now the story comes alive on stage once again in the Twin Cities, as Stages Theatre in Hopkins opens Disney’s “Newsies Jr.” this weekend for a month-long run.
The story follows the kids as they stand up to the tightening restrictions of newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer.
“Pulitzer is trying to take away children’s rights (and) education,” said Osseo Senior High School Student Aniya Hollie of Maple Grove, who’s performed at Stages since she was in kindergarten. “This show is very interactive. Newsies are coming through the aisle, trying to get your attention I think what’s cool, when they’re in the aisle, you can feel what they’re feeling.”
The cast of Disney’s “Newsies Jr.” worked through a tech rehearsal earlier this week at Stages Theatre in Hopkins.
The show opens Friday and includes daytime performances for school groups, Friday night shows and weekend matinees.
“To see a show be put together in a month, it’s incredible to see so many different aspects of theater all come together to bring a beautiful production,” said Leah Rimstad of Maple Grove, who is in her second Stages production. “It has a broad range of ages, so that’s pretty cool. It’s incredible to see everyone bring their broad range of talents. It’s incredible.”
Rimstad, an Eden Prairie High School online student, said she couldn’t wait to audition for the show as the run of “Maybe” came to an end.
“Stages has been one of the most amazing places. The community as part of the cast is so incredible,” she said. “Everyone just clicked super-fast and the directing team is just incredible.”
For tickets and showtimes, click here.
Osseo Senior High School
