Sherwood Christian Academy players ready to lift curtain on “Newsies”

ALBANY — Sherwood Christian Academy is set to present Disney’s “Newsies,” the Broadway musical, Thursday through Saturday in the Sherwood Baptist Church Fellowship Center.

Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of the Lower Manhattan Newsies, who dreams of a better life that is far from the hardships of the streets. When titans of publishing Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features Tony Award-winning music by Alan Menken — who wrote the scores for the films “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Aladdin” — and features the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” “King of New York” and “Santa Fe.”

“This is one of my all-time favorite musicals,” artistic director and choreographer Christine St. Jacques said. “It’s one I dreamed about doing for years, so I’m thrilled to work with this cast and crew to present the story to our community. We have an amazingly talented group, and the show is great for the whole family. It’s full of memorable songs, energetic dance numbers and solid messages.”

The cast is made up of SCA students, as well as several adults from the community.

“If you’ve heard about the newsboys strike of 1899, then that basically tells you the story of Newsies,” Senior Linda Hill, who plays one of the Newsies, said. “It’s about a bunch of misfit teens and even children who have to go and work to eat and survive. When they realize that Pulitzer is trying to pull one over on them, they muster everything in them to fight what they know is wrong and stand up for themselves. The attitude of the play is a really cool thing to be a part of — to see how they are determined, even though there doesn’t seem to be a reason for them to be. The dancing is fun too, and it also shows the empowerment that they feel … Newsies is a very athletic show, probably the most that we’ve ever done, so being able to keep up and do most of the dancing is tough. But it’s still my favorite part.

“I think the main reason people will want to see Newsies is because everyone in the cast is so excited about it. When the cast loves a show that much, it’s bound to be great and reflect that.”

Will Alderman, also a senior, is playing the leading character, and said he is excited to be part of one of his favorite musicals for his last SCA show.

“Jack learns some valuable lessons. Never be afraid to fight for your dreams and what’s right. And dreams aren’t about a location, but about being with the people you love,” Alderman said.

Evan Bailey plays Davey, a Newsie who is Jack’s friend and another leader in the strike.

“What I like best in the musical is probably the overall humor and energetic attitudes that every Newsie has and uses,” he said.

When asked what his favorite part of being in the show is, he replied, “The dancing. This is a dance-heavy show and there’s so much to memorize. And the show’s storyline draws you in. You will laugh, cry and want to fight with the Newsies. Just watching the Broadway version makes you want to get off your couch and dance along with them in the living room! It’s just that great of a show.”

“I have wanted to do this musical ever since I saw it on Broadway. This is my favorite show, and I am so excited to have the chance to be a part of it,” Drew Boyett, who plays Katherine, a news reporter who backs the Newsies and ends up falling in love with Jack, said. “I think this is going to be an amazing show that takes your emotions in many different turns. There is so much great acting, singing and dancing that you don’t want to miss.”

The Thursday and Friday shows will begin at 7 p.m, with two shows set for Saturday. The Saturday matinee is at 1:30 p.m. and the final show is set for 7 p.m.