OPA Teen Cast Presents “Newsies”

Following the success of its youth cast debut, Ovation Performing Arts (OPA) is pleased
to announce its Brava group’s first all-teen show, “Newsies,” June 14-22 at Ridgeview High School, 4555
SW Elkhorn Ave. Tickets are $14 or $48 for a family four-pack.
“’Newsies’ is the benchmark musical of teen sweat and spirit – backflips, fist fights, tap numbers on
tables, ripping apart newspapers page by page (thanks Bend Bulletin), romance, and hardly a slow song in
sight,” said Director Jonathan Shepherd. “The show is a roller coaster – It’s also one of several musicals
that we esteem so highly we won’t touch it unless we’re sure we can do it justice.”
The award-winning musical, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by Harvey
Fierstein, is based on the 1992 Disney film of the same name. It is a fictionalized account of the real-life
newsboys’ strike of 1899, set in turn-of-the-century New York City. The story follows Jack Kelly, a
charismatic newsboy with artist dreams, and his ragtag band of young newsboys, in a David and Goliath
battle of ideals, courage and endurance. When publishing tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph
Pulitzer raise distribution prices, Jack rallies the newsies to strike for better conditions.
“Newsies tells the perfect youth-empowering story that every youth-empowering theatre company is all
about already,” Shepherd said. “It’s gripping; it’s inspiring, and it’s just plain fun!”
That fun will certainly be felt by a passionate cast of 50 youth from across Central Oregon, including
numerous friendships that have been formed through years of growth with OPA, as well as some very
enthusiastic newcomers. Many participants have been with OPA since it evolved into a theater group and
thus have performed in six or more shows. This year they’re enjoying a new studio space and age brackets
that up the stakes for these veterans to showcase their passion.
“This monster of a show is devouring our lives, our choreographers, costumers, directors, but still we can’t
match these kids’ zeal,” said Shepherd. “OPA is a community theatre. This is nobody’s elective. Every actor
is here because they specifically want to be here for OPA and for ‘Newsies.’ And this new Brava cast, 50
strong, is setting the new bar for themselves. None of us knows quite what to expect by opening night. If
you want to see for yourself, expect to see a cast that’s been taught for years how to restrain and channel
their energy, that’s finally given a show with no restraint.”
Like all OPA plays, the production is a parent and community collaboration, featuring custom sets, props
and costumes. In addition to the show, souvenirs, candy grams to send to cast members, and a silent
auction will take place in the lobby. For tickets or more information, please visit www.ovationpa.com.