By Mary-Justine Lanyon
That was the cry of the boys and girls who sold newspapers for Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst in the late 1800s. The children paid 50 cents for 100 papers, which they then hawked on the street.
The Disney musical Newsies tells their story – how the publishers suddenly raised the cost to the newsies and how they, under the guidance of Jack Kelly, went on strike. That 1899 strike then spread to all child laborers, who were working in deplorable conditions.
The musical is currently being produced by LifeHouse Theater in Redlands with the mountain’s own Zac Swan Van Lent as Jack Kelly.
This high-energy production is filled with excellent singing, dancing (even tap dancing) and acting. The sets are incredible and rival those I saw in this show on Broadway, as does the production itself.
Zac is brilliant as Jack Kelly and he is joined by a huge cast of equally talented actors. Together they put on a show that is not to be missed.
Newsies runs through Aug. 6 at the LifeHouse Theater, located at 1135 North Church Street in Redlands. Shows take place on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will also be a 7 p.m. show on Thursday, Aug. 3.
Mountain residents should note that Zac will not portray Jack Kelly from July 28 to 30 as he will be performing at the Magic Castle.
For tickets, visit boxoffice.lifehousetheater.com or call (909) 335-3037.
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