It may not have been a box-office hit but the movie “Newsies” grew in popularity thanks to home video.
Oak Lawn Park District Theatre stages the musical, which is based on the film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White, from Aug. 2-11 at Oak View Center.
“Ever since the movie came out in 1992, I have been a fan. Me and my friends would watch it all the time. We knew all the songs. We had crushes on the boys in the Disney production,” said Dawn Farrell, director of “Newsies.”
“When the musical was on Broadway, I said, ‘Everybody’s jumping on the bandwagon but we were the real fans.’ I’ve always been fascinated with musicals that are based on true events. It’s a lot of fun being able to research what really happened,” she said.
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“Newsies,” which was inspired by the newsboys’ strike of 1899, features book by Harvey Fierstein, who won several Tony Awards including best book of a musical for “La Cage aux Folles.”
“Joseph Pulitzer, the publisher of the New York World, thought it would be a great idea to raise the price from 50 cents to 60 cents for the newsboys. However, they couldn’t sell as many newspapers so they decided to get together and strike,” Farrell said.
“All the newsboys wanted was fair compensation for their hard work. It’s an important part of history. They came together to fight the giant. This is a great message to look at the bigger picture whether it’s people working for under minimum wage or women not experiencing equal pay in the workplace.”
The original Broadway production of “Newsies” won two Tonys including best original score for Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, who wrote the music and lyrics, respectively.
“Every song has this unbelievable force or drive behind it. The audiences are going to be leaving humming these tunes. They have a strong presence about them,” said Farrell, of Oak Lawn.
“We had 182 people audition, which is record-breaking for the park district. We’ve never had that many people audition. Cutting down to 53 cast members was pretty tough.
“It’s really going to take people’s breath away and blow their minds. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this production and the talent these young adults have brought to the table.”
The cast includes Alsip, Burbank, Chicago, Chicago Ridge, Frankfort, Homewood, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn and Orland Park residents.
“Jack Zabilka, of Lemont, plays the charismatic Jack Kelly,” said Farrell about one of three performances “that will for sure turn people’s heads.”
“Sam Ruby, of Frankfort, plays Crutchie, the goofy-sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience of the show. Elise Harrigan, of Oak Lawn, plays Katherine Plumber, the ambitious young reporter who works hard to make a name for herself.”
The crew includes assistant director Rocco Ayala; music director Peg Mooney, of Chicago’s Beverly community; and choreographer Kelsey Bischoff.
“Peg’s very meticulous with music while still making it fun. She challenges them a lot. She’s amazing with them,” said Farrell, who is also dance department supervisor and head dance coordinator for the Oak Lawn Park District.
“Kelsey, who just graduated from Ball State University, was one of my young students. She grew up in the park district program and was captain of our dance team for the longest time. She has gone above and beyond.”
‘Newsies’
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-3 and 9-10; 3 p.m. Aug. 4 and 11
Where: Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn
Tickets: $23 adults; $22 ages 60 and older or 12 and younger; limited availability
Information: 708-857-2200; www.facebook.com/oaklawncommunitytheatre
Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer for the Daily Southtown.