South Fayette presents 'Newsies'

Editor’s note: In accordance with Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that all schools close due to the coronavirus update, South Fayette School District will be temporarily closed starting March 16.

South Fayette students want to inspire others as they perform the musical “Newsies” from March 20-22.

Roughly 45 students will take the stage — complete with large-scale dance numbers and a grandiose industrial set — to tell the story inspired by a newsboy strike in New York City in 1899. An additional 15 students will work on the stage crew, and a dozen will perform in the pit.

“It’s energetic. It’s powerful,” said director Tyler Smith. “It has this amazing message of never underestimating what a group of kids can do.”

Smith said each year students ask for “Newsies” to be selected as the school musical.

“It’s just one of those shows that feels like it’s an old Broadway show, but with a newer look and energy,” Smith said. “I think that’s what really attracted everyone in this program to it. Old or young, you’re going to come away really enjoying something.”

The show is filled with foot-tapping tunes that Smith is sure will leave audiences humming.

“Being a social studies teacher and a lover of history, what really was a nice attraction to the show was that it really was an opportunity for our students to look at an example throughout history where kids were the ones leading the change,” Smith said. “I think it’s a wonderful message to our students that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can make change.”

A tap-dance number and the show’s songs are standouts.

“My favorite part of ‘Newsies’ is the music,” said senior Sreya Dey, 18, who plays Katherine Plumber. “Every piece just holds so much emotion and there’s so much energy in every song. I think it’s a musical that the community will really enjoy.”

The message of the show also is important, Sreya said.

“Especially for kids. It will inspire them to take a stand,” she said.

Sophomore Maksim Shcherbatyuk, 16, was first introduced to the show a few years ago. While watching the Disney film, he fell in love with the songs and really enjoyed character Jack Kelly.

“Now I’m here playing Jack Kelly,” Maksim said.

The cast and crew at South Fayette are what makes this show so special, students and Smith agreed.

Sreya pointed to the close bond that cast members have on and off the stage.

“I think that’s an important part in making this show successful,” she said.

Maksim noted cast members’ enthusiasm.

“I love seeing the amount of teamwork every single day,” he said.

The show is certain to evoke emotion, Maksim said. And the message is still relevant in today’s society.

“It will be amazing,” Sreya said. “There’s a lot of dancing and it really showcases the talent here at South Fayette.”

South Fayette High School presents Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical on March 20-21 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students, children and senior citizens.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://sfdrama.ticketleap.com/newsies.

The box office also is open two hours before each performance.