North Allegheny middle schools present 'Disney's Newsies JR.'

With a cast and crew from all three North Allegheny middle schools, the musical “Disney’s Newsies JR.” takes center stage at North Allegheny Senior High School on Dec. 9-10 at 7 p.m. and on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $14.

“Disney’s Newsies JR.” is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City who rally to strike against unfair working conditions.

“This is the first time that this show is available to middle school students. The Disney movie showcases the awesome writing of the story and the unique dance within the show. Newsies has captured the hearts of many of our cast and community members for years. We are excited to bring the story to life on the North Allegheny stage,” said music department chair and the musical director Bob Tozier.

The cast of about 50 students hail from Carson, Ingomar, and Marshall middle schools, as do the 12 students who make up the stage crew, Tozier said.

Auditions were held in the spring. Tozier said roughly 100 students audition each year.

“The middle school musical is a unique opportunity because we see kids from all three middle schools. This creates an awesome experience because it is one of the few times where North Allegheny middle school students have an opportunity to work together to create one common goal,” Tozier said.

The students, like Clare White, a seventh grader at Ingomar Middle School, and Ryan Anderson, an eighth grader there, are enjoying the experience as well.

“It’s been fun getting to meet people from other middle schools that I probably wouldn’t have met without the show. “Newsies” is a fun, upbeat musical that every actor can enjoy no matter what role they have. It’s a show that all ages will love,” said Clare, 12, who resides in Franklin Park.

“I get the opportunity to do something that I love to do. I also get to experience a professional setting like one I might get to do in the future. The musical is a great way to meet and work with students that I don’t yet know from the other schools,” said Ryan, of Franklin Park.

“Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Some of the songs it made popular are “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.”