GREENEVILLE – “Newsies, hit the streets!” Jack Kelly yelled to his fellow salesmen. The newsies cheered in support of the directive.
Newsies prepare for newspaper distribution before leaving Tusculum University to head to the Greeneville Commons.
Newsies offer copies of The Greeneville Sun at the Greeneville Commons.
The mission immediately began as the newsies fanned out across the Greeneville Commons on Saturday, March 30, to hand out copies of The Greeneville Sun, along with a small flyer promoting the upcoming performances of the musical “Newsies.” These cast members, dressed in full costume, enthusiastically offered the newspapers, provided for free by the Sun, to customers as they entered the various stores.
Thirteen days ahead of opening night, these cast members, led by Todd Wallin, who plays Kelly, displayed the same energy and vibe on the sidewalks of the Commons that they will demonstrate when the curtain rises in The Capitol Theatre in downtown Greeneville for each of the six performances of “Newsies.” The Sun is the musical’s media sponsor, and the Commons graciously agreed to let cast members promote the shows in this innovative manner.
“It’s a fun publicity angle,” said Steve Schultz, director of “Newsies” and Tusculum Arts Outreach. “We get our faces out in front of potential attendees, and the approach ties into the show they will see. The newspaper is an important thread throughout the show. It also gives us an opportunity to highlight our partnerships with Brixmor Management Co. and with The Greeneville Sun and how important every facet of our community is.”
Schultz also noted this was a change of pace for cast members. He said they have worked extraordinarily hard during rehearsals and on their own and said the visit to the Commons provided another method to express their delight about being part of “Newsies.”
Stacie Bergquist, left, holds the newspaper she received while she speaks with Steve Schultz, second from left, the director of “Newsies”; her daughter, Peyton; and Ethan Swatzell, right, who plays Crutchie.
Newsies meet customers at the Greeneville Commons.
In addition to supporting Saturday’s distribution, The Greeneville Sun will have a display in The Capitol Theatre lobby during the performances highlighting the history of Greene County’s hometown newspaper.
Schultz expressed his appreciation to the Sun for providing the papers and for the media sponsorship. He also shared his gratitude for Brixmor, which he said has been happy about the show and emailed wishes of good luck to the whole “Newsies” cast and crew.
Theatre-at-Tusculum will hold the shows April 12, April 13, April 19 and April 20 at 7 p.m. and April 14 and April 21 at 2 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre.
“Newsies” is based on the 1992 Disney motion picture that was later adapted for the Broadway stage and is inspired by a true story. It features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
The musical is set in New York City about 1900 and shares the rousing tale of Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly rallies newsies across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what is right.
Tusculum’s version of “Newsies” is taking place at The Capitol Theatre because Arts Outreach recently discovered the need for some repairs to the stage in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre on campus.
Steve Schultz, right, speaks with newsies at the Greeneville Commons.
Newsies gather at the Greeneville Commons to distribute The Greeneville Sun.
“We encourage people to purchase their tickets early because interest in this show is high,” Schultz said. “As we put the final touches on the show during rehearsals, our cast and crew are thrilled they will soon be able to entertain the community with this outstanding production. We are thankful for all of the support we have received and look forward to seeing everyone in the seats.”
Tickets are $17 for anyone 13-59, $15 for those 60 and older and $5 for children 12 and younger. The show is appropriate for people of all ages.
Additional details about the cast, the leads and the behind-the-scenes personnel are available at bit.ly/4cCDp68. Further information about “Newsies” is available at https://bit.ly/3RHMTEL. To learn more about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu.