Back in December, the 8th Grade Class of 2020 had the tremendous opportunity to go see Arena Stage’s Production of Disney’s Newsies. As a cross-curricular field trip with Drama and Humanities, this opportunity provided students with the chance to connect theatre to activism. Musicals are meant to be a reflection on society and help educate audiences to see themselves and create change. This is a perfect way for the leaders of our student body to feel inspired to activate their own voices for change in our world. The 8th grade was in awe of this talented cast and could discuss their own findings as they participated in a Talk-Back with the cast and artistic director after the show. 

Newsies takes place in the summer of 1899, when the newsboys of New York City took on two of the most powerful men in the country — Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst — and won. Inspired by true events, the Broadway smash hit is a testament to the power of standing up and speaking out. The Tony award-winning musical features fan-favorites like “Carrying the Banner,” “King of New York” and “Seize the Day.” Newsies is “a winning, high-energy musical” and the Class of 2020 was inspired as they prepare for their own musical in May!

At the end of the evening, it was announced that the 8th grade class of 2020 will present their own production of Newsies this coming May! The cast and crew of Arena Stage joined in the applause and excitement, wishing the students luck as they begin their work. We invite you all to get ready to speak out and sing for what is right! Congratulations to the Class of 2020 and break a leg as we prepare to become the “King of New York.”