Newsies Jr (2025)

	Newsies Jr
	Newsies Jr promotional image
Production Details
Dates	11–12 April 2025
Venue	The Tower Theatre
Director	Michelle Hartley & Jasmine Bradley
Writer	Book by Harvey Fierstein · Music by Alan Menken · Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Producer	Alice Hawkins & Friesia Schuil
Musical Director	Andy Hartley
Choreographer	Lottie Binks
	Amateur production by arrangement with Music Theatre International

Newsies Jr
Music by Alan Menken · Lyrics by Jack Feldman · The Tower Theatre, Folkestone

The Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section presented Newsies Jr on 11th–12th April 2025 at The Tower Theatre, Folkestone. An amateur production by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Foreword

Welcome to The Tower Theatre, and the FHODS Youth Section production of Newsies JR. We are incredibly grateful for your support.

Disney's Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. The play is inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, and we have had great fun bringing this story to life.

The Youth Section never fail to astound me when they perform. With only a couple of hours to rehearse on a Sunday evening over a few months, they pull out of the bag fantastic performances filled with talent and passion every time. They are a phenomenal group of young adults, who are so supportive of one another, dedicated, caring and inspiring. I am incredibly proud of every single one of them, and they have all worked so very hard over the last few months.

It has been my honour to have Jasmine Bradley, a former Youth Section member and major Newsies fan, direct this show with me. Her ideas, creativity and vision have been paramount to the show. Without her, we wouldn't have the show you will watch today. It has been an absolute privilege. Also, back in the pit is Andy Hartley as MD. It wouldn't be a Youth Section musical without his involvement, time and talent. A huge shout out must also go to Lottie Binks, who has choreographed and taught all the dances herself (the majority whilst she was still only 15), along with the support of Dance Captain, Charlotte Flutter.

I must offer my personal thanks to the team from the FHODS Adult Section we have had around us — Myra Collingridge, Wendy Allum, Chris Willcox, Emma Franks, Karen Prineas and her team of chaperones — all essential in making this show possible. I can't thank you enough.

So sit back, and get ready to Seize the Day with this wonderful production.

Michelle Hartley, Co-Director & Youth Section Co-ordinator