St. Francis Junior High School in Lethbridge is getting ready to raise the curtain on its latest production, Newsies.
The stage has been built, and students from grades 7, 8 and 9 are putting the final touches on this year’s show.
Preparations began almost a year ago, with the cast being chosen back in October.
Disney’s Newsies is based on the real-life newsboy strike of 1899 and tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of life as an artist away from the big city.
Both cast and crew are excited to hit the stage next week.
“This is a professional show; it’s just put on by junior high kids,” said director Dino Caputo.
“We started really early in September and we have been here almost every single day, working and singing and trading off places and building a community and friendship with everyone and it’s really fun,” said Ariana Vercillo.
“It’s really surreal, getting to see what it will be like when we start performing. And it’s really fun, honestly,” said Wren Steele.
Newsies runs from March 11 to 15 at St. Francis.
Tickets can be found on the school’s website.
