Musical Theater

Registration for the Fall 2024 Middle School Musical (Grades 5-8), Newsies, Jr. is now open! Disney’s Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right. Including the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.

Students in grades 5-8 may register to participate/audition beginning Friday, May 10.

Auditions:

• All registered middle school students must audition.
• Auditions will be held Tuesday, August 13, 9-11:30 am and 2-4 pm. All registered middle school students are required to attend the morning session. Please plan to be available for the afternoon session should we need to call you back. Students who will need to return in the afternoon will be notified by 12:30 pm the day of auditions.
• A link to audition material will be available on the Cornerstone Musical info site in mid June. 
• Every student must audition and we anticipate having to make cuts. 

Performances:

• 7:00 P.M. Friday, November 15, 2022
• 4:00 & 7:00 P.M. Saturday, November 16, 2022

More Details:

• Rehearsals are every Monday from 3-6 pm, except the weeks of Labor Day and Columbus Day (Fall Break). When we do not have school on Monday (Sept. 2 and October 14), we will meet Friday instead (Sept. 6 and Oct. 18). Additionally, we have one Saturday rehearsal/parent committee workday. This rehearsal is mandatory for every actor and at least one parent. This rehearsal will be Saturday, October 19th  from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. 
• Technical Rehearsal is Monday, November 11, 3-6:30pm
• Dress Rehearsal is Thursday, November 14, 2:30 - 6:30 pm.
• The registration fee is $200 which will be billed to your FACTS account after auditions.
• Attendance at every rehearsal is mandatory.
• Students who wish to participate in sports and musical theater are excused from all games, matches and practices on Mondays (& two Fridays) with no penalty from the sports team. Students who are cast in the musical must attend the Monday rehearsals regardless of the sports schedule. The only exception is a championship game, when applicable. 
• Parents will be asked to volunteer in an area of musical preparation and performances. Tonya Jones will be heading up our volunteers, and she will be contacting you for specific areas of help.
• The musical team will be: Laurie Plate (Producer & Musical Director), Lisa Lewis (Director), Audrey Goodwin (Choreography), Tonya Jones (Volunteer Coordinator), and Sara Bachtel (Rehearsal/Technical Assistant)

The jungle is jumpin’ with a jazzy beat! Specially adapted from the classic Disney animated film, Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS features a host of colorful characters and your favorite songs from the movie. Banished by the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan, a human boy named Mowgli and his panther friend, Bagheera, are on the run in the deepest parts of the jungle. On their journey, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin’ musical rhythms of the jungle. After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives. When Shere Khan returns, our heroes must rally their fellow animals into battle and restore peace throughout the jungle.

Students in grades 3-5 may register to participate. More information to come in the Fall of 2024.