MONROE - If it was not enough that the NewArts summer musical cast of Newsies was getting its choreography straight from the production's original Tony-winning Christopher Gattelli, the appearance of the Broadway production's other Tony winner Alan Menken at a July 26 rehearsal had to be a dream come true for most, if not all, of the 107 cast members.Newsies score along with his writing partner Jack Feldman. He not only fielded dozens of questions from cast members who crowded into the balcony last week at Masuk High School, which is hosting the show, he sang along with them as well.Aladdin, Beauty and The Beast, and The Little Mermaid.Newsies cast concluded the composer's visit by performing "Rise Above and Go Beyond," a touching ballad that was previously created by NewArts participants, bringing tears to Menken's eyes as he applauded their effort.newarts.org or the NewArts Facebook page.

Menken created the Tony-winning 

But certainly one of the most memorable moments for the young actors was bringing the veteran of Broadway and film and eight time Oscar winner to tears.

That happened after an impromptu jam session where the cast exuberantly sang along as Menken provided piano accompaniment to more than a dozen of his best known songs from scores he created for films like 

Turning the tables, the 

Newsies, August 3-12 in the theater at Masuk High School, 1014 Monroe Turnpike. The musical is based on the historical newsboy strike of 1899 that shook the ivory towers of William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.

NewArts is presenting the Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon 

The history lesson - being directed by NewArts Producing Artistic Director Michael Unger - leaps onto the stage with soul-stirring music, amazing heart, and stunning choreography, featuring more than 120 area youth onstage, backstage, and in the orchestra.

Performances open Friday, August 3, at 7 pm, and continue Saturdays, August 4 and 11, at 2 and 7 pm; Sundays, August 5 and 12, at 2 pm; and Friday, August 10, at 7 pm.

Children's tickets are $12, adult seats range from $18 to $23, and senior citizen tickets ($15) are available for each of the Saturday matinees. Several sections are already sold out for several performances.

Whether performing onstage or helping behind the scenes, the NewArts mastery experience in combination with

The 1214 Foundation's flagship character development curriculum ARC (Aspire, Reach, Confidence) guides student participants through the pathways of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and self-awareness to improve their overall well-being.

The organization is also hosting an all ages fundraising open mic cabaret on Wednesday, August 8, from 6 to 9 pm, at Murphy's Pub, within Ricky's Plaza at 71 South Main Street in Newtown. For advance tickets ($6), text a request including your name and the number of tickets needed to 475-323-8234.

Any remaining seats will be $10 the night of the show, and there is a family ticket promotion of $20 for four or more.

Every ticket to the production and the cabaret sold helps support the longevity of the 1214 Foundation's programs and furthers its empowering mission.

For details, visit

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