‘Disney’s Newsies’ on stage at the new Belle Theatre
Cape Coral’s newest theater is putting on a popular show for the second consecutive weekend. The brand-new Belle Theatre’s troupe of youth performers is presenting “Disney’s Newsies” today though Sunday at the venue.
The Belle Theatre’s Director of Theatre Education, Dana Alvarez, said her students were thrilled to be able to tackle a cult classic and show what they’ve got.
“It has exhilarating dance numbers -lots of tumbling, flipping, spinning, and tapping — powerful and harmonic songs, and a riveting storyline that inspires courage and the standing up for one’s rights,” Alvarez said. “We were thrilled to have one of our first shows ever in the new space, and our first production of the summer to be a fan favorite.”
The theater actually obtained the performance rights before Music Theatre International released “Newsies JR.,” so they are performing the full version as it is on Broadway, not a shorter version adapted for students. The show’s assistant director is Amber Angeloro while Matt Koller serves as music director.
Alvarez said they even had a special guest in Cape Coral native now Broadway performer, Michael Fatica, fly in from New York City to teach a workshop for “Newsies” and “CATS.”
Fatica was an original cast member of “Newsies” on Broadway. He taught the cast choreography for “Seize the Day,” including the iconic newspaper dance, and a tap dance break in “King of New York.”
With a Broadway-level performer in the house, the students raised their game to a new level to tackle the musical surrounding newspapers and newspaper hawkers at the turn of the 20th Century.
“We have seen a tireless and devoted work ethic from our students because our rehearsal process has been ‘intensive,’ meaning one with an accelerated pace,” Alvarez said.
The group met once a week for six weeks, and then six full days once the summer began.
“So, for a rather shortened rehearsal period, to fit in all of the music, choreography, blocking, set design, and costumes, has been a challenge indeed,” she said. “This cast of 13- to 21-year-olds have put forth extreme effort to learn all the material to an exceptionally talented degree, as well as understanding the background story of the Newsboys Strike of 1899.”
The group also faced an unexpected challenge when Harvey Evans, playing Jack Kelly, had some international travel delays, and another student had to fill in last minute. Alvarez said her students surprised leadership with how well they adapted to changing circumstances. She also reported that Evans is back in time for the second week of shows. Evans, 19, said to be playing Jack Kelley “Is a dream role for any young tenor.”
Athena Belis, 17, said, “The show is one of my dream shows and I’m so excited to perform all of the choreography, because the dancing in this show is incredible. We have worked so hard and can’t wait for people to see this for another weekend. Don’t miss it.”
Belis is also the theatre’s summer camp choreographer.
When it comes to their new venue, Alvarez, alongside Resident Choreographer Sami Doherty, are ecstatic about what the future holds. The Belle Theatre has a convenient location right off Veterans and Santa Barbara. The building is beautiful and spacious at 7500 square feet, including a theater performance space that seats 115, and three other rehearsal spaces.
“It has been so exciting to be in a new performance home,” Alvarez said. “It’s been wonderful to be able to rehearse and perform all in the same space, and not have to transport, travel, and rent some other stage.”
Show times are Friday, June 17, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 18, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 19, at 2 p.m.
The Belle Theatre is at 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd. For tickets and more information, visit www.thebelletheatre.com.
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To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com