On Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19, seventh and eighth graders in the Hastings Theatre Program put on their first production of the year, Newsies Jr.

Inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899 and based on the book by Harvey Fierstein, Newsies Jr. is the story of young newspaper sellers on the streets of New York City who unite against powerful publishers to protest unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.

"The seventh and eighth-grade musical did not disappoint," said Hastings Theatre Production Coordinator Phyllis Udice. "During the show, the audience clapped and cheered. Everyone was very impressed with the students' dance movements and singing. This type of talent proves that the future continues to shine bright for the Hastings Theatre Program and I'm excited to keep the momentum going!"

Watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at the cast and crew.

Photography: Brett Valentine
Videography: Jackie Saviano