Photo courtesy of ADM Drama Director Molly Longman

The Adel-DeSoto-Minburn High School Drama Department is taking it back to the 19th Century for the theme of their fall musical this weekend.

ADM is bringing to life “Newsies: Seize the Day” with showings tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday.  Director Molly Longman describes that the show is based on the Disney movie which was released in 1992 and follows newspaper delivery boys in the late 1800s that go on strike to protest against child labor. High School senior Reyna Shirley-Brown is playing Katherine Plumber, who is a strong-willed female reporter trying to find her mark in an industry that is heavily male dominated. Brown is a fan of the “Newsies” musical, and is discovering a way to meticulously craft Plumber’s role in her own style.

“I think it’s really big shoes to fill, and so I think trying to figure out how to play the character in a way that was unique to me, rather than just trying to follow what I’ve seen or follow what’s written was something that I struggled with a little bit, but just mannerism and kind of creating her to be what I see her as or what I interpret it has been not challenging but definitely like something that I’ve worked on a lot.”

Senior Tate Truitt takes on the role of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsie who gives a voice to the working class, fighting for the other newsies in town. Truitt comments that most characters he’s portrayed in the past have mirrored his personality, and discusses the adjustment he’s practiced with Jack.

“So it has been a struggle to try and pivot from just everyday life to acting as this Jack Kelly, who’s a lot more confident, and outgoing, and cocky-ish.”

Longman details that ticket prices are $6 for youth under 18-years-old, ADM students and staff members, while adults are $10. Tonight and tomorrow’s showing will be at 7pm, with Sunday’s matinee at 2pm. The fall musical is taking place at the high school auditorium. To purchase tickets, click here.