This show is high energy," said Nathan Bankert, who is music director for "Newsies," which is currently in rehearsals at Pequea Valley High School (PVHS). "The music is fun and exciting." Bankert noted that members of the PVHS cast, especially Maddie Heverin, who plays Katherine, have been hoping to do the show for some time.

Fellow director Mindy Lapp said that the show calls for a large number of roles with a cast of more than 50 student actors. "We had a big talent pool," said Lapp.

"This was the year (to produce 'Newsies')," added Bankert.

"Newsies - The Broadway Musical" will be produced at the school, 4033 E. Newport Road, Kinzers, on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 24, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at https://pequeavalley.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=4 or at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain time.

According to Nick Ammon, who plays Jack Kelly, the show takes place in 1899 in New York City. "This group of newsies (newspaper sellers) are just living their everyday lives," said Ammon, who noted that the newspaper, called The World, suddenly raises prices to the detriment of the newsies. "The newsies (organize) a strike," said Ammon, who added the idea for the strike comes from Davey, played by Landon Waters, who recently began working as a newsboy and who has more education than his fellow paper sellers. During the strike, Katherine, a cub reporter, meets Jack and they become "star-crossed" lovers, according to Ammon, who pointed out that Katherine's true identity adds a twist to the tale. "(Katherine and Jack) form a connection over the strike and the story she is writing," said Ammon, who noted that the newsies, including Crutchie, played by Alex Powell, meet Teddy Roosevelt, played by Spencer Groff.

Challenges of staging the show include the large cast, many of whom appear in almost every musical and dance number. Choreographer Katie Adams is working to bring to life showstoppers such as "Carrying the Banner" and "Seize the Day." There are several heavily choreographed fight scenes as well, and Waters, who has displayed his gymnastics ability in previous PVHS productions, is working to add some flips and other acrobatic moves to some numbers.

Musically, Bankert said that much of the show is in two-part harmony. "We are getting this nice full sound, and that energy comes through in their voices and it's so much fun to listen to," he said. He added that audience members may leave the theater humming some of the catchy tunes to themselves.

Heverin agreed, noting, "Our ensembles have so much energy and enthusiasm at every rehearsal."

The show also gives students a chance to develop their individual characters, which Bankert called "rambunctious," "unique," and "quirky." Ammon, who has previously appeared in Fulton Theatre productions and is considering studying theater in college, said that he is working on the meaty role he was assigned. "This is a very emotional story for Jack Kelly," Ammon stated. "(Jack) starts off as the tough guy, but his layers get broken down (during the show). I am excited to portray that well."

Bankert called the story "triumphant." "(The newsies) stand up for what they believe in," he noted.

"(The message is) you can do anything," added Heverin.