The music of the show, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Jack Feldman, features a series of iconic anthems that have made the show a modern theater classic. Audiences can expect powerful renditions of “Carrying the Banner,” “The World Will Know,” and “Seize the Day,” alongside the defiant and upbeat “King of New York.”

The production is led by director Tara Smith, a certified occupational therapy assistant for the school district, and assistant director Tracy Woodfield, a second-grade teacher at the elementary school. Smith noted that the show’s central message of fairness and justice has struck a particular chord with the students involved.

“There’s power in numbers,” Smith said. “It’s teaching them that if there’s something that you aren’t happy with, that you can stand up and something can be done to make the change.”

The cast includes a mix of high school, junior high, and elementary students. With roughly 40 students participating, it is one of the larger casts in recent history. The show is also recognized as one of the school’s most demanding undertakings due to its complex musical score and numerous dance numbers. Smith applauded the cast’s dedication to mastering the difficult material.

Cast members of Randolph Central School’s production of Disney’s “Newsies” are pictured during a recent rehearsal. The musical will be performed Thursday, March 26, through Saturday, March 28.

“These kids are just really, really good,” Smith said. “They’ve put their heart and soul into this show, and it’s one of the hardest shows we’ve ever done. They’re the ones asking me, ‘Can we come in for a practice?’ They want to make sure that they’re ready and they deliver a product that’s going to be phenomenal and blow everyone’s socks off.”

Smith explained that the selection of “Newsies” for this season was a decision to honor a group of long-standing students before they graduate.

“We specifically chose ‘Newsies’ because we have three seniors that are going to be graduating,” Smith said. “Two of those seniors are young men, who are usually underrepresented in our casts. We wanted a show that was going to showcase their acting ability and reward them for being in drama club since seventh grade. They have put in the time and effort.”

The show’s production design brings the world of old New York City to life. The set features a custom backdrop created by CA BOCES to enhance the historical realism of the scenes. It also features scaffolding reminiscent of the original Broadway production and the industrial architecture at the turn of the 20th century.

“It takes a village to raise all of us,” Smith said. “Everyone steps up and helps out. Between our families painting and working on the set, the stage crew and pit orchestra, and the late-night practices with the cast, everyone is going the extra mile to make the show ready and the way we want it to be.”

Cast members of Randolph Central School’s production of Disney’s “Newsies” are pictured during a recent rehearsal. The musical will be performed Thursday, March 26, through Saturday, March 28.

Performances will begin at 7 p.m. each evening at the Randolph Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium located at 18 Main Street. Tickets are available for $10 at the door for all three nights. The production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.