Disney is offering virtual theater tours to school children across the UK who are still unable to see live productions due to the pandemic.
The entertainment giant is giving schools access to the filmed stage version of Newsies: The Broadway Musical, as well as additional educational content, between June 14-23.
The package also includes a study guide, video talkback with the US production team, and a dance tutorial video for the musical’s Seize The Day song as part of Disney Theatrical’s Get Up and Go wellness campaign.
Based on the 1992 musical film Newsies, which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike in New York in 1899, the Tony Award-winning theater show features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman.
It premiered at the Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011 and made its Broadway debut in 2012. Before the tour, it played in front of more than 1,000 spectators.
The story follows newspaper boys Kid Blink and David Simons as they lead a group of orphans and runaway children on a two-week campaign against newspaper publishers Pulitzer and Hearst.
The virtual screening and materials will be available through a unique passcode that schools can access online.
Nancy Shakerley, education and public relations manager at Disney Theatrical said:
“Access to theater and art should be the right of every child.
“This year it was important that schools couldn’t plan theater trips to find a way to encourage every student to perform live.
“With our award-winning production of Newsies, we have the opportunity to share a production never seen in the UK, start new thoughts and conversations, but most importantly bring the joy that only the theater can offer.”
To sign up for the initiative, teachers should visit disneytheatricaleducation.co.uk
Photo credit: PA / Disney