EXTRA, EXTRA: Read all about it, then go see it

RIO RANCHO--As far as we know, nobody who has delivered the Rio Rancho Observer has ever gone on strike, so maybe we can get an idea of what would happen by seeing a play being staged May 16-18 by dozens of homeschooled youngsters.

“Newsies Jr.,” the tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies," hits the stage at Calvary Rio Rancho, 138 Frontage Road, for four performances: at 7 p.m. May 16 and 17; and 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. May 18. Tickets cost $5, if paying cash.

Here’s the plot, according to mtishows.com: When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right.

The play is based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.

It features about 40 cast members, ranging from age 5 to a high school senior, and the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe.” Rehearsals began in January.

Nonstop thrills and a timeless message make it ideal for the whole family and every audience.

“It’s one of our favorites,” said the play’s producer, Jessica Seymour, a former educator, when asked how the play was chosen. “We’re homeschool moms.”

This networking group of mothers are part of Classical Conversations (vclassicalconversations.com), which connected this Metro group with other like-minded families who learn together and do life together, which is where “Newsies Jr.” comes into play.

Classical Conversations, which is a worldwide Christian-based resource, prides itself in equipping homeschool parents with the necessary confidence to raise bright, observant students who have a lifelong love of learning.

“I think our whole goal is for all our kids to be well-rounded individuals,” Seymour said, “and we think fine arts is a very important facet of human development and letting them explore this area is a great facet for them — just being human, enjoying the arts.

“We want to give these kids an opportunity to express themselves in this particular way, (a play) that’s talking about a point in history that was very real in the late 1800s with the child labor laws … so we’ve been able to talk to them about the history behind it.

“A lot of these kids come from different Classical Conversations groups, and they all came together to do theater,” said Seymour. “Most of them are Rio Rancho kids; but then others come from the East Mountains.”

Head director Amanda Archuleta agreed. It’s her favorite movie, and she couldn’t count how many times she and her two sons have viewed it. She directed the group’s last play, “Willy Wonka.”

“It’s a whole new group of people this time,” she said. “There’s only about three families that are here from last year, so we’ve had a big change, but it’s been amazing.”

Directing dozens of kids is analogous to herding cats.

“We try and take their suggestions on things, but it’s a fine balance of wrangling them and keeping their excitement about everything … let them have ownership in the play, and putting their ideas into play, if we can.”

Seymour hopes for sellout crowds.

“We would like to have an opportunity (for the kids) to shine and bring something beautiful and lovely to the community, and so we are welcoming everyone who would like to come and see it, and hope that they get a good experience. … Instead of watching a really expensive movie that has absolutely no value, come support these kids, who are working really hard.”