LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — "Newsies," which follows the story of poor boys who sell newspapers in New York City in 1899, is now playing at the DreamWrights Center for Community Arts in York County
They must seize the day when they’re hit with a steep price hike for “papes."
“It’s always top energy. There’s always something major happening and there aren’t any calm spots in the show,” said Travis Conrad, who plays Racetrack Higgins in "Newsies."
In the show, the newsies go on strike due to the increased price of newspapers, which leaves them in a lower state of poverty.
"Newsies" was the first show Conrad watched online as a kid, he says being in this show is a dream come true.
“Especially within the past year, I’ve been doing a lot of dancing and then I saw DreamWrights was doing the show. I was like, 'Here’s my chance, I need to do it,'” he recalled.
Conrad says his connection to his character makes being in the show even better.
“I think Race is a lot like me because I am a very energetic person and Race is always going nuts. It works well because he’s got a little bit of an attitude [and] I also have a little bit of an attitude,” said Conrad.
That's not the case for Finch's actor Maddie Buckley, who says though she’s very different from her character, she’s still able to find a way to connect to him.
“He does still have those fears that overtake him sometimes. I feel like that’s kind of a thing I’m finding in myself, finding who I can stand up to and why in some scenarios I am scared to stand up to other people,” said Buckley.
Buckley says this show takes audience members on a rollercoaster of emotions but leaves them with a timely message.
“With all of the different kinds of strike and unionization that’s going on today, it’s really important,” he told FOX43. “That story of standing up for yourself and not letting other people tear you down is something that kids and adults can learn for eternity.”
The "Newsies" production at DreamWrights Center for Community Arts is sold out. However, theater lovers can catch their upcoming production, "The Laramie Project" from November 7 through the 10. Those interested can purchase tickets here.