Broadway’s Christopher Rice to star in Disney’s Newsies at THE BLACK BOX

Initial casting has been announced for the Franklin Performing Arts Company’s upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies running at THE BLACK BOX October 13,14 and 19-21. Broadway’s Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon) will star as Jack Kelly, New York City-based actress, and Franklin native, Ali Funkhouser will play Katherine Plumber, and FPAC favorite Nick Paone will appear as Joseph Pulitzer. The production will be choreographed by Broadway cast member Clay Thomson. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Broadway’s Christopher Rice
to star in Disney’s Newsies

Christopher Rice appeared on Broadway in The Book of Mormon and in the national tours of West Side Story and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Rice’s viral tap dance video series #TAPPY has been seen by over 3 million people worldwide. Ali Funkhouser’s credits include the national tours of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Evita. A former Equity actor, Nick Paone has traveled all over the US performing with TheaterWorks, USA. Paone’s regional credits include Cabaret, Macbeth, The Wedding Singer, Little Shop of Horrors, and Pirates of Penzance.

Broadway’s Clay Thomson made his Broadway debut in Newsies, playing Spot Conlon. After that, he was cast in the Original Broadway Cast of Matilda the Musical. His national tour credits include West Side Story and Wicked. Thomson has also made numerous television appearances, performing on shows such as Dancing with the Stars, The 2013 TONY Awards, The 2012 and 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Late Show with David Letterman, The View, Good Morning America, and more. He is featured in the viral YouTube videos #TAPPY.

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Disney's Newsies 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 (Kinky Boots). It features the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.” Disney’s Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

To purchase tickets or for more information about Disney’s Newsies presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.fpaconline.com. You can follow FPAC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.