Storyline
Directed and Choreographed by Broadway Newsies Adam Kaplan and Tommy Bracco, carry the banner with YAT’s production of Disney’s Newsies! Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” 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!
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, 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). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.
Artist Series: Adam Kaplan, Broadway Artist, Newsies Director
In this inspiring episode of our Young Actors Theatre Artist Series, Broadway star and director Adam Kaplan sits down with YAT students for an honest, engaging, and heartfelt conversation. From his breakout roles in Newsies, A Bronx Tale, and Kinky Boots to directing our very own production of Newsies, Adam shares the highs and lows of his journey, the lessons he’s learned on and off the stage, and candid advice for young artists pursuing a life in the theatre. It’s a must-watch for anyone chasing big dreams—filled with laughter, insight, and the kind of mentorship that only happens when Broadway comes home to YAT.
Artist Series: Tommy Bracco Broadway Artist, Newsies Choreographer
Join us for a special episode of our Young Actors Theatre Artist Series as Broadway performer and choreographer Tommy Bracco—best known as Spot Conlon in Newsies—sits down with YAT students for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes conversation. Tommy, who choreographed YAT’s production of Newsies, shares stories from his Broadway career, his experience on Big Brother, and what it takes to thrive in the performing arts. Filled with wisdom, humor, and heartfelt advice for aspiring artists, this longform conversation is a must-watch for anyone with big dreams and a passion for the stage.
Production Team
Adam Kaplan
Guest Artist - Director
Adam Kaplan was most recently seen as Gary on the new MAX series The Girls On The Bus. Other film and TV credits include Simon Lovewell on the acclaimed TV series The Big Leap (Fox/Hulu), Up Here (Hulu), Elsbeth (CBS), the feature film Somewhere In Queens (directed by Ray Romano), and Deception (ABC). He starred on Broadway in A Bronx Tale, directed by Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks, opposite Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri. Other Broadway/National Tours: Kinky Boots (Charlie Price), Newsies (Jack Kelly u/s), Show Boat (NY Philharmonic and PBS). Shows regionally at Lyric of Opera of Chicago, Goodspeed, Flat Rock Playhouse and Music Theatre Wichita. Numerous concerts and productions internationally and across the US, including a solo performance for the Obamas at the White House. Adam is a proud alumni of Elon University (BFA Music Theatre). In addition to performing, Adam teaches around the country serving as a mentor for young artists. More at @adamskaplan and www.AdamKaplanOnline.com
Tommy Bracco
Guest Artist - Choreographer
Proud Staten Island native! Broadway/ New York: Titanique (Victor Garber), The Heart Of Rock And Roll (Danny Razzle OBC), Disney’s Newsies (Spot Conlon OBC), Pretty Woman: The Musical (Giulio OBC), Titanique (Victor Garber), A Chorus Line at City Center Encores (Mike Costa), and The Hairy Ape at the Park Avenue Armory. Other credits: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at The Muny (LeFou), A Chorus Line at PCLO (Mike), Grease at Papermill Playhouse (Sonny) and Guys and Dolls at Barrington Stage (Harry the Horse). In addition to theatre, Tommy has a love for reality TV and competed on CBS’ Big Brother and MTV’s The Challenge! Check out his podcast with his family ‘REAL TAWK’ on Apple & Spotify! Instagram: @tommybracco Tiktok: @tommy_bracco
J. Scott Handley
Artistic Director
J. Scott Handley most recently served as the Executive Director, Founder, Music Director, and Vocal Coach for the non-profit organization, Broadway Method Academy (BMA). The company grew from his private voice studio attracting students from all over the tri-state area seeking elite musical theater training. At BMA, he implemented an educational partnership with the prestigious Westport Country Playhouse. In 2002, Handley became department chair of musical theater at Regional Center for the Arts in Southern Connecticut. Many of his students have won awards including the National Jimmy Awards and have gone on to receive degrees in Musical Theater at the top musical theater programs in the nation. Handley is an accomplished collaborative artist, having worked with Alice Ripley, Klea Blackhurst, Nicholas Rodriguez, Meredith Inglesby, Steve Blanchard and Noah Rickets to name a few! He holds a BA from the Florida State University College of Music.
Isabel Rina
Dance Director
Rina has been dancing since the age of three, and has received training from various accomplished dance companies in Connecticut and New York. She made her choreographic debut at YAT with The Addams Family in 2022, and has since choreographed Elf: The Musical, Pride & Prejudice, 13: The Musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, and Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! which was performed at FSU’s Fallon Theatre. In addition to choreographing productions, she serves as a teaching artist at YAT, working mainly with middle and high school aged students. Stage credit highlights include Cabaret (DC), In The Heights (Swing), Legally Blonde, and Newsies (Finch, DC). Rina is currently pursuing a career in performing arts as an independent performer and choreographer, and she is particularly grateful to J. Scott Handley, former teacher, for the opportunity to serve as YAT’s Director of Dance. Thanks go out to family and friends for their continuous love and support!
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