The news is out. “Newsies The Musical” is gearing up for its weekend run opening Nov. 8 at the Succop Theater on the Butler County Community College Campus.

The cast and crew of Sing Hosanna! are busy with preparations for this high-energy musical.

“We have over 60 in the cast,” said Ralph Christy Jr., the musical's director and executive producer. “Teenagers and children will love the intensity, the energetic dance numbers and the upbeat music. This show has a following, especially with young people.”

The show is based on the 1992 musical film “Newsies,” which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein.

Andrew Stock of Cranberry Township is an associate for a risk assurance practice but willing to take some risks on the stage.

“I play Jack Kelly, the leader of the Newsies. A little rough and headstrong but someone who cares way more about the group than he lets on,” explained Stock. “This show is a super high-energy take on real events with a hint of Disney magic. The show numbers are definitely the highlight, but the story is also very powerful and relevant.”

Charisma is a requirement for the role, and Stock is up to the task of bringing it.

“It's an interesting character in the way that there needs to be a coolness to everything he does while also being 100 percent authentic with everyone he interacts with. It's a character that wears his heart on his sleeve,” said Stock, who had been waiting to audition for this show for a long time.

Playing the role of Katherine is Andrea Shaffer of Worth Township, who is a teacher by day and a reporter by night.

“Katherine is a feisty young woman set on being a news reporter. She's determined to be a professional writer, despite her father's wishes,” Shaffer explained. “Vocally, Katherine has some challenging notes to hit in the belting range for a soprano. So, I've been practicing my hardest to nail those powerful notes.”

It was the soundtrack that compelled Shaffer to audition for this male-dominated show.

“I knew I had to do it because the songs are so exciting and beautiful. The amount of dancing has been challenging and extremely fun as well,” she shared.

Several of the cast members took in a production of “Newsies The Musical” by the Pittsburgh Musical Theater in May.

Another teacher taking to the boards is Matt Nocera of Butler.

“I play the role of Davey, the newcomer to the Newsies group. He is the character who encourages the Newsies to go on strike and fight for fair wages,” explained Nocera. “I sing one of the most popular songs of “Newsies,” 'Seize the Day.'”

For Nocera, hitting the high notes might be a reach.

“Most of the music in this show is in the tenor range. It can be challenging to hit every note,” he shared.

For him it's the ensemble numbers that are the hit.

“I love all of the production numbers. They are choreographed extremely well, and the entire cast will give the audience chills with its harmonies,” said Nocera, who took in “Newsies” on Broadway starring the original cast when it first opened in 2012.

Mike Schaeffer, 17, of Butler is a barista when not prepping for this production.

“I play the role of Crutchie, the lovable best friend of the main character whose leg does not work,” said Schaeffer, who said the leg issue is an issue. “The role of Crutchie is challenging because of his bad leg; it is difficult to dance without the use of a leg.”

Schaeffer is a new member to Sing Hosanna! and is excited to bring something new to the group.

“Line memorization comes easy to me, but knowing where my lines are does not, so I end up memorizing the majority of the script to deal with this,” he said.

Shaeffer has watched the show several times in preparation for his role.

“My favorite part is the song “Once And For All” as this is when the newsies take their final stand. It feels powerful,” Shaeffer shared.

Sing Hosanna! is a Butler County based performing arts, 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation and performs to over 3000 people each year.

Casts of the major shows average 70 to 90 performers, age 7 through the senior years.

For information about joining as an actor and/or singer, backstage personnel or a Stewart Hall supporter, call 724-586-0042.

WHO: Sing Hosanna!WHAT: “Newsies The Musical”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 and 2 p.m. Nov. 10WHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $15, available online or at May's Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., ButlerINFORMATION: Call 724-290-8900