Opening on Friday, August 22nd, Curtain Call Performing Arts Company’s Passion Project takes the stage at Gasworks in Hamilton, Ontario, bringing to life the historic story of Newsies.
Taking a beloved musical like Newsies and reimagining it for a smaller cast and intimate theatre setting is not a small task, but Director, Danielle Viola, has embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. Traditionally performed with a cast of 30 or more, this version of Newsies brings the story to life with just 18 performers.
Danielle emphasizes that this intentional approach made the process incredibly rewarding: “Everyone in our cast is so incredibly essential to telling this beautiful story.” By giving each performer multiple opportunities to contribute, the production maintains the high energy and dynamic ensemble feel of a much larger cast.
The intimacy of the venue also heightens the stakes in the storyline itself. Danielle adds, In a show like Newsies, as the newsboys build the union, the audience gets to decide what side they want to be on in a very intimate way.”
Beyond casting and space, the production leans into the themes of community, solidarity, and courage that are at the heart of Newsies. “At its heart, Newsies is about young people rising up, finding their voices, creating a found family and standing together against injustice. That message feels especially important right now. The idea that community, solidarity, and courage can spark real change isn’t just a story from 1899—it’s something we’re still living and may be even bigger today.”
