(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Jackson Arts Ministry (JAM) presents their Fall 2024 productions, Newsies, the Broadway Musical, and Oliver! Jr., at the historic Casino Auditorium at Georgian Court University on Saturday, December 7th, and Sunday, December 8th. 

Newsies, performed by their High School actors, is the story of Jack Kelly, played by senior Gavin Powers, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When the titan of publishing Mr. Pulitzer, played by Junior Rachel Gomez, raises distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack teams with Davey, played by freshman Isabella Benavides, to rally newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. With the help of the eager reporter Katherine Plumber, played by junior Maia Minty, the Newsies create a plan to fight for what's right. Inspired by a true story of the 1899 Newsboys strike in New York City, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Featuring songs such as “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.

Oliver! JR., performed by their Middle School actors, is Lionel Bart's classic Broadway musical based on Charles Dickens' novel, Oliver Twist. The Tony-winning musical takes place on the streets of Victorian England as Oliver, played by 7th grader Daphne Jones, a neglected orphan in a workhouse, escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by Fagin, played by 8th grader Reed Minty. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow, played by 8th grader Miles Imregi, takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes, played by 8th grader Jacob Marin, and the sympathetic Nancy, played by 8th grader Paige-Marci Seaman, to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family. Oliver! JR. features classic songs like "Consider Yourself", "Food Glorious Food", and "I’d Do Anything".

These shows feature 78 talented young actors from across New Jersey, ranging in age from 10-18. Both shows are directed by Denise Tiedemann, who has an extensive theater background including Broadway performances. She is assisted by directors Kristen Heinzerling, Todd Meyer, and Liz Seaman. Newsies is choreographed by Beth Jalinski.

Tickets are $17 and available for purchase online. All performance details can be found on the ticketing website. Complimentary parking is available on site. Georgian Court Casino Auditorium is located at 503 9th Street in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Both shows are presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Jackson Arts Ministry, also known as JAM, is an arts-based program based out of Jackson Church. They produce two high school and two middle school shows a year, plus a Junior Jammers acting program for grades 2-4. They also have various arts-based classes held every Spring and Fall season. The goal of JAM is to provide a low-cost opportunity for anyone to be able to participate in theater and the arts. Scholarships are available upon request for those who cannot afford the registration cost. The program is completely volunteer-run, and all money made from registration, tickets, and concessions goes back into the program. This is an inclusive, non-profit theater program for all levels of experience and abilities, with everyone who auditions receiving a part.