News Summary
Centerstage Academy will present a special alumni performance of ‘Newsies’ at the James-York Playhouse in Williamsburg this weekend. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event will feature professional actress Cassie Donegan alongside other alumni and current students. The production aims to enhance the skills of young performers while providing an enriching experience for all participants. Tickets are available for purchase online, priced at $25 for adults and $15 for children.
Williamsburg is set to host a special alumni performance of “Newsies” this weekend at the James-York Playhouse. Centerstage Academy, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is welcoming back professional actress Cassie Donegan, a Hampton Roads native, who has been a part of the academy since she was four years old.
The performances will showcase not only Donegan but also a host of other former students alongside current Academy participants, enhancing both the skills of the present students and the experience of the alumni. This initiative is designed to challenge the current students performance-wise, allowing them to learn and grow in a supportive and collaborative environment.
The show, inspired by a true story, features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, with popular numbers such as “Carrying the Banner” and “Seize the Day.” The performances are scheduled for:
- Friday, June 20 at 7 PM (BRONX Cast)
- Saturday, June 21 at 2 PM (BRONX Cast)
- Saturday, June 21 at 7 PM (BROOKLYN Cast)
- Sunday, June 22 at 2 PM (BROOKLYN Cast)
- Friday, June 27 at 7 PM (QUEENS Cast)
- Saturday, June 28 at 2 PM (QUEENS Cast)
- Saturday, June 28 at 7 PM (QUEENS Cast)
- Sunday, June 29 at 2 PM (QUEENS Cast)
Tickets are priced at $25 for adults and $15 for children aged 12 and under. They must be purchased online in advance.
Cassie Donegan has an extensive history with Centerstage Academy, having played significant roles throughout her time there, including Kaa in “Jungle Book,” Dorothy in “OZ,” Yonah in “Children of Eden,” and Jane in “Tarzan.” Alongside her, other alumni participating in the performance include Cory Steiger, Alexys Weihl, Bridget Palermo, Jonathan McCormick, and Maya Garcia.
Centerstage Academy has grown from a small operation to serve nearly 400 students across various age groups, providing music and theater education. The founder, Rebecca Lowe, aims to develop a dedicated performing arts center in the area due to the current lack of local venues. Recent expansions of classes include Broadway-style dance and a performance magic class, reflecting the academy’s commitment to providing varied and enriching opportunities.
The mission of Centerstage Academy is to help students discover the joy of art, focusing on creativity and confidence rather than professional development. This philosophy has guided the academy’s approach over the past two decades, enabling many students to explore their talents and gain self-confidence through the performing arts.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Special Appearance by Cassie Donegan
- Wikipedia: Musical Theater
- Williamsburg Families: Newsies Performed by Centerstage Academy
- Google Search: Centerstage Academy
- Williamsburg Families: Centerstage Academy Presents Peter Pan Jr.
- Google Scholar: Performing Arts Education
- Williamsburg Families: Top 25 Things to Do in Williamsburg in May
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
