The Record-Review  8/3/01

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'Newsies" comes to John Jay Middle School theater

Fresh from a successful run of "A little Princess"  in July, the Random Farms Kids Theater presents its second production of the summer, the musical "Newsies," from Aug 10 to 12 at the John Jay Middle School theater.

Based on the 1890's newsboys strike in New York City, the play features an almost entirely new cast of 35 children and adults from the Westchester-Putnam area. 

"Newsies" will be performed Friday, Aug. 10 at 11am (special camp performance open to the public)  and 7pm; Saturday, Aug.  11, at 3 and 7pm; and Sunday, Aug. 12, at 1pm.

Tickets are $14, with group rates available.  For information or tickets, call 944-8057.  The group's website is www.rfkt.org.  This is Anya Wallach's seventh summer producing and directing plays with area children.  Now 22, Ms. Wallach is a senior at New York University and a resident of Chappaqua. 

Her first show was put on with neighborhood children in her neighborhood's clubhouse.  Since then her shows have been performed to nearly sellout crowds at the Chappaqua and Armonk public libraries and the Yorktown Stage.  Each year she "tampers" with her successful formula-one year adding an orchestra, year adding elaborate scenery and costumes.  This years marks the first time Wallach has done two shows in one season  a real challenge, considering rehearsals for each show last just three weeks.

"A little Princess" was a success during its three day run in July, enchanting audiences with the quality of the singing and acting, as well as the lavish sets and costumes.  The ensemble of talented children and adults from the area, led by Kim Breden of Yonkers (a professional actress who played the tyrannical and greedy headmistress, Miss Minchin) made the show sparkle from start to finish.