This summer, the Charles Seller Foundation’s Talent Time Players are proud to present an accessibility performance of Newsies to benefit Justin Corino of Bloomfield, New Jersey. This performance will include accommodations to increase accessibility; such as adjusted lighting, reduced sound level, character guides, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. There will be visual guide books available at the performance and will be sent out via email to those who purchase tickets online prior to the performance. This will be a relaxed performance therefore we welcome all of our audience members to enter and exit the auditorium as they please and to utilize our quiet area if needed. Our cast, crew, and volunteers understand that some audience members may need to express themselves throughout the course of the show, and we welcome that! There will be no modifications made to the content of the show itself.
In the year 1950, a young man named Charles Seller was struck by a train, losing one of his legs. His family and friends came together to put on a variety show titled “Talent Time” to aid in his medical costs. This started a tradition in Bloomfield, NJ, that has lasted for more than 70 years. Each summer our members, who are in their mid teens to early thirties, produce and perform a musical in which all profits go towards an individual in the area with high medical bills. This year’s beneficiary is 3 year old Justin Corino of Bloomfield, New Jersey. Justin was diagnosed in August of 2022 with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is a quickly progressing cancer that begins in the bone marrow of the body. For Justin and his family it has been almost daily hospital visits for either lab work, chemotherapy treatments, sedations, and/or physical therapy. This has been a very difficult adjustment for Justin and his family, especially for his almost two-year-old brother, Owen. He has learned how to adapt to his new obstacles and lets nothing stand in his way!
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story of the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of “the little man.” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.
The Charles Seller Foundation and Talent Time production of Newsies is produced by Fallon Garretson and directed by James Miles, with musical direction by Rebecca Polynice, choreography by Tina Armenti with assistant choreography by Caitlin Miller, stage managed by Julia Debiak, costume design by Mariaelena Alameda and Taylor Piekarz, and set design by Joe Verga. The accessibility performance of Newsies will be performed at the Bloomfield High School Auditorium, located at 160 Broad Street in Bloomfield, on August 5th at 2:00 pm.
Tickets are available online and at the door for $15.00 General Admission. Advanced online ticket purchase is recommended. Group pricing is available. Those who wish to purchase group tickets can do so by reaching out directly to the foundation.
Link to purchase tickets: https://thecharlessellerfoundationpresentsNEWSIES.eventbrite.com
For more information and to donate contact the Charles Seller Foundation at:
Email: thecharlessellerfoundation@gmail.com
Facebook: The Charles Seller Foundation
Instagram: @thecharlessellerfoundation
Twitter: @CSFTweets
The Charles Seller Foundation 