Nesconset Native To Star In Production Of Disney's "Newsies"

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Nesconset's own Dean Cestari will star in the White Plains Performing Arts Center’s Mainstage production of Disney’s "Newsies," where he was cast as Davey. The show will run Dec. 20 through Jan. 12, the arts center announced in a press release.

Cestari is no stranger to the stage, as he spent a lot of his childhood at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center and most recently was on the National Tour of "A Christmas Story" and even played this same role at Theatre By the Sea. "Newsies" holds a special place in the heart of Cestari, who truly feels at home on the stage.

"When I was a sophomore in high school, my grandma took me to see 'Newsies' on Broadway," Cestari said via press release. "It was at a time when I was really trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and had kind of given up on the thought of performing as a career. Even though it was still my passion, I didn’t feel I was good enough to make it a full-time job. At intermission of the show, I told myself that this was 100 percent what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. 'Newsies' held such a special place in my life for that reason and continues to remind me why I do what I do."

"Newsies" is based on the 1992 movie and inspired by the true story of the 1899 Newsboys Strike. It's considered a joyful and entertaining musical capturing the strength that young people have when they join together and stand up against injustice. Winner of a pair of Tony Awards, the show features a funny, poignant book by Harvey Fierstein and stunning music by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman. "Newsies" is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, crafting an experience the whole family can enjoy.

Below are the scheduled performances for "Newsies" at the White Plains Performing Arts Center:

• Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 27 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 4 at 2.pm. & 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 11 a.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m.
• Friday, Jan. 10 at 11 a.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m.

The White Plains Performing Arts Center is located on the third level of City Center off Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains, minutes from the White Plains Metro North Station, at 11 City Place, White Plains. For tickets, visit the theatre box office Monday through Friday (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), purchase the tickets online at wppac.com or call 914-328-1600. For Group Sales, contact boxoffice@wppac.com.

Along with Dean Cestari, the show stars Alex Prakken, direct from the show's National Tour as Jack Kelly with Kristen Seggio as Katherine and Mark Bradley Miller as Pulitzer. Completing the cast is Casey Bagnall, Noah Barnes, Nathan Cockroft, Sammy Dell, Elijah Dillehay, Zach Eisenberg, Sean Casey Flanagan, Timothy Matthew Flores, Alec Gallazzi, Christopher McHugh, Matthew Oster (Crutchie ) Marcus Parfitt, Caleb Reese Paul, Talen Piner, Jack Saleeby, Steven Schroko, Alex Skarmeas, James Conrad Smith, Elisha Marie (Medda), Austin Turner and Jamie Zeidman.

"Newsies" is directed by Frank Portanova with music direction by Stephen Ferri and choreography by Josh Assor. Scenic design is by Ryan Howell, lighting design by Adam Honoré, sound design by Jon Weston and stage-managed by Jessie Jardon. The music is by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein. The play is based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White and originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions.