Malden students take the stage!

Young Company Winter Festival steals the spotlight at Greater Boston Stage Company

  The Young Company Winter Festival 2023, performed by students in grades 4-12, brings together budding young artists and their professional teams to present jaw-dropping storytelling at its finest. This season the Young Company Winter Festival presents three fully staged productions: Students will seize the day in “Disney Newsies Jr.,” take a trip to Bikini Bottom in “The SpongeBob Musical” and tackle the Tony award-winning musical “Fun Home.” The Winter Festival runs from February 9–18, 2023.

“Disney Newsies Jr.” – performed by Young Company student actors in grades 4-8.

  When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, and including the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe,” “Newsies Jr.” is a timeless story full of spirit and heart. Malden resident Emelia M. will perform in the production.

  Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, book by Harvey Fierstein; “Jr.” Script Adaptation by David Simpatico; based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White; directed by Sydney Grant; music directed by Rose Mooney; choreographed by Jill Tokac; stage managed by Sarah Simon; costume design by Rebecca Glick.

  “Disney Newsies Jr.” Show Times – this production is recommended for all ages.

• Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 12 at 3:30 p.m.
• Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m.

“Nickelodeon The SpongeBob Musical” – performed by Young Company student actors in grades 7-12.

  The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world! Malden students performing in the production are Ashlyn C., Addison M. and Ace S.

  Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg; book by Kyle Jarrow Musical; production conceived by Tina Landau; directed by Autumn Blazon-Brown; music directed by Jordan Oczkowski; choreographed by Liana C. Percoco; stage managed by Emily Fitzgerald; costume design by Rebecca Glick.

  “The SpongeBob Musical” Show Times – this production is recommended for all ages.

• Feb.10 at 7:30 p.m.
• Feb.11 at 3:30 p.m.
• Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 18 at 12:00 p.m.

“Fun Home” – performed by Young Company student actors in grades 10-12.

  When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. Malden students performing are Natalie K. Sophie L. and Emma S.

  Music by Jeanine Tesori; book and Lyrics by Lisa Kron; based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel; directed by Demi DiCarlo; music directed by Lea Peterson; stage managed by Cassie Lebeau; costume design by Rebecca Glick.

  “Fun Home” Show Times – contains strong language and adult themes – recommended for ages 12 and up.

• Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.