Apex Theatre Studio is presenting its 10th annual summer theatre series with two contemporary Broadway hits — “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Disney’s Newsies Jr.,” on stage now through Sunday, June 25, at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College.
Tickets are available at apextheatrejax.com/events.
“After an exciting winter of thoughtful work, we are ready to open the windows and let the summer sunshine in with these stories full of hope, triumph and great music,” said Managing Director Ian Mairs.
“We are presenting two shows in rotating repertory format to give visitors to St. Augustine more than one chance to enjoy an evening in the theatre.”
“Beautiful” is the inspiring true story of Carole King’s journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Before she was hit-maker Carole King, she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with her 1971 hit album “Tapestry,” “Beautiful” takes audiences back to where it all began and on the ride of a lifetime, featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “Natural Woman.”
The production is under the direction of Atlanta director Justin Anderson and features Jacksonville native Mallorie Sievert in the title role. The company is comprised of professional teaching artists and upper-division students from Apex Theatre Studio.
“Beautiful” show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 23-24. Tickets are available at apextheatrejax.com/events.
“Disney’s Newsies Jr.” is a shorter version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film.
Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, “Newsies Jr.” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
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.
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.
The production features teaching artists, guest artists and students from the upper and lower division of Apex Theatre Studio.
With a running time of 70 minutes, it is a perfect night out for the whole family. A special kids’ matinee is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, June 23, with student tickets at a special rate of $15.
Other show dates are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22; and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 24-25. Tickets are available at apextheatrejax.com/events.
