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CYT Tri-Valley is bringing the urgency of a turn-of-the-century newspaper strike to the Bankhead Theater this month, but for some families involved in the “Newsies” production, the story of standing together is not limited to the stage.
The youth theater company’s production of Disney’s “Newsies” opens Friday at the downtown Livermore venue, with performances scheduled through June 20, according to a press release from the group announcing the show.
Inspired by the Newsboys Strike of 1899, the musical follows Jack Kelly and a group of young newspaper sellers who organize after publishing giants raise distribution prices.
The show is known for its meaningful message, lively dance performances and score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “King of New York.”
But CYT Tri-Valley’s production also highlights another aspect of the youth theater: the parents, siblings and volunteers who make the performance possible before the curtain rises.
In a world where youth activities can often divide families across different schedules, fields, and rehearsal rooms, CYT Tri-Valley has become a place where some families move in the same direction. Students perform on stage while parents help backstage with costumes, sets and production support.
That connection is especially visible in the Westside cast, where real-life brothers Grant and Blake Panfilio play Davey and Les, brothers in the musical.
“The comedy parts are funnier because I can interact authentically with my brother in a unique way,” Grant Panfilio said in a statement.
His brother said their relationship offstage has helped them build their characters together.
“The best part is knowing we have each other’s backs in the show and physically in person,” Blake Panfilio said. “Having experience growing up with Grant has helped throughout the show. He’s a good big brother.”
For their mother, Laura Panfilio, the production has become more than another family activity on the family calendar.
“This has been one of the best aspects of doing CYT for our family,” she said. “We don’t have to split our time and energy in multiple directions. It’s wonderful and has bonded us in a very unique way.”
She said the family-centered environment has made the final production feel more personal. “Our whole family cannot wait to see the boys play brothers in ‘Newsies,’” she said. “What a gift that will be. And yes, I will cry.”
CYT Tri-Valley is a nonprofit educational theater organization serving youth ages 4 to 18. The organization is the resident children’s theater company at the Bankhead.
Performances of “Newsies” are scheduled for 1 and 6:30 p.m. June 12 and 13; 1 p.m. June 14; 1 and 6:30 p.m. June 19; and 1 p.m. June 20 at the Bankhead Theater located at 2400 First St. in Livermore. Tickets and more information are available at cyttrivalley.org/shows/.
