Christian Community Theater's Summer Hit  Is Still The Talk Of The Town

Christian Community Theater (CCT) was one of the first groups in the Greater Houston Area to obtain the rights and perform Disney's NEWSIES: The Broadway Musical. The production ran at the historic Crighton Theatre on August 17th - 19th & 23rd - 24th 2018, and it was so impressive that people are still talking about it.

Jerri Burris, Christian Youth Theater Expansion/Fundraising Director, explains. "I didn't think that CCT would be able to top the 2017 production of Fiddler on the Roof. But, NEWSIES was beyond spectacular. I was blown away! NEWSIES was one of the best local productions that I have ever seen. It's hard to believe that it was community theater and not a touring Broadway production. In fact, I was in the audience for another local show last month. Two patrons were discussing that they couldn't wait to see the performance because they knew that several actors and actresses from NEWSIES were in it. Others seated nearby chimed in, each proclaiming how much they had enjoyed NEWSIES."

Many community members saw CCT's production of NEWSIES and felt the same: "This was truly a fantastic performance by every member of the cast. I don't know [if] this will ever be duplicated!" (Sara G.)

"I cannot express how much I enjoyed this performance! My goodness there was extreme talent on that stage! Absolutely amazing!" (Sheri P.)

"I'm well aware of the talent in this town and have been blessed beyond measure to work with many of them. What I didn't expect, however, was for my eyes to pop outta my head, my jaw to be on the ground, and my mom smacking me in the leg multiple times in excitement the entire time while watching Newsies last night!!!!" (Jodie S.)

"This community theatre show could easily be on Broadway. No Joke. I just watched this phenomenal, powerfully charged, intense, awesome musical!!!! The leads and supporting actors were stellarly AHH-MAZING!!!!! Every single ensemble member was outstanding!!!! What fun! What a moving theatrical performance! BRAVO!" (Beth S.)

Indeed, many who saw CCT's NEWSIES expressed amazement at the fact that it was not a professional performance. However, many cast and artistic team members had worked together before, and several had been previously recognized for their local theater achievements including Melody Johnson, Austin Colburn, and Josh Marchant. All three won 2017 Montie Awards, facilitated by the Conroe Arts Alliance, celebrating the pursuit of excellence in the theatrical and fine arts. Melody (CCT NEWSIES' Director/Choreographer) won Best Choreographer for Westside Story, Austin (who played Jack Kelly) won Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Westside Story, and Josh (who played Davey) won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Westside Story.

While always striving to produce the best performance possible, Christian Community Theater embodies the best of what local theater is all about. The skills that are perfected, and the friendships that are formed, all become part of the experience. NEWSIES wasn't just a performance; it was a family.

CCT is the community theater branch of Christian Youth Theater (CYT). CYT is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization with the mission of developing character and creativity in children of all ages through quality theater arts training that brings families and communities together while reflecting the Creator.

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