I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center begins 2026 with the high-energy show Newsies, the Musical, Jan. 16-25 at Walnut Creek's Del Valle Theatre on 1963 Tice Valley Blvd. Inspired by the real-life newsboys' strike of 1899, Newsies features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein. Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, the show follows Jack Kelly and a band of young newspaper sellers who rally together to stand up against powerful publishers and fight for what's right.
In the heat of a recent night, a teen folklorico group stomp in dance heels across the floor in preparation for their upcoming performances. The group is set to perform at a private 49ers staff event on Sept. 16 and during halftime at BayFC's Latino Heritage Night game Sept. 21. "I enjoy the music, sometimes when I dance I sing along," said Giovani Damain , dimples appearing as he smiles widely during a break in the practice.
Ava Gallo, dressed in a white skirt and a black top, on Tuesday got a kind of Broadway break in the Theater District. The 18-year-old from Staten Island, who had appeared in her high school production of Mamma Mia, belted out Thank you for the Music at Ellen's Stardust Diner on Broadway. She had been named one of five winners or Junior Stardusters in the restaurant's first such competition, performing on Tuesday in front of the restaurant's audience.