BRUNSWICK

Timothy Woodward Jr.’s grandparents noticed his exceptional singing voice during trips in the car, leading them to encourage him to audition for their favorite musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.” He was cast and, bit by the theater bug, never looked back.

“I loved acting from there,” he said.

Woodward Jr. has since made his Maine State Music Theatre debut this year with “Newsies,” playing leader Jack’s younger brother, Les, in the story of the 1899 newsboy strike. Set in New York City at the turn of the century, Newsies is inspired by the real-life strike, when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newspaper carriers on a two-weeklong action against powerful newspaper publishers.

Woodward Jr. has played Les before, at Fulton Theatre in his home state of Pennsylvania. He’s also played the lead role of Ralphie in “A Christmas Story,” Dill in “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Gavroche in “Les Miserables” — each at Media Theatre in Pennsylvania — to name a few.

Woodward Jr. said working with MSMT in “Newsies” has been one of his best experiences with singing, dancing and learning the skills to help him in his career. He said he plans continue pursuing his acting career, and hopes to audition for Broadway.

He said his parents, especially his father, Tim, have been very supportive of his acting and performance aspirations. He said his dad has driven him thousands of miles for his performances throughout the Northeast. Woodward Jr. said his two younger brothers, Atticus and Lincoln fell asleep the first time they saw him perform — but that he’s determined to keep them awake during this show.

“Newsies” runs through Aug. 26 at MSMT’s Pickard Theater. For ticket information, visit msmt.org or call (207) 725-8769.

jlaaka@timesrecord.com