MANSFIELD, OHIO – The Mansfield Youth Theatre (“MY Theatre”) will present Newsies, Jr. on the stage of the Renaissance Theatre September 11, 12, and 13 as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Performances will take place at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 PM on Sunday. Dauphne Maloney directs the show with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors.
A free sensory-friendly performance of Newsies will be offered Saturday, September 12 at 1 PM for families of individuals on the autism spectrum and with other sensory processing needs. Interested individuals must register for their free tickets by visiting or calling the Renaissance Education Department at (419) 522-2726, extension 212. A limited number of tickets is available for the sensory-friendly performance and no walk-ups will be accommodated.
Inspired by the true story of the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, Newsies, Jr. follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who dreams of a better life beyond the streets of New York. When newspaper publishers raise prices at the expense of the young newsies who sell their papers, Jack and his fellow newsboys band together to strike against unfair conditions.
Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right–demonstrating the impact that young people can have when they raise their voices for change.
“At its heart, Newsies Jr. is a story about young people discovering that their voices matter and that they can accomplish great things when they work together,” shares Maloney. “Our cast has embraced that message from the very first rehearsal, demonstrating incredible dedication, resilience, and teamwork. I couldn’t be prouder, as I’ve watched them grow as performers—and as individuals; it’s been one of the greatest rewards of working on this production.”
The cast is composed of over 50 students between the ages of 9-18 from the following schools: Ashland, Clearfork, Crestview, Discovery – Mansfield, Foundation Academy, Homeschool, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield, Mansfield Christian, Mansfield Classical Academy, Mansfield St. Peter’s, Ohio Connections Academy, Ontario, Richland School of Academic Arts, and Shelby.
The cast is led by Milo McDonald, playing the role of Jack Kelly; with the roles of Davey, Les, and Crutchie portrayed by Nicky Morabito, Kiptin Ball, and Elijah Burton. Jackie Metz will play Katherine Plumber.
Additional performers will include: Zikenna Ahanotu, Gabriel Anderson, Brynleigh Ball, Julyana Bass, Morgyn Beasley, Jordyn Beasley, Hazel Bessette, Estel Bramlage, Olivia Brumagin, Lillian Brumagin, Breah Boyd, Adoniah Burton, Kenan Burton, Micah Burton, Nathan Carney, Jordan Clewell, Ellyana Finley, Livia Foote, Liam Francis, Ina Godby, Dempsey Granneman, Alese Graves, Sarah Hamilton, Emersyn Henderson, Nakiyah Johnson, Beatrice Jones, Griffin Kennard, McKinnley King, Kennadi Knipp, Steliana Kruer, Marilena Kruer, Rosie Lawhorn, MaKayla Lawrence, Toby Lux, Tori McCready, Lily McCready, Declan McNary, Josie McNary, Saige Painley, Alyssia Pickett, Madelyn Rice, Caroline Secrist, Jada Shambaugh, Nolan Shambaugh, Kaitlyn Seymour, Graycen Stevens, Abby Thompson, Sloane Walter, and Beckham White.
Newsies, Jr. features music by legendary Disney composer Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by acclaimed playwright and Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Adapted from Disney’s 1992 film, the Broadway musical premiered in 2012 and quickly became a theatrical sensation.
Newsies received eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, and won Tony Awards for Best Original Score (Menken and Feldman) and Best Choreography. The production also earned numerous other honors, including Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Music and Outstanding Choreography, and was later nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Featuring the now-classic, beloved songs from the Disney film and Broadway musical, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “King of New York,” Disney’s Newsies, Jr.. is a high-energy, entertaining musical that celebrates determination, teamwork, and the power of community.
Tickets are $15, general admission, and on sale now at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone, and online at www.rentickets.org.
Disney’s Newsies, Jr. will be presented as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Additional support comes from the Ohio Arts Council. Sensory-Friendly accommodations are generously supported by the Gorman-Rupp Company, in partnership with Nationwide Children’s.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the arts while connecting with patrons throughout the region can contact Grace Riegel, Development & Executive Affairs Coordinator, at grace@mansfieldtickets.com for more information.
For more information regarding Newsies, Jr. contact Renaissance Education Manager, Dauphne Maloney at dauphne@mansfieldtickets.com, or 419-522-2726, ext. 212.
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This article is published in collaboration with the Renaissance Performing Arts Association. For nearly 100 years, the Renaissance has been serving audiences throughout the North Central Ohio - and beyond - delivering top-tier live theatre and broadway performances, youth arts programs and cultural events.