Hot Off the Press: ‘Disney’s Newsies’ to be UF’s Spring Musical

They delivered the papers, and then they were in them! Seize the day by joining the University of Findlay Theatre Program for its production of “Disney’s Newsies.”

Show times at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts will be on Friday, Feb. 22 and Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $12 at the Center’s box office at 200 W. Main Cross St. They can also be purchased online at www.mcpa.org or by calling 419-423-2787.

Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, the musical portrays the tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.

The lead role of Jack will be played by senior Brent Hoggatt from Wilmington, Ohio. Ashley Oakley, a senior from Copley, Ohio, will play Katherine, a reporter covering the strike whose personal interest in the cause puts her in a perilous position.

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story of the 1899 Newsboys Strike, “Disney’s Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (also known for “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Sister Act”), and Jack Feldman, and a book by Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (“Kinky Boots”). Including the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” the play is packed with nonstop thrills and a timeless message of hope and integrity that are perfect for the whole family. The UF Theatre production will be accompanied by an 11-member professional live orchestra. Led by Music Director Micheal F. Anders, Ph.D.

Director Meriah Sage said the charisma that emanates from the cast and crew is contagious. “The passion and energy that our cast and crew have for this show radiates off the stage,” she said. “The energetic dancing is choreographed by Brenda Hoyt-Brackman, the music led by Dr. Anders is fun for the whole family, and the set, designed by guest designer Kristen Ellert, is dynamic and uses the beautiful Marathon Center stage to its fullest,” she added.

Sage said “Disney’s Newsies” has only been available for outside groups to perform for less than a year. The University of Findlay “is among the first in the area to do this show,” she maintained.

“Disney’s Newsies” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

The large, 38-member cast is comprised entirely of students, the vast majority of them attending UF. They include:

Jack Kelley – Brent Hoggatt

Katherine – Ashley Oakley

Davey – Jack Yeater

Les – Nolan Tiech

Crutchie – Ryan (Blake) Biush

Medda Larkin – Riley Klauza

Bowery Beauties – Mykayla Ruffing, Lisa Martinez, Emily Hoffman and Staci Brenneman

Nuns – Rebekah White, Caris Conrad and Bradyn Craft

Wiesel/Mayor – Paul Beaver

Morris Delancey – Robbie Riffle

Oscar Delancey – Daniel White

Snyder – Amber King

Joseph Pulitzer – Parker Leland Nash

Seitz – Thomas Margevicius

Bunsen – Lily Kamphaus

Hannah – Celia Brand

Roosevelt/Mr. Jacobi – Andrew Flinn

Nunzio/Ensemble – Ethan Hockaday

Newsies:

Race – Andrew Peatee

Albert – Eli Garmon

Specs – Jonda Krontz

Henry – Cody Watson

Finch – Jacob Sarver

Romeo – Austin Stevens

Elmer – Jared Dixon

Mush – Eliza Brisbin

Buttons – Abbi Starcher

Splasher – India Miller

Ike – Skyler Villa

Mike – RJ Coldren

Jumper – Lydia Shay

Spot Conlon/Tommy Boy – Joey Dutko

Creative Team:

Director – Meriah Sage

Music Director – Micheal F. Anders, Ph.D.

Choreographer – Brenda Hoyt-Brackman

Set Designer – Kristin Ellert

Costume Designer – Kathy Newell

Lighting Designer – Jeff Dean

Props Designer – Jessica Leszkowicz

Technical Director – Mathew Stimmel

Stage Manager – Destiny DeWar

Assistant Stage Managers – Sara O’Bryan, Elaine Schaffter and Leah Chizmar

Fight Choreographer – Alexis Black

Assistant Fight Choreographer – Bryahah Austin

Community Partner – The Courier