For the first time in Arkansas and coming to the Royal Theatre September 15-30, 2018 is the Young Players production of Disney’s Newsies the Musical - the Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon. The show is based on the historical newsboy strike of 1899 that shook the ivory towers of William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldmen and book by Harvey Fierstein, Newsies leaps onto the stage with soul stirring music, amazing heart, and stunning choreography. Newsies is under the direction of Daphne Shoppach with Jo Murry as musical director and Jenny Johnston as choreographer.
Director Daphne Shoppach enjoys directing kids in shows that are based on historical events. Newsies is a great teaching tool because it gives the kids a chance to walk in the shoes of real life heroes that were the age they are now. She hopes the experience will have a lasting impact on the way kids view history and show them how the choices they make today can have lasting impact on future generations.
They sold the newspapers until they made the headlines! Jack Kelly (Ethan Patterson), leads his fellow Newsies, Crutchie (Jack Clay), Davey (Mark Burbank), Les (John Issac Small), Race (Will Porter), Finch (Carson Clay), Albert (Luke Ferguson), Specs (Izzy Hammonds), Henry (Seth Nuss), Romeo (Elijah Harris), Elmer (Zachary Glover), Mush (Noah Lee), Buttons (Maverick Burlison), Splasher (Katharine Crowe), Tommy Boy (Hayden Griffis), Jo Jo (Harper Keith), Mike (Kenzie Taylor), Ike (Kaylei Taylor), and Spot Conlon (Annslee Clay) to protest against Joseph Pulitzer's (John C. Thompson) actions to out sell his competitors. Budding journalist, Katherine Plummer (Makayla Shipe), is intrigued by their story and sees it as an opportunity to be taken seriously as a female reporter. Jack and his newsies encounter many other New Yorkers including theatre owner Medda Larkin (Roben Sullivant), deli owner Jacobi (Justin Pike) and the villainous Snyder (Koty Mansfield), Weisel (also played by Justin Pike), Bunsen (Matthew Mayfield), and Seitz (Greg Blacklaw). This unruly group attracts the attention of their Mayor and Governor Teddy Roosevelt (Byron Taylor). Rounding out this outstanding cast are Erin Johnston, Rylee Woodard, Melody Small, Caylie Richardson, Olivia Kreulen, Bella Crowe, Addison Lumpkins, Mia Simone Parker, Cabe Parrish, Nathan Clay, Savannah Price, Destiny Marchese, Kayla Walker, Dylan Moore, and Daisy Medders. This headline making cast is accompanied by a stellar production team that includes producers Michelle Griffis and Heather Kreulen, with stage managed by Lexie Ellis.
Watch what happens on the stage of the historic Royal Theatre (111 South Market Street, Benton, AR) September 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th. Showtimes are 7pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays. General Admission tickets $15; Senior/Military/College students $12; High School students and younger $6. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theroyalplayers.com or www.ticketleap.com For reservations call (501) 315-5483. You can also purchase tickets at the door first-come, first served basis.
Through the generosity of The Saline Courier in Benton, Disney's Newsies the Musical is presented through special arrangements by Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 423 West 55th Street New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684. www.MTIShows.com.
Produced by Michelle Griffis and Heather Kreulen
Media Contact: Carissa A. Lumpkins
The Royal Theatre is Benton’s historic local theatre, located in the heart of the Historic Downtown Benton, at 111 South Market Street. A 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, Royal Players is devoted to creating opportunities for the surrounding community by providing quality, entertaining, educational, and affordable programming for all ages. For more information, visit www.theroyalplayers.com
