Tickets Now on Sale for Amherst Community Theater Production of Disney’s Newsies: The Musical

Tickets are now on sale for the Amherst Community Theater (ACT) production of Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical  which opens on Thursday January 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Bowker Auditorium in Stockbridge Hall at UMass.  Additional performances are scheduled as follows:

January 17 at 7:30 pm
January 18 at 1:00 pm
January 19 at 1:00 pm
January 23 at 7:30 pm
January 24 at 7:30 pm
January 25 at 1:00 pm
January 25 at 7:30 pm
January 26 at 1:00 pm

Purchase tickets here.   

Newsies:The Broadway Musical is based on the 1992 musical film Newsies, which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City.  Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsies’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.  

The production features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). It features the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe”.  Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

The ACT production is directed by Megan Healey. Cindy Naughton is the musical director and Sue Dresser the choreographer.  Full production team list here.  Cast List here.

Director Megan Healey said of the upcoming show, “This year’s production truly embodies the spirit of community and collaboration. The actual newsboys union of 1899 included children of all ages and genders—not just teenage boys – and this is reflected in our cast. With performers aged 9 to 77, we’ve created a dynamic ensemble that highlights the strength in unity, proving that the fight for justice transcends age and background. Newsies remains incredibly relevant today. Its themes of standing together for fair treatment and amplifying underrepresented voices resonate strongly in modern conversations about gender equality and the importance of unions. This story isn’t just a historical moment—it’s a call to action that feels as timely now as ever.”

Healey praised the effort that has gone into this year’s production, noting that the cast is excited to share their hard work with the Pioneer Valley community.  They said, “Working with this year’s cast has been an absolute joy. From the youngest to the most seasoned performers, everyone brought incredible professionalism, talent, and thoughtfulness to the production. This cast exemplifies true collaboration, with each member adding their unique voice to create a powerful, cohesive story. Their dedication and creativity have been nothing short of inspiring.”

Greyson Lynch, who plays strike leader Jack Kelley,  said of the ensemble “The cast and creative team of Newsies are truly amazing. This is a big show to take on and it has been met with an incredible sense of courage and hard work. It has been a long time since I have been in a show, whether it be professional or community theater, that is approached with this much enthusiasm and care. Newsies was a huge hit on Broadway, with some really spectacular music, and for so many folks it has been a dream come true to have the chance to perform in it.” 

Chris Okerberg who plays Joseph Pulitzer, the publisher of the New York World and one of the two main antagonists of Newsies said of his role: “ I love experiencing the special magic of live theater. It really is a two-way art form. Personally, I love the challenge of playing a “bad guy” in a way that is life-like and even, at times, charismatic. We might end up condemning the actions of Mr. Pulitzer in the play, but there’s an opportunity for the audience to get taken on a journey. There is something compelling about people who take things a little too far, and something deeply satisfying about watching those folks get what’s coming to them. In this story, the “little guy” triumphs, and that’s such an uplifting narrative. “

Both Lynch and Okerberg echoed Healey’s observation that while the production is set in the 19^th century, it speaks to the current political climate.

Lynch said, “Even though Newsies takes place in 1899, the central message of the show is still very relevant in today’s political climate. It is not only a story of hope, but also one of actually finding ways to make a change. It is about a group of young people with nothing to their name, who in the face of adversity, find their voice and come together as one to resist an oppressive force. This story is timeless and is one to be told over and over again. “

Okerberg added “ I think the story is relevant to the times we live in, and I can see a lot of echoes of this show’s themes in the real-life headlines we read. For example, there’s a strong theme of handing over the world to the next generation. I’ve had a lot of fun finding ways to breathe life into that idea and make the stakes relatable to an audience.

About Amherst Community Theater
Amherst Community Theater is dedicated to producing high quality musical theater to engage children, adults, and families, both as participants and as audience members.  We strive to provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to perform and to work creatively behind the scenes to bring a show from concept to reality.  Amherst Community Theater is truly a team effort.  It is community. 

It is this spirit which, each year, draws some 150 members of our community together as one in a creative endeavor that we see as nothing less than a miracle. Every January we present a full-scale musical at Bowker Auditorium, a beautiful 600 seat auditorium at UMass.  We strive for a multi-generational and multi-ethnic cast of approximately 65 from across the Pioneer Valley, ages seven and up.  We have a reputation for elaborate, beautiful sets, impressive choreography, live orchestra and stunning costumes. Our auditions are in September and rehearsals begin in early October. The fall months are filled with set building, costuming and all aspects of preparation for this major production.

Since 1993, Amherst Community Theater has presented – and reprised – war horses like Peter Pan, Oliver!, and The Music Man. But we have also taken risks and excelled artistically with lesser-known shows such as Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden. While our eye must always be on the bottom line and our ears tuned to your applause, we are mindful of the delicate balance between popularity and artistic worth.

Each spring, we sponsor a week-long children’s theater opportunity in conjunction with Missoula Children’s Theatre (www.mctinc.org ), a non-profit theater group out of Missoula, Montana. A pair of young actors/directors arrives in town with all the sets, costumes and scripts to produce a one-hour show. In the span of one week, they hold auditions, select a cast, rehearse and put on two performances.  It is a truly amazing process to observe. The participants (children and teens in grades K-12) love it and it is a fantastic way for young kids to begin to explore the theater.  It is an amazing and fun-filled week.

Amherst Community Theater receives no funding from the Amherst town budget, and our organization is staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom receive no payment or stipend for their efforts. In this spirit we invite our audience to join us in supporting Amherst Community Theater with a financial contribution. You may also donate to our Theater Access Program to ensure that our shows can be enjoyed by all members of our community.

More information at amherstacts.org