Closing out Christian Youth Theater’s (CYT) successful 2021-2022 season is Newsies, Disney’s tale based on a true story about the 1899 newsboys strike in New York City. Newsies will take center stage at Marian University Theater on May 20, 21 and 22.
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 newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.
“Newsies is full of rich history, a stirring story, exciting choreography, powerful music and a cast dedicated to bringing the story to life,” Director Laura Baltz said. “It’s a production we’ve wanted to perform for a long time, and we’re so excited to finally bring it to the stage.”
Joining Baltz on the Newsies artistic team is Jenna MacNulty (choreography) and Jaimie Mosier (music director).
Millie Larsen
Kate Larsen
Daniel Larsen
CYT’s production features more than 100 cast members from Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and more. Included in the cast is a sibling trio from Zionsville – Daniel (13), Kate (11), and Millie (9) Larsen.
While they differ on favorite songs from Newsies, the siblings agree they’ve enjoyed the rehearsal and production process. “It’s been fun practicing altogether, especially the dance routines,” Millie said.
CYT’s Newsies marks the final performances for four graduating seniors, including Grace Kubek, who has appeared in 12 previous CYT productions. “Newsies is such a great story of wrongs taking place and doing everything to stand up for what is right, even if it may be unpopular,” Kubek said.
Grace Kubek
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Jack Feldman and Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) 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.”
CYT is a nonprofit children’s theater offering theater classes, professional quality shows and summer camps across the northern Indianapolis suburbs. For information on tickets or upcoming classes, visit cytindy.org.