MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—More than 50 young performers from across Richland County and surrounding communities will take the stage this September with a story about what can happen when young people discover the power of their own voices.

Mansfield Youth Theatre will present Disney’s Newsies, Jr. Sept. 11-13 at the Renaissance Theatre as part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series.

Based on the true story of the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, the musical follows Jack Kelly and a group of young newspaper sellers who decide to stand together after publishers raise prices at the expense of the newsies. What begins as a fight against unfair working conditions grows into a larger movement centered on courage, determination and solidarity.

For the young actors performing the story, those themes have taken on meaning beyond the stage.

“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,” director Dauphne Maloney said. “Our cast has embraced that message from the very first rehearsal, demonstrating incredible dedication, resilience, and teamwork.”

Maloney said watching the cast develop throughout rehearsals has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the production.

The cast includes students ages 9 to 18 representing a wide range of schools and educational backgrounds throughout the area, including Ashland, Clearfork, Crestview, Discovery-Mansfield, Foundation Academy, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield, Mansfield Christian, Mansfield Classical Academy, Mansfield St. Peter’s, Ontario, Shelby, Richland School of Academic Arts and Ohio Connections Academy, as well as homeschool students.

Milo McDonald leads the cast as Jack Kelly. Nicky Morabito plays Davey, Kiptin Ball portrays Les, Elijah Burton plays Crutchie and Jackie Metz takes on the role of Katherine Plumber.

The production is directed by Maloney, with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors.

The show features music by Disney composer Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright Harvey Fierstein. Adapted from Disney’s 1992 film, the Broadway production premiered in 2012 and earned eight Tony Award nominations, winning for Best Original Score and Best Choreography.

Audiences can expect familiar songs including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “King of New York” as the young performers bring the high-energy musical to the Renaissance stage.

A performance designed for sensory needs

In addition to the regular performances, Mansfield Youth Theatre and the Renaissance Theatre will offer a free sensory-friendly performance at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

The performance is intended for families of individuals on the autism spectrum and those with other sensory processing needs. Accommodations are designed to provide a more accessible theater experience for audience members who may benefit from a modified environment.

Advance registration is required, and seating is limited. No walk-up attendees will be accommodated.

Families interested in attending can register for free tickets through the Renaissance Education Department by calling 419-522-2726, extension 212.

The sensory-friendly accommodations are supported by the Gorman-Rupp Company in partnership with Nationwide Children’s.

When to see ‘Newsies, Jr.’

Regular performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Renaissance Theatre.

Tickets are $15 general admission and are available through the Renaissance Box Office, by phone and online at rentickets.org.

For Mansfield audiences, the production offers more than an opportunity to see a familiar Disney musical. With dozens of local young people sharing the stage, Newsies, Jr. puts a community’s next generation of performers at the center of a story about finding the confidence to speak up and the strength that comes from working together.

And, as Maloney has seen firsthand during rehearsals, the message is one the cast is already living.

“I couldn’t be prouder, as I’ve watched them grow as performers—and as individuals,” she said. “It’s been one of the greatest rewards of working on this production.”

For more information: Contact Renaissance Education Manager Dauphne Maloney at dauphne@mansfieldtickets.com or 419-522-2726, ext. 212.