Starlight Theatre proudly presents its production of Disney’s Newsies September 8-13.
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!
“One of the greatest privileges of producing our own musicals is the opportunity to invest in that local artistic community,” Lindsey Rood-Clifford, Starlight President + C.E.O., said. “When Kansas City artists work alongside nationally recognized creative teams and performers, the result is something uniquely ours—a production that celebrates a beloved musical while also showcasing the depth, strength, and collaborative spirit of our region’s performing arts community.”
Joining national talent is a company built on strong Kansas City ties. Maddox Bane, Jake Bartley, Brooke Cox, Jordan Tremaine DeLeon, Jackson Grove, and Nick Nazzaro are all professional actors with local Kansas City connections. Joining the production are well-established local professionals Amari Lewis, Ken Remmert, Chris McCoy, and Zachary Ford to name a few.
Amari Lewis was a 2014 recipient of a Vincent Legacy Scholarship supported by Starlight donors Greg and Rebecca Reid. The $2,500 scholarship is awarded to BIPOC middle school students to use for professional training in the performing arts.
Maddox Bane and Ken Remmert have appeared in previous Starlight productions including School of Rock (2025), West Side Story (2024), and Legally Blonde (2023).
Maddox Bane was a Starlight Blue Star Award winner in 2022 and participated in the Jimmy Awards in New York City that year. He played Baby John in West Side Story (2024)and Michael Banks in Mary Poppins (2015).
Ken Remmert has appeared in multiple Starlight productions including Legally Blonde (Elle’s father, 2023), West Side Story (Officer Krupke, 2024), and School of Rock (2025).
Alongside this stellar cast, Starlight’s production of Disney’s Newsies will also feature 33 area high school students in the Blue Star Awards teen ensemble.
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a story by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message.
