“There’s change coming // Once and for all.”
As has often been the case throughout human history, some of the greatest shifts in society come about through the work of unlikely heroes. When ONU Theatre takes the stage later this month to present Disney’s Newsies this spring, audiences will be reminded that there is strength, not just in numbers, but in using one’s voice to speak out against injustice.
Newsies is family-friendly, full-length musical about a group of newsies. These children — who sold newspapers in large cities at the very end of the 19th century — united to strike in protest over their working conditions and wages after being underpaid, overworked and mistreated by the wealthy media tycoons. The large-ensemble show features many memorable songs including “King of New York,” “Carrying the Banner,” and “Seize the Day,”—plus plenty of captivating dance numbers — but the core theme addresses rampant injustice. 
ONU Theatre will present Newsies onstage in Kresge Auditorium at Olivet Nazarene University on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:00 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 27, at 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 28, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Watch What Happens
Part of the magic of any live theatre experience is that audiences are transported to a setting that is different from present day, to learn from or about a cast of characters. The plot of Newsies is set more than 125 years ago, and audiences will note that the corresponding costumes, props, speech patterns and current events differ from modern times. But, the character arcs and the overarching themes are still incredibly relevant, says Director of ONU Theatre Kelsie Davis ’19/’22 MBA.
“Although there are some artistic liberties taken, the core of our story comes straight out of American history,” Prof. Davis explains. “Joseph Pulitzer, ‘Racetrack’ Higgins (Race, in our show), and of course, Theodore Roosevelt, were all real people. Jack Kelly is inspired by Louis ‘Kid Blink’ Baletti (the face of the newsboys’ strike); Davey is inspired by David Simmons (newsboy union president); and Katherine is inspired by Annie Kelly (a newswoman loyal to the strike and the kids).
“The era of newsboys is over,” she continues, “but their voices ring through the years to every time and place where corruption and greed seep through. When they were exploited by corporations that slashed their wages, [the newsies] defiantly stood up to protect one another, sacrificing the little they had to fight for equality and justice. When we open our mouths to sing, we’re not making a new sound. We join a chorus of millions; the oppressed, the enslaved, the overlooked, the rejected, and the marginalized who fought for what we have today.”
The foundational message of standing up against oppressive powers has resonated with the cast. Junior Livi Bryant (Katherine Plumber) explains her perspective on the relevance of the show.
“Every day, we face challenges that force us to either outwardly stick to our morals or dismiss them, whether we realize it or not,” she says. “This is especially true in today’s world. Newsies, while a fun, family-friendly musical on the surface, confronts the audience with this fact, and leaves them with a decision to make. Will we continue to turn a blind eye to what’s happening in our world for our own comfort? Or will we finally open our eyes and speak up against the injustice going on every single day in our world?”
Sophomore Scotty Murray (Jack Kelly) has found that even having played his character in a previous production, the musical brings fresh encouragement every time it hits the stage.
“Newsies is exactly what our generation needs,” Scotty says. “We need to use our voices to speak out against injustice, and to take a stand to protect the things that matter most to us. You don’t need to run away to escape your problems, you just need to find the right people who will help you face them.”
Seizing the day—together!
One of the core themes of the musical is working together on a shared goal to bring about positive societal change. Cast and crew members of the show say this is common of working together on a large cast.
“It is important to have a strong sense of ensemble in any show, but Newsies specifically requires everyone to actively work together as a unit,” says senior Lauren Neel, who is the assistant director for the show. “There is no small part of this production, as everyone has to work together with scene work, transitions, production aspects, vocal parts, and the list goes on. Each moving part comes together to create a beautiful piece of art.”
Stage manager, junior Anthony Roebuck echoes the need for collaboration both onstage and behind the scenes.
“Newsies is written in an interesting way, in which it is meant to run incredibly smoothly,” Anthony says. “Scenes are supposed to directly overlap with each other… [so] transitions must be choreographed and woven into the onstage portions; choreography and music must be designed with the correct emotional weight; and sound effects, costumes, lights, etc. have to match one unified aesthetic. To do all of this and more takes a team of many talented individuals.”
The cast, crew and pit orchestra for this production are almost all Olivet students, and ONU Theatre productions are open to the entire campus body, regardless of academic pursuits. Additionally, local actors, sisters, Noelle and Grace Fightmaster, have joined the cast to split the role of a particularly young newsie (Les). Plus, a surprise guest cast member from the Olivet community will make an appearance at the end of the show.
The opportunity to connect within a large group has been a consistent highlight for many of the students involved in the show, including senior Makenzie Shride (Mush).
“I think that the camaraderie amongst cast and crew alike is reflective of the unifying story we are telling,” she says. “There are a lot of first-time ONU Theatre cast members in this show, which typically would divide a cast into cliques. In the nature of the show, everyone has been super supportive of each other and getting to know people they would never normally talk to. It’s beautiful to just take a backseat sometimes and watch people both on and off stage interact with such kindness and genuine admiration for one another.”
The World Will Know
Working on the production of Newsies has provided a storytelling avenue for the cast and crew to consider how they’re bringing light into the world by sharing their unique gifts and talents with an audience.
Of taking on the challenge of slipping into her character, Makenzie says, “From a physical standpoint, this character is the complete opposite of me. I’m just a 21-year-old woman from the Midwest in 2026, playing a young boy from New York City in 1899. I have always struggled with getting into a role physically, so this has really been something I am constantly working on and developing. The newsies themselves have a certain aura and way about them. The way they interact with each other and carry themselves is very specific.”
Sophomore Grey Roesti (Spot Conlon/Darcy/Scab) is working as both the set builder and acting in multiple on-stage roles. The constant switching of characters can be challenging, but his work both on and behind stage has been rewarding.
“Since I am playing many different characters, there are a few points where I am on as one character for one scene and then do a quick change to come on as another character in the next scene,” Grey reflects. “My work ‘backstage’ impacts the overall storytelling by adding a specific setting to the story — this draws the audience into the show and brings more atmosphere for both actors and the viewers.”
In general, the cast and crew agree that the experience of collaborating to produce a show is very fulfilling work. Livi explains that participating in theatre, both as an audience member and as an actor, has been an enduring, positive influence on her life.
“Being in Newsies as a theatre major is a very full-circle moment for me,” she says. “This show was one of the first shows I was ever introduced to; when I was in show choir in middle school, my choir did a Newsies medley. Ten years later, I’m now playing Katherine Plumber at a place that has inspired me to pursue theatre as a career. So really, this entire process has been a highlight and a dream for me.
“I love being able to go to a school that has a theatre director and program that is committed to excellence in our shows and in our community,” Livi concludes. “All for the glory of God.”
For more information about ONU Theatre, visit onutheatre.com. For more information about all academic disciplines, visit Olivet.edu/Academics
