Seize the Day: ‘Newsies’ looks to strike a chord at Actors Guild of Parkersburg

Aug 4, 2023

The cast of “Newsies” in the newest production by the Actors Guild of Parkersburg opens at 8 p.m. today in a sold-out performance. Tickets for other shows that run through Aug. 20 are available at www.actors-guild.com or by contacting the box office at 304-485-1300 and leaving a message. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Disney “Newsies” Broadway musical opens at 8 p.m. today at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg.

The show concludes the 2022-2023 season with a three-week run of performances. It is sponsored by the Dietzler Foundation.

Set in turn-of-the century New York City, “Newsies” is about Jack Kelly, a newsboy and leader of a band of teenage “newsies.” When the 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.

The show is 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”) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (“Kinky Boots”). Featuring the classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe,” “Newsies” is packed with thrills and a timeless message for the whole family and every audience.

Director Robin White is excited to return to the Guild with the help of Assistant Directors Natalie Bradley and Hannah White.

“The drive of this cast is amazing to watch and I can’t wait for audiences to experience their efforts,” he said.

Music Director Pete Sour has worked with the cast on the songs. Nathan Arnold, technical director, has been busy for months with the design and construction of the set to tell the story of the 1899 newsboys strike in New York City.

The production includes the work of costumer Trish Swaney providing period costumes for the cast and choreographer Morgan Parsons.

Garrett Honse plays Jack Kelly, Gwen Sour is Katherine Plumber, Sam Bartlett is Davey, Conner Medendorp is Crutchie, Zach Gaston is Les, Tom Lodatoas is Joseph Pulitzer, Heather Hepburn is Medda Larkin, George Litman is Wiesel (or Weasel), Antigone Lawter-Hall is Snyder, Tru Hill is Hannah and Charlie Matthews is Teddy Roosevelt.

“It has been an honor working on this Goliath of a show,” Honse said. “Out of every show I’ve had the privilege of working on, I can truly say this one I will forever hold dear to my heart.”

Today’s show at 8 p.m. is nearly sold out. The show runs through Aug. 20.

Other curtain times are 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 12 and 18, 6 p.m. Sunday and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 13 and 20. No performance will be held Saturday, Aug. 19.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online at www.actors-guild.com or by contacting the box office at 304-485-1300 and leave a message for the call to be returned. The show is rated PG.

The ensemble is composed of Eisley Adams-Morrison, Esther Brown, Joel Brown, Dayna Cooper, Kaleigh Foreman, Lexi Hoover, Madison Lowers, Alex Marshall, Christian Marshall, Grace Miller, Shroom Mollendick, Molly Pennington, Emily Swaney, Clare Walker, Conner Walker, Brittany Ward and Lydia White. In the adult ensemble are Ben Bradley, Barbara Full, Andrew Hanna, Jessica Marshall, Charlie Matthews, Eowyn McCutchan and Kaelynn Seebaugh.

The production staff is Robin White, Sour, Natalie Bradley, Hannah White, Parsons, Arnold, Production Assistant Lydia White and adviser Greg Merrit.

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