On Monday, February 16, the Delavan Schools’ cafeteria and choir room were buzzing with activity as preparations for Newsies, this year's spring musical production, reached a new milestone. The cafeteria transformed into a bustling costume and wardrobe fitting space, while the choir room became a full rehearsal hall. For the first time, the cast performed every musical number with live accompaniment from pianist Aleta Hoff, replacing the recorded tracks used in earlier rehearsals—an exciting step that brought new energy and momentum to the production.

Delavan High School is now gearing up to share that energy with the community as it presents Disney’s Newsies, inspired by the 1899 Newsboys Strike in New York City. Performances will take place in the Poppenga Gymnasium on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m., with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 15. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Directed by Alison Knapik, the production features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by Harvey Fierstein. This year’s staging showcases an exceptionally large cast spanning grades 4 through 12, supported by a robust technical crew and live musicians.

The musical follows Jack Kelly and his fellow newsboys as they rally against publisher Joseph Pulitzer, fighting for fair treatment. With humor, heart, and historical inspiration, the show highlights the power of young people united for a cause.

The show stars Cash Calsyn Grys as Jack Kelly and Jaylyn Diekhoff as Katherine, with Elisha Waggoner as Davey, Ryker Grys as Les, Nola Houston as Crutchie, and Seanik Gagliardi as Joseph Pulitzer. Featured roles include Gwen Tierney as Medda Larkin; Nick Glisson as Race; Lillian Borton as Finch; Hayden Koehler as Albert; Drake Neuendorf as Romeo; Peyton Nafziger as Mush; Willow Gomez as Henry; Karsyn Kramer as Elmer; Charlie Green as Specs; Isabella Houston as Buttons; Elyse Brinkmeyer as JoJo; Isaac Meeker as Mr. Wiesel; Aiden Sydney as Morris Delancey; Ben Williams as Oscar Delancey; Zoe Minton as Hannah/Nun/Bowery Beauty; Cammeron Connell as Bunsen/Stage Manager/Cop; Drake Ring as Seitz/Photographer; Carson Ibbotson as Mayor/Mr. Jacobi/Nunzio/Cop; Hailey Wade as Nun/Bowery Beauty/Cop; Embree McWhorter as Nun/Bowery Beauty/Goon; Lauren Saylor as Nun/Goon; Eugene Webb as Darcy/Cop; Alannah White as Bill/Goon; and Maria LiCalzi as Woman/Goon.

The high school ensemble includes Reagan Ziegler, Aubrey Fann, and Abbie Beal.

Twenty-six students from grades 4–8 will also appear in the production. Featured among them are Oliver Knapik as Spot Conlon; Kathryn Staker as Scab #1/Flushing Newsie; Everett Tierney as Scab #2/Brooklyn Newsie; and Elliot Knapik as Scab #3/Brooklyn Newsie. Additional Brooklyn Newsies include Karson Lowery, Stout Williams, and Sam Zimmer. Flushing Newsies include Charlie Gaines, Nora Harland, Ashley Moore, Addilyn Stockham, and Emilee Winter. Richmond Newsies include Jamie Fann, Lacey Fann, Gracelyn McDougle, Harper Pierson, Hannah Ross, and Madilynn Watts. Woodside Newsies include Alison Borton, Walker Gomez, Noah Koehler, Peyton Lyle, and Ethan Sydney. Bronx Newsies include Hayes Grys, Charleigh McWhorter, and Haines Nelson.

Behind the scenes, the technical crew features Remy Martin, Ella Green, Lizzie Mount, Kylin Brockhouse, Isaac Meeker, Izzy Brothwood, Maddy Albers, Addison Fisher, Khloe Stockham, and Mia Mammen. Nate Brooks serves as technical director, Kaliee Burkhalter as assistant director, and David Knapik as set builder. Other assistance provided by Aleta Hoff (accompanist) and Trudy Schaffner (choreographer). The pit ensemble includes Ben Haushalter on drums, Heather Maughan on trumpet, Tony Jones on bass, and Maura Shepherd on the reed book.

With its expansive cast, energetic score, and strong community involvement, Newsies promises an exciting weekend of local talent on display.