Quincy Community Theatre announces cast of ‘Newsies,’ which will take stage in July

QUINCY — The Quincy Community Theatre recently announced the cast for “Newsies,” which will take the stage July 19-21 and 25-28.

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 the titan of publishing raises distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right. “Newsies” is based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story.

The cast of characters includes Nicholas Lickfeld as Jack Kelly, Clara Louthan as Katherine Plummer, Marci Keller as Medda Larkin, Patrick Hedges as Joseph Pulitzer, Liam Hall as Les Jacobs, Max Miller as Spot Conlon, Conall Wolfmeyer as Crutchie and Michael Hark as Davey Jacobs.

Others making headlines this summer will be Miller Robertson, Gavin Ginos, Alec Eaton, Dominic Regner, Maurice Silas, Jack Miller, Noah Klauser, Jaxon Lay, Joey Engelmeyer, Harrison Schmidt, Andrew Klus, Riley Holthaus, Kiley Shoot, Jeremy Kurfman, Alexander Guegel, Zoey Griffin, Thalia Wolfmeyer, Bella Green, Jason Lewton, Glenn Boettger, Evan Conover, Scott Gough and Randy Wolfmeyer.

“Newsies” is under the direction of guest director Ethan Nienaber.

“After spending a portion of my life in New York City, I cannot wait to bring the electric energy of NYC to Quincy audiences this summer,” Nienaber said in a press release. “‘Newsies’ is an incredible story of love, loss and chosen family. I am thrilled to be staging this adrenaline-pumping musical about a unique time in American history and hope everyone who joins us leaves with a unique sense of pride — not only for the fantastic talent on display with this cast from their community but also for their own place in the country we all have a hand in shaping.”

The production team has Elizabeth Mannhardt as vocal director, Cheryl Kaiser as choreographer, Monica Scholz as conductor, stage management by Donna Haire, costume design by Vicky Vail, scenic design by Eric Luchen, lighting design by Russell Long, sound design by Jay Trimble, Baily McNamar as assistant stage manager, Jason Keller as project manager and the dramaturg is JW Crouch.

Discovery Night for “Newsies” will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, at QCT. The free event will give participants a view into the production process with discussion and Q&A. Immediately after the Friday, July 26, performance will be a Q&A Talk Back session with the cast and crew.

Flex season ticket holders may reserve their tickets starting June 13. General tickets go on sale June 25. Seating is reserved.

From the newsboys’ strike to the power of unity, “Newsies” delivers a timeless message with heart, soul and a whole lot of charisma.

QCT is looking for volunteers to help build the set, scan tickets, usher and more. Visit 1qct.org or call the box office at 217-222-3209 for more information on how to get involved or learn more about the show. 

“Newsies” is sponsored by Blessing Health Systems and WGEM. QCT’s 2024 season is sponsored by Gardner Denver.

Quincy Community Theatre offers five major productions, three student productions, various touring performances and a variety of workshops and classes each year. QCT programming is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. QCT’s media sponsors are KHQA, Townsquare Media, Staradio, The Herald-Whig and WGEM.  QCT’s student theatre program is supported by The Tracy Family Foundation, the Marion Gardner Jackson Charitable Trust and Arts Quincy.

For information about upcoming shows and theatre activities or to buy tickets, visit www.1qct.org or call the box office at 217-222-3209, open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.