AET Presents Disney’s Tony-Award Winning Hit, “Newsies”
Based on the 1992 film-turned-Broadway sensation and on the true story of the newboys’ strike in 1899 New York, “Newsies,” is full of inspiration, rousing music, thrilling dance...and heart as big as the Empire State Building. This fully LIVE performance runs weekends April 17-May 10; Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2 p.m. AET is dedicating this production to the memory of beloved local actor and member of our theatre family, Josiah Santos.
Charismatic newsboy Jack Kelly (Thomas Irish) dreams of a better life with his best friend, Crutchie (Ivan Medina) before they arrive to pick up their newspapers to sell for the day, when they meet newcomers Davey (Kevin Orduño) and his little brother, Les (Gavin MacMurdo). Jack agrees to show them the ropes and finds Les is a natural newsboy. Things are business as usual until Jack and his friends discover that the titan of newspaper publishing, Pulitzer (Michael Stewart) and his cronies, have raised prices overnight. Knowing that the newies are already poor and struggling, many orphaned, Davey proposes that they should strike, though many think it’s too risky. But Jack rallies his “newsies” behind him, and they agree to strike for what’s right.
Meanwhile Maverick reporter Katherine Plumber (Piper Pelletier) catches wind of the story and asks to be the one to scoop the story. Sparks fly between her and Jack, and soon Jack, Katherine, Davey and all the newsies gather more and more support—and more enemies. Determined not to let the newsies shut down his operations, Pulitzer hires goons to intimidate the newsboys and even tries to bribe Jack to give up his strike. But with the support of newsies all over town, Jack and his friends risk it all to achieve something that’s never been done before.
With a vibrant, triumphant score by EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) Award-winning composer Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein, this electrifying musical boasts many musical theatre favorites such as “Santa Fe,” “Carrying the Banner,” and “The King of New York.”
“Newsies” is Directed and Choreographed by Mickey Nugent, with Assistant Direction/Assistant Choreography by Rachael Fornof and Music Direction by Jacob Litt.
On the dedication: In September of 2025, Josiah was cast as Specs in AET's upcoming production of Newsies. Tragically, University of Arizona students Josiah Santos, his dear girlfriend Sophia Troetel and friend Katya Castillo-Mendoza died as victims of a tragic hit and run by an impaired driver on October 30, 2025.
While we will never see him perform that role, his family has asked to honor Josiah by planting seeds for his legacy to live on in our community through the Josiah Santos Memorial Education scholarship fund. In honor of their friendship, Noah Embry (Specs) will be co-billed with Josiah.
For tickets, visit www.arts-express.org or call the Arts Express Theatre Box Office at (520) 319-0400.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3595311-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3595311-2
