Last night, we had the opportunity to attend the opening night of Newsies, presented by Summer Stock Stage at the Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University, and we left the theater with one overwhelming feeling: Indianapolis is home to extraordinary young talent.
Inspired by the real-life Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, Newsies has always been known for its powerful music, energetic choreography, and inspiring message about standing up for what’s right. But Summer Stock Stage’s 2026 production doesn’t simply recreate the beloved Disney musical—it elevates it with a level of professionalism that feels remarkably close to a regional or even national touring production.
A New Generation Bringing the Story to Life
One of the biggest strengths of this production is its cast. Every performer brings genuine commitment to the stage, creating an ensemble that never loses energy from the opening number to the final curtain.
We especially loved the chemistry between Clive Guidry as Jack Kelly and Sylvi Phillips as Katherine. Their performances felt fresh, authentic, and emotionally grounded while honoring the characters audiences already know and love. Rather than imitating previous productions, they made these roles feel like their own, giving the story a renewed sense of life.
The supporting cast deserves equal recognition. From the heartfelt portrayal of Crutchie by Gabe Mathew to the powerful ensemble work throughout the show, every performer contributed to creating a production that felt cohesive and full of heart.
Choreography That Never Stops Moving
If you’ve seen Newsies before, you know audiences come expecting spectacular dance numbers—and this production absolutely delivers.
The choreography is athletic, precise, and incredibly energetic, with large ensemble sequences that keep the stage constantly alive. Every musical number feels carefully crafted, making full use of the Schrott Center stage while showcasing the remarkable abilities of these young performers. Summer Stock Stage itself described this as one of its most athletic ensembles to date, and it certainly lives up to that promise.
A Technically Outstanding Production
Beyond the performances, what impressed us most was the overall production quality.
The lighting design deserves special recognition. Every cue helped shape the mood without distracting from the action, adding cinematic depth throughout the performance.
The sound design was equally impressive. Dialogue remained clear, vocals were balanced beautifully with the orchestra, and every emotional moment landed exactly as intended.
Combined with strong scenic and costume design, the technical elements created an experience that felt polished from beginning to end.
More Than Entertainment
Perhaps the most inspiring part of the evening wasn’t just the musical itself—it was watching so many young artists perform at such a high level.
Productions like this remind us why organizations like Summer Stock Stage matter. They provide emerging performers with an opportunity to develop professional-level skills while giving Indianapolis audiences exceptional theater right in our own city.
It’s exactly the kind of artistic investment that strengthens the local performing arts community.
Our Final Thoughts
Simply put, don’t miss this show.
With performances running only through July 19, tickets are becoming limited, and this is one of those productions you’ll wish you had seen if it sells out.
More importantly, we hope audiences continue supporting Summer Stock Stage—not just for Newsies, but for every production they bring to Indianapolis.
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