Newsies

 
Sundance Mountain Resort and
Utah Valley University

present

 

Disney's
Newsies
the musical

July 18 - Aug 10, 2024



Music by alan menken
Lyrics by jack feldman

Book by Harvey fierstein


Based on the Disney Film written
by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White

 

Director Jennifer delac rimke
Music Director Julie heaton
Choreographer
erin farrell speer
Assistant Director Liz Golden
Assistant Choreographer emily frazier

 

 

Costume Designer
Spencer Potter

Scenic & Props Designer
mIlinda weeks

Asst Costume Designer
lydia curtis

Asst Scenic & Props Designer
marguerite morgan

 

Hair & Makeup Designer
shannon hutchins

 

Lighting Designer
marianne ohran

Asst Hair & Makeup Designer
sariah  
S. Mosswood

Asst Lightning Designer
brian saydyk

Sound Designer
Gabriella Warnick

Speech & Dialect Coach
Steven Rimke

Asst Sound Designer
andrew domyan

 

 
 

 

Sundance Executive Producer
Chad Linebaugh

UVU Producer
la beene

Sundance Producer
Mari Turner

UVU Associate Producer
Amanda Crabb

Production Manager
kevin warnick

Stage Manager
Rosalynn Eardley

Asst Stage Manager
sam brockman

Asst Stage Manager
daisy wilcox

Production Assistant
travis lunt

Rehearsal Pianist
peter blackham

 

 

stars

Cast


Jack Kelly Jordan Briggs
Crutchie Jonny Francis
Davey Carter McEwan
Les Chase Hardy
Race Adam Moore
Albert Jack Anderson
Specs/Jack Kelly Understudy Noah Hurley*
Henry/Brooklyn Newsie Ian Fernandez Andersen
Finch Maryn Renee Christensen
Romeo Brock Sorenson
Elmer/Brooklyn Newsie/Photographer/ Hannah & Bunsen understudy Maren Miller
Mush Isabel Eardley
Buttons/Les Understudy Stella Rose

TommyBoy/Bill/Man/Policeman/
Crutchie Understudy

Brendan Sampsel
Jojo/Scab 1 Olivia Perry**
Spot Conlon/Newsie/Goon Dan vanOrmer
Katherine Plumber Makenna Ashby
Darcy/Newsie/Scab 3/Davey Understudy KC Johnson*
Wiesel/Stage Manager/Mr. Jacobi/Mayor Cameron Ward
Morris Delancey/Brooklyn Newsie/Policeman Ian Purser
Oscar Delancey/Brooklyn Newsie/Policeman Braeden Anderson
Joseph Pulitzer M. Chase Grant
Seitz/Man/Goon Matthew Pope
Bunsen/Nun/Audience Member/
Scab 2/Richmond Newsie/
Katherine Understudy
Anne Blotter
Hannah/Nun/Bowery Beauty Brooklyn Ashby
Nunzio/Guard/Policeman/Roosevelt Darin Ashby
Snyder/Nun/Bowery Beauty Erica Schoebinger
Medda Larkin/Nun Daysha Lassiter
Nun/Woman/Brooklyn Newsie/Bowery Beauty Bronwyn Andreoli
Medda Larkin Cover Mack
Newsies Swing Emily Frazier
   
*Fight Captains  
**Dance Captain  

 

Director's Note


The story behind Newsies is based on real historical events surrounding the Newsies’ strike of 1899. The story was first portrayed through the 1992 film, which provided the basis for the staged musical, which premiered in 2011 and quickly gained popularity. When approached to direct this beloved piece, I found myself asking why an event that happened in New York City in 1899 has captured the hearts of todays’ audiences all over the country. What pulled at my heartstrings in this piece, was the hope that comes for tomorrow when people come together to work for the common good. It is the ability to seize the present moment, not knowing what the future holds, but knowing that what we do right now matters.  

This theme is carried forth by the kids and youth of this piece, driven by their conviction and energy. In a poem titled “Youth”, by Sam Ullman written in 1918, he describes youth as being more than just a number: 

“Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind;...a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life…Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.”

It is this sentiment that we must stand up for what we believe to be good, true, and beautiful that resonated so strongly with me in this piece. This theme is embodied by the Newsies who must come together, even over differences, to stand up for what they believe is right. It is my wish that this incredible company will inspire you with this story to stand up for those who don’t have a voice and work alongside those you disagree with to bring about more love and hope for the future. 

Run Crew


Audio Engineer
gabriella warnick

Mic Tech
Liz Padgett

Properties Master
Melanie velasco

Deck Hands
kaycee goff
rachel paz

Light Board Operator
David McKain

Spot Operators
Jenny Cannon
Seth Johnson

Head Wardrobe
lydia Curtis

Dressers
 Tanya Cespedes
Mariah Cramer
Isaac Dorton

Hair & Makeup
 Courtney Christensen
Mia Schoebinger

 

stars

 

musical numbers



Act 1

Santa Fe (Prologue) Jack, Crutchie
Carrying the Banner Jack, Newsies,
Nuns
The Bottom Line Pulitzer, Seitz, Bunsen, Hannah
Carrying the Banner (Reprise) Newsies
That's Rich Medda
I Never Planned on You/Don't Come a-Knocking Jack,
Bowery Beauties
The World Will Know Jack, Davey,
Les, Crutchie,
Newsies
The World Will Know (Reprise) Jack, Davey,
Les, Newsies
Watch What Happens Katherine
Seize the Day Davey, Jack,
Les, Newsies
Santa Fe Jack

 

 


15 MINUTE INTERMISSION


 

Act 2

King of New York Race, Davey,
Katherine, Les,
Newsies
Letter from The Refuge Crutchie
Watch What Happens (Reprise) Davey, Jack,
Katherine, Les
The Bottom Line (Reprise) Pulitzer, Seitz,
Bunsen
Brooklyn's Here Spot, Newsies
Something to Believe In Katherine, Jack
Seize the Day (Reprise) Newsies
Once and for All Jack, Davey,
Katherine, Newsies
Seize the Day (Reprise 2) Newsies
Finale Ultimo Company

 

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists 


 

Costume Shop


   
Costume Manager Amy Whipple
Costume Shop Supervisor Carla Summers
Assistant Shop Supervisors Lillian Hanks
  Mallory Goodman
  Jennessa Law
  Rachel Peugh
Stitchers Mariah Cramer
  Lydia Curtis
  Asriel Jensen
  Anna-Marie
McDaniel
  Liv Nielsen
  Natalie Rust
  Lee Sego
  Charlie Stone
  Daisy Wilcox

 

scenic Shop


Technical Director Nate Lowry
Scene Shop Supervisor Kreg Kiggins
Scenic Charge Ruth McMullin
Carpenters Elijah Deguair
  Blue Ellsworth
  Ethan Freestone
  Daymen Goodwin
  Kolby Jenkins
  Lucinda Lai
  Nik Mikkelsen
  Abby Rapier
  Ethan Moctezuma
  Carly Short
  Chris Vlamakis

 

 

Special Thanks


sundanceexplore

Special thanks to Westminster University for the loan of several costume items. 

 

All production construction, load in, and support provided by 
UVU School of the Arts Events and Production Services. 
For a full listing, please visit

https://www.uvu.edu/thenoorda/about/noorda-staff.html

 

Disney's Newsies is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). 

423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-541-4684  Fax: 212-397-4684

www.MTIShows.com

 

Musical recording provided by The MT Pit L.L.C.

www.themtpit.com

 

Thank you to our sponsors, Stage Right by Sundance Catalog.

 

Licensing


Originally produced on Broadway by

Disney Theatrical Productions

 

Orchestrations by Danny Troob

Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin

Dance Arrangements by Mark Hummel

 

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

(should be after “Disney's Newsies is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).”)

 

 

 

Biographies


Cast

jordan briggs
Jack Kelly

jordanJordan (he/him) is an actor and writer currently based in Salt Lake. Recent theatrical credits include In Your Dreams (Sackerson Theatre Co), Reborning (JAM Collective), Ray Dooley in The Beauty Queen of Leenane (Hart Theater Company), Andrej in Once, Mordred in Camelot, and Lem Reed in Man with the Pointed Toes (Hale Center Theater Orem). He also performed as a clown in the devised production An Act of Seven Ages for Klouns Theatre Company, both here in Utah and abroad at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Jordan studied in UVU’s Musical Theatre BFA program for seven years before dropping out. He is also co-founder of JAM Collective, a new creative company producing theatrical work in the Salt Lake area. Jordan stands in solidarity with Union members across the US and the world, and for those currently fighting to join or start unions of their own. He also stands with his Palestinian brothers and sisters in Gaza. No one is free until we’re all free.

Makenna Ashby
Katherine Plummer

ashbyMakenna (she/her) recently graduated from Utah Valley University with her BFA in Musical Theatre. She is ecstatic to be returning to the Sundance stage after being a part of The Sound of Music last summer. She is so excited to play Katherine Plumber...a long time favorite role ever since playing her when she was seventeen. Some of her other favorite roles include Louise LeBreton in The Hello Girls (HCTO), Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance (UVU), and Eve in The Children of Eden. She is also a Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts National Musical Theatre Fellow. She never dreamed she would have the opportunity to perform alongside her dad when she challenged him to audition. Now she gets to perform with her sister and her dad on the beautiful Sundance stage. 
Instagram: @makennashby

jonathan francis
Crutchie

francis

Jonny is so excited to be making his Sundance debut! He recently graduated from the UVU BFA program in Musical Theatre. Previous credits include: Michaud in The Divine at UVU, Sonny (understudy) in In The Heights at West Valley Arts, and Whizzer in Falsettos at UVU. He hopes you enjoy the show and would like to thank his family and loved ones who put up with him. 
Instagram: @ljomathan

Carter mcewan
Davey

carterCarter is excited to be joining Sundance Summer Theatre for this production of Newsies! Carter has been performing for over ten years and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Utah Valley University. Some of his previous credits include Matt in The Fantasticks (Skyridge High School), Bobby Strong in Urinetown: The Musical (Skyridge High School), Caroler in A Christmas Carol (HCTO), and Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf in Into the Woods (UVU). He also had the honor of being a Best Supporting Actor Finalist for the 2022 Utah High School Musical Theatre Awards for his performance as Bobby Strong. In his free time, Carter enjoys spending time outdoors, dabbling in graphic design, and finding good tunes to groove to. “I would like to give a huge thank you to my friends and family who have supported me in making my dreams come true. I love and appreciate each of you!” 
Instagram: @_cartermcewan_

chase hardy
Les

chaseChase (11) has been involved in music since he was four, “born to the breed” in a home full of music. He is an accomplished classical guitarist, dedicated Swiftie, and a member of the Utah COPA MDT Spire company. Chase is thrilled to be playing Les in Newsies — his first full-length, Broadway production. Previously, Chase has appeared as Nemo (Finding Nemo), Young Simba (The Lion King Jr.), Olaf (Frozen Kids), Pinocchio (Shrek Jr.), and Zazu (The Lion King Kids). When he isn't singing, dancing, playing with his younger brothers, or chatting with friends, you can find Chase crocheting amigurumi while watching cooking shows or HGTV.

adam moore
Race

adamAs an official New Yorker for the first ten months of his life, Adam is thrilled to be cast as “The King of New York” in his first show with Sundance. He is currently working towards his BFA in musical theater at UVU. Although he is somewhat new to the musical theater world, he has always loved to sing. For six years, Adam was featured generously in the One Voice Children’s choir, as well as in multiple choirs throughout his high school career. Adam recently played the role of Frederic in Timpanogos Arts Foundation’s production of The Pirates of Penzance. He continues to bring great enthusiasm and energy to every stage he sets foot on. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing; and playing basketball, guitar, and violin. 
Instagram: @broadammoore

jack anderson
Albert/Seitz Understudy

tannerJack is happy to be in his first production with Sundance! He is a junior in the University of Utah’s Musical Theatre Program. His recent roles include Spongebob SquarePants in YTU’s production of The Spongebob Musical (Kingsbury Hall), a Swing in Cabaret (Babcock), a Swing for In Pieces: A New Musical (Babcock), and Michael Hobbs in Elf: The Musical (Canyon Theatre Guild). Before attending the University of Utah, he also performed in many other local theatre productions at ESCAPE Theatre in Santa Clarita, California. He would like to thank his family and friends for encouraging him to keep up his dedication to his work and for all of their love and support over the years. He also wishes a special thank you to all that helped him prepare for this show!

noah hurley
Specs/Jack Kelly Understudy

noahNoah is very excited to make his Sundance Theatre debut! He is currently in the MDT program at BYU and is grateful to all of his teachers and mentors. Some of his favorite recent credits include The Secret Garden (BYU) and Newsies (HCT). He is excited to be a BYU Young Ambassador next season as well as be a part of Beauty and the Beast at HCT this fall. He is grateful to his loving, inspiring parents and his beautiful fiancé who have always supported him. Feel free to follow his journey at @noahmhurley!

ian fernandez andersen
Henry/Brooklyn Newsie

ianIan is a soon to be junior in the MTP at the University of Utah and is excited to perform at Sundance. His most recent show was Into the Woods (Babcock Theatre) where he played Rapunzel's Prince and was recently featured in Sunday in the Park with George (Studio 115) as George. He would also like to thank his family and friends for their unwavering support.

Maryn Renee christensen
Finch

marynMaryn is delighted to perform in Newsies this summer at Sundance! She is currently a junior studying Musical Theater at UVU and has previously performed with theatre companies such as Tuacahn Amphitheater, Brigham's Playhouse, and The Stage Door all in her hometown of St. George, Utah. Her training includes COPA Tuacahn, Westside Studio of Performing Arts, and UVU’s Theatre and Dance classes. Maryn would love to give a big thank you to the cast and crew of Newsies, as well as a thank you to her siblings who had her practicing these harmonies since the musical came out. A special thanks to family and friends from Brigham's Playhouse, where her love for theatre started. Please enjoy the show!

brock sorensen
Romeo

brockBrock is overjoyed to be working with the cast of Newsies this summer. He is currently studying musical theater at UVU, and has dreams of performing on a Broadway stage throughout his career. Outside of theater, Brock likes to golf, spend time with family, and workout calisthenics. Brock would like to give a special thanks to his mother and family for all of their support and motivation as he chases his biggest passion in life. His credits include Into the Woods as Steward/Understudy, Working: A Musical as Raj/Ensemble, and Les Miserables as Jean Valjean.

maren miller
Elmer/Brooklyn Newsie/Hannah & Bunsen Understudy

marenMaren is thrilled to be making her Sundance debut! Favorite credits: The Sound of Music (Maria - TAF); Bright Star (Margo - HCTO); How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Miss Krumholtz - HCTO); Newsies (Buttons - HCTO); Newsies (Hannah - HCTS). Maren has a BFA in Music Dance Theatre from BYU and performed with BYU’s Young Ambassadors for two years. She’d like to thank her husband, Darrik, for making all her dreams come true.

isabel eardley
Mush

isabelIsabel is a recent UVU grad with her BFA in Musical Theater. She trained at the Utah Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) where she now teaches the most amazing kids! Some of her favorite performing credits are “#14” in The Wolves, “Nadine/Dance Captain” in The Wild Party, and a Disciple “By My Side” in Godspell. This production has stretched her like none other and she is so grateful for the creative team and her castmates for making this process absolutely wonderful!

stella rose
Buttons/Les Understudy

stellaStella is beyond excited to make her Sundance debut in Newsies! She is no stranger to the thrill of outdoor theater, having spent many summers onstage at Tuacahn Amphitheater in her hometown of St. George, Utah. Tuacahn credits include The Wizard of Oz, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Newsies, Matilda, The Prince of Egypt, and The Sound of Music. Other credits include Fiddler on the Roof, The Secret Garden, Annie Get Your Gun, High School Musical, and Bye Bye Birdie. A highlight of her career so far was The Scarlet Pimpernel at the Lincoln Center in NYC. Off-stage, she enjoys hiking, camping, surfing, baking, reading, and beating her family at card games. She is currently pursuing her BFA in the Music Dance Theater program at BYU. Come see her as Irene in BYU’s Crazy for You this fall! Stella would like to thank her family for supporting her along every step of her journey.

brendan sampsel
Tommy Boy/Bill/Man/Crutchie Understudy

brendanBrendan is absolutely thrilled to be a part of his first ever Sundance Summer Theatre show! He has been doing theatre for a majority of his life, and is astounded to have made it to this level of performing! Brendan is currently studying at UVU under their Bachelors of Fine Arts program for Musical Theatre, hoping to grow in his passion for theatre and music! Brendan is proud to be sharing the stage with such beautifully inspiring people, and proud of all the blood, sweat, and tears poured into this show. He'd like to thank and shout-out his family and friends for supporting him in all his endeavors and the production/tech teams for their countless hours of dedicated, hard work! Brendan hopes you enjoy the show, and hopes you'll join him on his journey through the world of Newsies!

olivia perry
Jojo/Scab 1/Dance Captain

oliviaOlivia is thrilled to join the Sundance Summer Theater for her first musical! From Farmington, Utah, Olivia trained for 15 years at the Clytie Adams School of Ballet before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from Utah Valley University (2024), graduating with high honors and Summa Cum Laude. During her time at UVU, Olivia danced with Repertory Ballet Ensemble for four seasons, exploring various roles and genres while also assisting in rehearsals. Now, she's excited to channel her inner Newsie and bring her passion for performance to the stage in this incredible production.

dan vanormer
Spot Conlon/Newsie

danDan is excited to be a part of his first show at Sundance! Previous stage credits include The Secret Garden (Dr. Craven), Les Miserables (Jean Valjean), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo). You can catch Dan next in Hale Orem’s production of My Fair Lady and as a member of BYU’s Young Ambassadors. Special thanks to Hugh Jackman for showing us all it's cool to tap dance. Love to God and the fam!

kc johnson
Darcy/Newsie/Scab 3/Davey Understudy

kcKC is finishing a bachelor’s degree at UVU in the BFA of Musical Theater, and has had the pleasure of performing in multiple roles at the Noorda Center over the past couple of years. Roles including The Baker from Into the Woods, Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, Harry Witherspoon in Lucky Stiff, and Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet. KC is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this cast of Newsies surrounded by such talented artists, and hopes you will enjoy the show. KC wants to thank his beautiful wife for her continuous support as he follows his dreams.

cameron ward
Wiesel/Stage Manager/Mr. Jacobi/Mayor

wardCameron started on the stage at the age of six and has around 50 productions under his belt. He has worked in venues across the Utah Valley including LPHS, Murray City, AFYT, AFCT, Lehi Arts, UVP, SCERA, HCT, HCTO, and WVA. Recent credits include Bright Star (Billy Cane - Lehi Arts), Into the Woods (Cinderella's Prince - SCERA), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip - UVP). Cameron graduated from Lone Peak High School in 2022. "Be curious, not judgmental."
Instagram: @cameronmward

ian purser
Morris Delancey/Brooklyn Newsie/Policeman

ianIan is thrilled to be working at his first Sundance production with such incredible colleagues. "It's an uplifting environment and experience where I've learned and improved even more than I thought I could," he says. Newsies has been a dream show for him ever since he first saw it as a kid, and he is ecstatic to be a part of the sparkling dream he saw today. You might recognize him from productions at UVU or the Hale Center Theatre. He hopes that you enjoy the show. 

braeden anderson
Oscar Delancey/Brooklyn Newsie/Policeman

braedenBraeden has been incredibly grateful to work on this production of Newsies. He was most recently seen in BYU’s production of The Secret Garden, and following this production of Newsies, can be seen in My Fair Lady at Hale Orem. When he is not singing and dancing he most often spends his time writing screenplays and acting in film. He would like to give a special thanks to his friends for always being there as well as his parents and family for supporting him in his acting career. 

M. Chase Grant
Joseph Pulitzer

grantChase received an M.F.A. from the University of Exeter in the UK, studying theatre performance and directing with an emphasis in staging Shakespeare. Chase consistently directs and performs in productions locally and abroad. Chase currently serves as a full time instructor at UVU as Lecturer of Directing, with recent projects including directing and adapting a new play based on Shakespeare's Macbeth, titled Lady M at UVU, originating the role of Ethan in the premier of Relative Space: An Atypical Musical, and directing Gin Mummy as a mainstage production at UVU.

matthew pope
Seitz/Man/Photographer

popeMatthew fell in love with acting starting with his first role as "Sheep #2" in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His favorite roles include Riff in West Side Story, Javert in Les Misérables, and Willard in Footloose. When he's not trying to fatten the bottom line with his pal Pulitzer, he loves playing guitar, basketball, and rock climbing. He's thrilled to be performing alongside amazing friends and actors in his first show with Sundance.

anne blotter
Bunsen/Nun/Audience Member/Scab 2/Katherine Plummer Understudy

blotterAnne is from the San Francisco Bay and is currently a junior in the BYU MDT program. She has performed at theaters across Utah including Pickleville Playhouse, HCTO, and the BYU Mainstage, and she is excited to be joining the wonderful Sundance community! Some of her favorite past credits include The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Les Miserables (Cosette), Into the Woods (The Witch), Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood), and, most recently, The Secret Garden (Martha). She also looks forward to joining the BYU Young Ambassadors this coming school year! 
Instagram: @anne_blotter_mdt

brooklyn ashby
Hannah/Nun/Bowery Beauty

ashbyBrooklyn has been passionate about theatre since middle school. Her journey began with a spontaneous audition for a community theatre production of A Little Princess, where she was cast as Sarah, and instantly fell in love with acting. She has since performed in numerous theatre productions and short films. Some of her favorite roles include Margo Crawford in Bright Star, Henrietta Leavitt in Silent Sky, and Elaine Wheeler in Night Watch. Brooklyn studied and got her BFA in Musical Theatre at Utah Valley University. She is excited to be performing with Sundance and looks forward to her future as an artist.

darin ashby
Nunzio/Guard/Policeman/Roosevelt

darinDarin (he/him) is delighted to be making his Sundance Theatre debut in Newsies and to be a part of this amazing cast and production! He is very excited to be fulfilling a “bucket list” dream of sharing the stage alongside his daughters, Makenna and Brooklyn, while getting to experience and live in “their world” this summer. Darin and his family are huge Disney fans, so a Disney musical is the perfect backdrop for this memorable adventure. Along with being a classically trained portrait artist and voice talent, Darin has been involved in live stage and film throughout his corporate career. Jumping back into theatrical performance has been magical. It’s never too late to start something! A special thanks to this incredible production team, this talented crew, and to all of you for supporting the arts in Utah!

erica schoebinger
Snyder/Nun/Bowery Beauty

ericaErica is thrilled to be back at Sundance Summer Theatre. You may have last seen her on this stage in Cinderella (Charlotte). Erica’s other credits include: Hale Center Theatre - Fiddler on the Roof (Chava), Titanic: The Musical (Kate Mullins), The Secret Garden (Martha), Elf The Musical; UVU - Urinetown: The Musical (Little Becky Two Shoes), Is There An Actor in the House? (Natasha/Colombina), I and You (Caroline). She recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater from UVU and will be getting a Masters in Professional Acting in the UK.

daysha lassiter
Medda Larkin/Nun

daysha“Music is a part of your life” are the words to live by. They were the words uttered every day at the end of band class and they inspired a 13-year-old girl growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida. Three decades and many life experiences later, those words are still true. A transplant to Utah, Daysha made Utah County her home in 2012 to study classical voice at The University of Utah. Her breakout role into musical theater was “Nell” in Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ (WVC Arts, 2020). She’s since covered ground in a myriad of genres. From Menken’s Beauty & the Beast to Little Shop of Horrors, Daysha aims to be versatile and unlimited. Her goal is to meet people where they are through intersectionality and Southern charm. Her newest role is “Mama” to Shepard, her only child, who frequents the theater and seems to follow in mom’s footsteps.

bronwyn andreoli
Nun/Woman/Brooklyn Newsie/Bowery Beauty

bronwynnBronwyn is currently pursuing a BFA degree in Musical Theater at Utah Valley University. Some of her favorite credits include Suzanne Prevot in The Hello Girls (HCTO), Belle in A Christmas Carol (HCTO), Octet/Topper's Girl in A Christmas Carol (HCT), Swing/Ensemble/Dance Capt. in The Sound of Music (Sundance Theatre), Dominique Du Monaco in Lucky Stiff (UVU), Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet (UVU), and Belle in Beauty and the Beast Jr. (HCTO). She has also had the opportunity to music direct both The Scarlet Pimpernel and Willy Wonka Jr. at Alpine Community Theater.

mack
Medda Larkin Cover

mackSome of Mack’s favorite credits include: Medda Larkin (Newsies, both 2023 & 2018), Dolly Levi (Hello, Dolly!), Ursula (Disney’s The Little Mermaid), Marie/Fairy Godmother (Cinderella), Deloris Van Cartier (Sister Act), and Oda Mae Brown (GHOST: The Musical) with Hale Centre Theatre; Mother U/S (Passing Strange) with Salt Lake Acting Company; and Motor Mouth Maybelle (Hairspray) with HCTO.

emily frazier
Assistant Choreographer/Newsies Swing

emilyEmily is so excited to be a part of the Sundance family for the first time this summer! Emily is an Orange County native and recent graduate from the Musical Theatre program at the University of Utah. Most recently she was seen as Katie Gardner in the University of Utah’s production of The Lightning Thief. Regional credits include: Matilda (Moonlight Amphitheatre), West Side Story, Billy Elliot (La Mirada / McCoy Rigby Entertainment), The Wizard of Oz, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (3D Theatricals). Television credits: America’s Got Talent Season 13, AGT Champions, WE Day 2019 with Pentatonix, Red Nose Day. Additional Credits: Now Here This - Virtual Production, Evita, Sweet Charity (Orange County School of the Arts). Creative Credits: Annie Jr.: Choreographer (Broadway Arts Studio), Cabaret: Assistant Choreographer (University of Utah), and The Drowsy Chaperone: Assistant Choreographer (Orange County School of the Arts). Emily would like to thank Erin and the rest of the Sundance team for this incredible opportunity! 

 

production

jennifer delac rimke
Director

dilacJennifer is thrilled to be returning to Sundance after choreographing The Sound of Music last summer! Select credits include: Diana the Musical (Assistant to Dir. Chris Ashley, Broadway - Longacre Theatre), The Beast in the Jungle (Assistant to Dir. Susan Stroman, Vineyard Theatre), Into the Woods (Director/Choreographer, UVU), Brigadoon (Director/Choreographer, Penn State Centre Stage), Song From the Uproar (Assistant Director/Dance Captain, LA Opera/BMP), TEXAS! (Asst. Choreographer/Dance Captain, TPHF). She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at Utah Valley University. So much gratitude to the producing team for supporting her vision on such an impactful show and all the love to her family for supporting her artistic dreams, especially Steven Rimke, without whom she could not have done this production. This show is dedicated to Evelyn, may you always know how your dreams can change the world for the better.

julie heaton
Music Director

julieJulie is happy to return to Sundance this year, having done double duty for last year's production of The Sound of Music as both Director and Music Director. Julie is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Utah Valley University and specializes in advanced acting, acting for film, and voice over acting. Prior to joining the faculty at UVU, she was the Head of the Musical Theatre Program at Nebraska Wesleyan University and was involved in over two dozen musicals there, serving as director, music director, and occasionally both! She has herself appeared in 75+ plays and musicals over the past 20 years. When not performing or directing, she can be found in her home voice over studio or shooting commercials around Salt Lake, and once upon a time, you may have even caught a glimpse of her in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. She holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and did her undergraduate work at the University of Utah.

erin farrell speer
Choreographer/Fight Director

erinOriginally from Los Angeles, Erin’s directing and performance career has taken her from coast to coast. She just completed her first year as the head of the Musical Theatre Program at the University of Utah.

Prior to joining the faculty at the U, Erin co-founded and developed the curriculum for the BFA in musical theatre at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has also taught in the musical theatre programs at Penn State and Florida Southern College.

Broadway and National Tour: Escape to Margaritaville. Off-Broadway: Stardust Road (The York Theatre). Other favorite directing credits: Rock of Ages, The Bridges of Madison County, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The SpongeBob Musical, Pippin, American Idiot, Sweet Charity. BFA - Michigan, MFA - Penn State. Many thanks to the cast, crew and creatives for their hard work!

elizabeth golden
Assistant Director

Liz is an acting professor at Utah Valley University and holds an MFA in Classical Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Birmingham in the UK. Previous roles include Shannon in Relative Space (Creekside Theater Festival), Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing (Renaissance Now), Annie in Silent Sky (Pygmalion Productions). Her recent directing credits include Persuasion (UVU), Tigers be Still (Pygmalion Productions), and How I Learned to Drive (An Other Theater Company).

spencer potter
Costume Designer

Spencer is an associate professor at Westminster University as well as the Westminster Performing Arts Center director. Spencer designed costumes for Sundance Summer Theatre’s 2022 production of Cinderella. Other costume design credits include: Four Women Talking about the Man Under the Sheet, The Cake, HIR, and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs at Salt Lake Acting Company; The Odd Couple at Lyric Repertory Company; and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Tuacahn. Spencer’s scenic design credits include: Fences, Mamma Mia, Grey Gardens, Wait Until Dark, Tons of Money, and The Woman in Black, at Lyric Repertory Company; Blythe Spirit, Red Hot Patriot, Ann, How to Make a Rope Swing, Billy Bishop Goes to War, at Cape May Stage.
spencerpotterdesign.com

lydia curtis
Assistant Costume Designer/Wardrobe Lead

Lydia is excited to be a part of Newsies! She is currently in the BFA design program at UVU with a focus on costume design. This is her first time working with Sundance and she is enthusiastic to join the team. Her previous projects include designing the costumes for Reborning (directed by by McKell Rae) and Deep Love (directed by Liz Whittaker), and assisting in costume design for UVU's Gin Mummy and Liz Golden's Ok Mom.

milinda weeks
Scenic & Props Designer

milindaMilinda is a theatrical designer and educator specializing in scenic and lighting design. She holds an MFA in Theatre Arts from the Caine College of Fine Arts, Utah State University. Upon graduating, she immediately began her career as an educator, working for Snow College where she became an Associate Professor and the Head of the Design Program. She recently made the move to BYU as a member of their Design Faculty. Milinda’s professional credits include companies such as Maine State Musical Theater, Tuacahn Center for the Arts, Fulton Theater Company, and of course Sundance Summer Theatre where Milinda has designed for three productions: Cinderella, The Sound of Music, and Newsies. 

marguerite morgan
Assistan Scenic & Props Designer

Marguerite is thrilled to be working with Sundance and Milinda Weeks as the assistant scenic designer for Newsies. She is currently majoring in Theatre Art Studies with an emphasis in scenic design at BYU. Although this is her first time working with Sundance, her recent projects include House of Desires as scenic designer, The Caucasian Chalk Circle as scenic designer and sound designer, and Icarus as scenic designer and performer with Klouns Theatre Company. She is also working as the scenic designer for BYU’s upcoming production of Men on Boats. Marguerite is grateful to collaborate with so many creative individuals and wants to thank her family and friends for all their support.

shannon hutchins
Hair & Makeup Manager

shannonShannon is thrilled to be making her Sundance debut! She earned her MFA in Theater Design & Production from The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in 2017 and has worked as a freelance hair/makeup designer and makeup artist at various companies for the last 10 years. Favorite credits include Henry IV ft. Tom Hanks at the LA Shakespeare Company, The Flying Dutchman at the Utah Opera, and The Judas Kiss at the Theatre at Boston Court. Television credits include 7 seasons as a Makeup Artist on the hit sketch comedy series, Studio C, as well as making wigs for the films Glass and Vice, among many others. She currently teaches makeup and design classes at UVU.

sariah s. Mosswood
Assistant Hair & Makeup Designer

sariahSariah is ecstatic to be assisting with hair and makeup design on the Sundance stage. They recently enjoyed designing Hair and Makeup for Into the Woods (UVU), and being the Hair and Makeup Supervisor for The Sound of Music at Sundance (2023). As a film student with a passion for hair and makeup, she enjoys bringing elements of design to life on stage and the screen. 

marianne ohran
Lighting Designer

mariahMarianne is excited to be designing for the first time at Sundance Summer Theatre. She works at BYU as the lighting manager for the Theatre and Media Arts Department. There she enjoys teaching and mentoring students, designing, and overseeing the lighting shop. Recent design credits for BYU include The Secret Garden, Blithe Spirit, and Godspell. Marianne also designs at the Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy. Recent designs there include Fiddler on the Roof, Silent Sky, and Bright Star. She also enjoys designing for Utah Metropolitan Ballet. In her free time, Marianne enjoys spending time with her husband and four children and also dancing with a competition clogging team.

brian saydyk
Assistant Lighting Designer

A recent graduate from Brigham Young University, Brian has a passion for storytelling through light. He's excited for this opportunity to collaborate closely with seasoned professionals and contribute to the visual narrative of this high-energy show. Their technical expertise is complemented by a rich touring background, having worked as a lighting technician across diverse cultural landscapes in Mexico, New Zealand, and Tahiti. These international experiences have not only broadened his design palette but also instilled a deep appreciation for the nuances of global theatre practices.

gabriella warnick
Sound Designer/ Engineer

Gabriella is happy to return to the mountain for this year’s production. Previously she has worked as an engineer for Cinderella and Footloose at Sundance as well as several productions and performing groups including Fiddler on the Roof and the Young Ambassadors at BYU. As a designer she has worked on various plays such as Julius Caesar and "The Vintage Broadcast Podcast". After Newsies, you can hear her design work in Crazy For You at BYU this fall. 

andrew domyan
Assistant Sound Designer

domyanAndrew has never sold a newspaper in his life, and that’s not about to change, because his job here is to assist the Sound Designer, not the newspaper…designers? He did first see Newsies in 9th grade and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread, and he is so excited to spend half his time on this show doing Assistant Sound Designer-esque things and the other half singing along to all the songs veryyyy quietly. 

Previously, his work (and sometimes his sing along skills) have been heard throughout UVU Theatre, on shows such as Machinal, Lady M, Ghost Quartet, Is There An Actor In The House?, Persuasion, and The Heidi Chronicles, as well as several local area productions, including Creekside Theatre Fest’s Relative Space and School of Rock. In the near future, he’ll be filling the stages of Jekyll & Hyde at West Valley Arts and Little Women at UVU with many more sounds (not to mention noises, rackets, notes, jangles, and maybe even sonorities), so stay tuned (yes, pun intended). 

In between shows, he spends his time justifying his Philosophy degree by philosophizing on the nature of sound as an aesthetic phenomenon in theater. So if you want a headache, come find him and he’ll do a wonderful job of pretending he actually knows what those words mean. 

steven rimke
Speech and Dialect Coach

rimkeSteven is an Assistant Professor of Voice and Speech at UVU. His expertise is in accents and dialects, acting, phonetics, and voice for the stage. He holds his MFA in Voice Studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, (London England) and a BFA in Acting with a minor in Greek and Roman Studies from the University of Calgary (Calgary Canada). He has worked across the United States, Canada, and Europe. He most recently completed a certification in helping actors scream safely.

rosalynn eardley
Production Stage Manager

rosalynnRosalynn is a recent graduate of Brigham Young University with a BFA in Stage Management. She is thrilled to be back on the mountain as the Production Stage Manager for Newsies! Her most recent Production Stage Management credits include The Sound of Music (Sundance), The Sound of Music: Youth Edition, Freaky Friday: One Act Edition (Hale Centre Theatre - Sandy), and Godspell, Matilda (BYU). 

sam brockman
Assistant Stage Manager 1

samSam is a junior in the BFA Stage Management program at UVU. They are so thrilled to work on their first project at Sundance with such an incredible team! Recent credits include The Diary of Anne Frank (Stage Manager), Machinal (Assistant Lighting Designer), and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead (Stage Manager). After Newsies, you can find them sound designing for Metamorphoses and stage managing Little Women as UVU Mainstage shows. They would like to thank their family and Patch Olsen for all their love and support.

daisy wilcox
Assistant Stage Manager 2

Daisy is excited to be a part of Newsies. She is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education. Afterwards, she hopes to be a high school theatre teacher and inspire the lives of other theatre lovers as her teachers did for her. Daisy has been lucky enough to work on a variety of shows in different roles including Into the Woods (Assistant Choreographer), Machinal (Production Assistant) and The Pirates of Penzance (Deck Crew). She likes to collect earrings and trinkets.

authors

alan menken
Composer

menkenTheater: God Bless You Mr Rosewater, Little Shop Of Horrors, Real Life Funnies, Atina: Evil Queen Of The Galaxy, Kicks, The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz, Beauty And The Beast, A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap Of Faith, Aladdin and Newsies. Film: Little Shop Of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Hercules, Life With Mikey, Lincoln, Home On The Range, Noel, Enchanted, Shaggy Dog, Tangled and Mirror Mirror. Songs: Rocky V, Home Alone 2 and Captain America. Awards: 8 Oscars (19 nominations), 11 Grammys (including Song of the Year), 7 Golden Globes, Tony® (plus 4 nominations), Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics, Olivier and London's Evening Standard Award, Drama League. Honors: Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Doctorates from New York University and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

jack feldman
Lyricist

feldmanJack Feldman has written music and lyrics for theater, film, television and pop records. His vast number of works include: Broadway and Off-Broadway: The Madwoman of Central Park West; Isn’t It Romantic, by Wendy Wasserstein; Beyond Therapy, by Christopher Durang; Coming Attractions, by Ted Tally; Miami (book by Ms. Wasserstein). Regional: Music for Mr. Durang and Albert Innaurato’s Idiots Karamazov at the Yale Repertory Theatre. Film: Oliver & Company; Tribute; Thumbelina; Newsies; Home Alone 2: Lost in New York; Used People; Life with Mikey; A Goofy Movie; The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride; and102 Dalmatians. TV: Music and lyrics for the PBSTheatre in America production of Eve Merriam’s Out of Our Father’s House; The Magic Hat; The Little Mermaid(TV special); Polly; “Sesame Street;” “Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss;” and “Out of the Box.” Also many pop songs, including the Grammy Award-winning “Copacabana,” the top-10 hit “I Made It Through the Rain,” and songs and special material for Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, Liza Minnelli, Lily Tomlin, Dionne Warwick, and the Muppets.

harvey fierstein
Book Writer

harveyHarvey Fierstein (Book) is a four-time Tony Award-winning writer and actor. His Broadway writing credits include Kinky Boots, Torch Song Trilogy (Tony, Drama Desk, Dramatists Guild Awards), Casa Valentina, Safe Sex, Legs Diamond and A Catered Affair (12 Drama Desk nominations and the Drama League Award for Best Musical). His La Cage Aux Folles is the only show to ever win Best Musical and 2 Best Revival Tony Awards. Other plays include Spookhouse, Forget Him and Flatbush Tosca. His teleplays include Tidy Endings for HBO (ACE Award), and On Common Ground for Showtime. His children's HBO special, The Sissy Duckling, won the Humanitas Prize and the book version is in its eighth printing. Other honors include the Drama League Award for Outstanding Performer of the Year, a special OBIE award, NY Magazine Award, and nominations for The Olivier Award and an Emmy. His political writings have been seen on PBS' series “In The Life” and published in The NY Times, Huffington Post and Hartford Courant. He was inducted into The Theater Hall of Fame in 2008.

Musical Theatre International
Licensing Agency

Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.

MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide.

MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.

 
 

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