The Virginia Theatre Festival is bringing one of the most beloved musicals of all time to Charlottesville with Disney’s Newsies – running from July 9-19 at the Culbreth Theatre.
Based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899, Disney’s Newsies tells the inspiring tale of young, charismatic Jack Kelly, who rallied his fellow turn-of-the-century newsies to strike back against the leading media moguls of the day to protest unfair conditions and fight for what is right. The inspiring underdog tale urges us all to “Seize the Day” and features empowering anthems from the legendary Alan Menken, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Santa Fe,” and “King of New York.”
“This show is the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of theater with the whole family,” said VTF Artistic Director Jenny Wales. “From its empowering message to fight for what is right to the incredible songs and stunning choreography, it is the kind of show that can ignite a lifelong love of this incredible art form, and we are so excited to share it with the Charlottesville community.”
Broadway Veteran Matthew Steffens Returns to His “Artistic Home”
Disney’s Newsies will be directed and choreographed by UVA alum and Broadway veteran Matthew Steffens, who returns to what he calls his “artistic home” on the heels of his acclaimed productions of Cabaret (2023) and last season’s Into the Woods. His credits include Associate Choreographer of the Tony Award-nominated revival of Into the Woods, the upcoming Antonio Banderas film Armadillo United, and La Traviata at the Garsington Opera in England.
Beyond being a timeless Broadway hit, Steffens said, Disney’s Newsies is a show uniquely suited for the times we are living in. “This is a show about dreaming and fighting for your rights at a time when it feels like society is pressing down on us. This is a show about what can happen when we all come together.” Steffens said. “Dreaming and fighting for our rights are two things everyone can connect with, whether you are a five-year-old or 85-year-old, and whether we are dreaming about our own lives or the lives of our kids, or grandkids, or nephews and nieces.”
The Biggest Production in VTF History
It is only fitting that a show with such big themes would be one of the biggest to ever hit the VTF stages. The cast of 37, Steffens said, is certainly the largest he has helmed here, and the show features as much dancing as any he has seen – to an array of songs that Steffens likes to say encompasses “banger after banger.”
“Ever since I returned to Charlottesville, I have been really interested in putting casts together that represent the best of New York, and the best of Charlottesville. There is incredible talent here, and it is great to bring them together with the extraordinary actors we bring in.”
The Disney’s Newsies cast is also full of talent from the University of Virginia. “This is the most UVA cast members I have had since I’ve been coming back here,” Steffens said, “and providing this opportunity for students at my alma mater means a lot to me.”
Charlottesville’s Young Artists Take the Stage
Youth is served in the Disney’s Newsies cast in another important way, with 13 young artists joining as part of a partnership with Charlottesville’s acclaimed performing arts academy DMR Adventures.
“I am so excited to be working with these young artists from DMR Adventures,” Steffens said. “I have worked with them over the past ten years in many different capacities and have found that they do a wonderful job of teaching youth in classes in all parts of the performing arts – they are not only creating great artists but also creating great humans who have a way of thinking about the arts in a very different way.”
The only struggle, he says, is being limited to 13 spots in the cast. “When we auditioned at DMR, we saw so many young artists that we could have hired an additional 35 cast members. I am so excited to bring this group into the VTF orbit.”
Get Your Tickets
With all the excitement surrounding this headline-worthy, Tony-winning musical coming to Charlottesville, tickets are already going fast. Make sure you get yours for Disney’s Newsies by visiting virginiatheatrefestiv
Looking for more family fun and events in Charlottesville? Browse our events calendar for everything happening this summer, and check out our education hub for performing arts classes, camps, and programs for kids of all ages. Learn more about DMR Adventures, one of Charlottesville’s premier performing arts academies for young artists.
About the Author
John Kelly is a Charlottesville-based freelance publicist and writer who has worked with the Virginia Theatre Festival since 2005. He plays a key role on the VTF marketing team, creating messaging around the organization and each production while handling all media outreach and press inquiries. John also serves as publicist for the Virginia Film Festival. He is a graduate of the University of Richmond.