Tony Award-winning musical based on a true story opens July 17 in Historic Folsom
Audiences will soon be carrying the banner to Historic Folsom as Disney’s Newsies opens at Sutter Street Theatre, bringing the inspiring true story of courage, determination and standing up for what’s right to the local stage.
Opening July 17 and running through Aug. 9, the acclaimed Broadway musical continues Sutter Street Theatre’s busy summer season with a production filled with energetic choreography, memorable songs and a powerful message about perseverance and unity.
Based on the 1992 Disney motion picture and inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899, Newsies follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic New York City newsboy who dreams of a better life beyond the city streets. When powerful newspaper publishers raise distribution prices at the expense of the young news sellers, Jack unites newsies from across the city to fight back against the unfair conditions, proving that even the smallest voices can make a lasting impact.
Directed and choreographed by Devin LePage, the production features musical direction by Christine Irish and assistant direction by Dena Jimena. The show combines high-energy dance numbers with an uplifting story that has made Newsies one of Disney’s most celebrated stage musicals.
Audiences can expect a Tony Award-winning score by legendary composer Alan Menken, with lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. The production features many of the musical’s best-known songs, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe,” which have become favorites among theater audiences since the show’s Broadway debut.
Known for its athletic choreography and inspirational storytelling, Newsies has earned widespread acclaim for blending exciting musical performances with a story rooted in American history. Its themes of teamwork, resilience and the pursuit of justice continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The production is rated PG due to mild language and thematic violence, making it suitable for most families while presenting an engaging theatrical experience for children, teens and adults alike.
Performances are scheduled Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 4:30 p.m., continuing through Aug. 9 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Historic Folsom.
Summer Season Continues with Grease and Forum
Newsies joins an already busy lineup of productions at Sutter Street Theatre this summer.
The theater’s Family Series production of Grease School Version continues through July 26, taking audiences back to the halls of Rydell High with Danny, Sandy, the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds in the beloved musical packed with classic rock-and-roll favorites.
Meanwhile, Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed Broadway comedy Something Happened on the Way to the Forum, directed by Kenny Brian Gagni, continues on the main stage through July 19. The Tony Award-winning musical comedy transports audiences to ancient Rome for an evening of mistaken identities, outrageous schemes and nonstop laughter, highlighted by the iconic opening number, “Comedy Tonight.”
Together, the three productions offer theatergoers a diverse summer lineup ranging from Disney family entertainment and nostalgic musical favorites to one of Broadway’s most celebrated comedies.
Tickets and additional information for all productions are available through the Sutter Street Theatre box office and at SutterStreetTheatre.com.
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