Seize the Day: Newsies Opens This Thursday at Harper Center
April 12, 2026
The wait is over—Disney’s Newsies opens this Thursday at the Harper Center for the Arts at Presbyterian College, bringing one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals to the Clinton stage.
Presented by the Laurens County Community Theatre in partnership with Presbyterian College, the production marks the first major theatrical performance in the newly reopened Black Box Theatre at the Harper Center.
Inspired by the true story of the 1899 Newsboys’ Strike in New York City, Newsies follows the journey of Jack Kelly and a determined group of young newspaper sellers as they unite to challenge powerful publishers and fight for what is right. Packed with high-energy dance numbers, crowd-favorite songs, and an uplifting message of courage and resilience, the Tony Award-winning musical promises an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.
Performances will take place April 16–19 with showtimes as follows:
- Thursday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 18 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, April 19 at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets are $15, and seating is limited. Advance tickets may be purchased online at:
https://laurens-county-community-theater.square.site
Featured Cast
Leading the cast is Andrew “Phoenix” Piotrowski as Jack Kelly, alongside Lexi Abbott as Katherine Plumber, Dexter Simmons as Davey, and Artie Piotrowski as Crutchie.
Other featured cast members include:
- Kendis Green as Les
- James Donnelly as Joseph Pulitzer
- Sierra Wesson as Medda Larkin
- Silas Schiera as Race
- Holly Hollingshead as Finch
- Dylan English as Albert
- William Hayden as Romeo
- Dana Caldwell as Specs
- Raimee Davis as Henry
- Gemma Gearheart as Spot Conlon/Buttons
- Avery Clark as Tommy Boy
- Ja’nya Austin as Mush
- Lesslie Blakely as Wiesel/Mr. Jacobi
- Jacob Wesson as Morris Delancey/Teddy Roosevelt
- Jacob Blakely as Oscar Delancey/Stage Manager
- Sam Lin as Bunsen
- Benji Siqueiros as Seitz
- Amy Link as Hannah
- Bob Link as Nunzio/Mayor
- Wylie Henderson as Snyder
Ensemble members include Harper Nelson, Lizzie Davidson, Kate Howard, Adela Donnelly, Emma Dula, Miriam Buice, and Arohi Patel.
Production Crew
The production is directed by Holly Hollingshead, with Kipper Ackerman serving as Music Director and Gemma Gearheart as Artistic Director.
Additional crew includes:
- Benji Siqueiros – Stage Manager
- Salaam Jenkins – Light Board Operator
- Bob Link – Sound Technician
- Kay Addison – Costuming
- Tim Howard and Holly Hollingshead – Set Construction
- Holly Hollingshead and Gemma Gearheart – Choreography
- Artie Piotrowski and Dexter Simmons – Dance Captains
With a talented local cast, dedicated production team, and the excitement of opening night in a revitalized venue, Newsies is poised to be one of the spring’s must-see performances in Laurens County.
Community members are encouraged to make plans now to attend and support local performing arts while enjoying an unforgettable theatrical experience.
