Disney’s Newsies at the Muny is returning to Forest Park this summer, bringing a high-energy blend of Broadway pedigree and local talent to one of the nation’s largest outdoor stages. The production, which runs from July 16 to July 22, marks the return of a fan favorite that has not been staged at the venue since 2017.
Presented by Edward Jones, the production arrives after years of audience demand. Mike Isaacson, the Muny’s Artistic Director and Executive Producer, noted that the show was highly anticipated even before it was officially added to the schedule, with patrons frequently inquiring about its return. The musical, based on the 1992 Disney film and inspired by the real-life newsboys strike of 1899, centers on the struggle of young newspaper sellers against the powerful publishing titans of New York City.
The production is led by a seasoned creative team, with Denis Jones serving as director, Richard J. Hinds as choreographer, and Annbritt duChateau as musical director and conductor. Together, they are tasked with scaling the intimate struggle of the newsboys to fit the massive proportions of the Muny’s open-air theater.
A Broadway-Caliber Ensemble Takes the Stage
At the center of the production is Casey Likes, who makes his Muny debut as the charismatic lead, Jack Kelly. Likes brings significant Broadway experience to the role, having previously starred as Marty McFly in Back to the Future and as William in Almost Famous, for which he received a Theatre World Award. His diverse background spans film and television, including a role in MGM’s Dark Harvest and appearances in series such as American Blackout.
Opposite Likes, Michael Park will portray the formidable Joseph Pulitzer. Park is a veteran of both the stage and screen, known for his Grammy- and Emmy-winning work in Dear Evan Hansen and a 13-year tenure as Jack Snyder on the soap opera As the World Turns. His extensive Broadway credits include Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Carousel, and Tuck Everlasting, as well as appearances in contemporary series like Stranger Things and House of Cards.
Rounding out the primary adult cast is Anastacia McCleskey as Medda Larkin. Returning to the Muny for the third time, McCleskey has a prolific Broadway resume, recently originating roles in Boop! The Musical and the Tony-winning Suffs. Her previous Muny appearances include roles in Rent and The Color Purple, the latter of which earned her a St. Louis Theater Circle Award.
Balancing Experience and New Talent
The production also serves as a platform for rising stars and returning favorites. Bryce Williams returns to the Muny for his second year, stepping into the role of Davey. A senior at the University of Oklahoma, Williams previously appeared in the Muny’s production of Bring It On: The Musical.
Kayla Pecchioni makes her Muny debut as Katherine Plumber. Based in New York, Pecchioni is currently performing in Ragtime at the Lincoln Center Theater and has previously been part of the original Broadway casts of The Great Gatsby and Some Like It Hot.
The younger cast features Nolan Almeida as Crutchie, a role that mirrors his own professional start at age 15. Almeida recently toured North America in Peter Pan and appeared in the upcoming Apple TV series Brothers alongside Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. Joining him is Jaron Bentley as Les, a St. Louis native making his professional debut. Bentley has previously performed with the Center of Creative Arts and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.
Cast and Role Breakdown
| Actor | Role | Notable Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Casey Likes | Jack Kelly | Back to the Future (Broadway) |
| Michael Park | Joseph Pulitzer | Dear Evan Hansen (Broadway) |
| Anastacia McCleskey | Medda Larkin | Suffs (Broadway) |
| Bryce Williams | Davey | Bring It On (Muny) |
| Kayla Pecchioni | Katherine Plumber | The Great Gatsby (Broadway) |
| Nolan Almeida | Crutchie | Peter Pan (National Tour) |
Bringing the 1899 Newsboys Strike to Forest Park
The narrative of Newsies focuses on the systemic exploitation of child laborers in turn-of-the-century New York. When newspaper publishers increase distribution prices, the newsboys—led by the defiant Jack Kelly—organize a strike to demand fair treatment. The production features a Tony-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, with a book by Harvey Fierstein.
To execute this vision, the Muny has assembled a comprehensive design team. Tijana Bjelajac handles scenic design, Emily Rebholz manages costumes, and Paige Seber oversees lighting. The technical scale of the show is further supported by Joshua Hummel (audio), Caite Hevner (video), and Tommy Kurzman (wigs), ensuring the production maintains its Broadway-level polish in an outdoor setting.
The Muny’s artistic staff, including Associate Artistic Director Michael Baxter and Production Director Tracy Utzmyers, will oversee the integration of these elements to ensure the story’s message of advocacy and justice resonates with the large-scale audience.
For those seeking further information on tickets or scheduling, official updates are available via The Muny’s official website.
The production will conclude its run on July 22, after which the theater will transition to its next scheduled summer offering. The Muny typically announces its full seasonal rotation in early spring, and further details regarding the remainder of the 2025 season are expected in the coming months.
Do you have a favorite memory of Newsies or a first-time visit to the Muny planned? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
