1/3/2025
| HOPE MURRAY-TREMBLAY
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Theater arts is not only alive and well in the region, but thriving.
The Amherst Community Theater is just one of several area theater groups producing high-quality shows open to the public that not only entertain, but inspire audiences.
Amherst Community Theater’s next production, “Newsies,” is slated to do just that.
The show opens Jan. 16 and runs through Jan. 26 at Bowker Auditorium in Stockbridge Hall on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus. Amherst Community Theater productions are carefully considered. The theater’s board of directors considers multiple shows and votes to determine each year’s selection according to a number of criteria.
“We try to choose a show that can include a large and diverse multi-generational cast from the local community and that will similarly appeal to a broad audience, including families with children,” said Phoebe Hazzard, a member of the theater group and prop manager for “Newsies.”
“’Newsies’ is an electrifying, uplifting musical inspired by the real-life 1899 Newsboys’ Strike in New York City,” said Hazzard. “It follows a group of scrappy young newsies as they take on the powerful publishing giants to demand fair treatment and better wages.”
The show features catchy songs and high energy dance numbers, but at its heart, it’s a story about standing together and fighting for what’s right.
“Newsies” director is Megan Healey, musical director is Cindy Naughton and choreographer is Sue Dresser. The cast includes Greyson Lynch as Jack Kelly, Eli Rachelle as Crutchie and Clay Gregory as Davey.
“We’ve been rehearsing since the first weekend of October, and the cast has been pouring their energy into every moment. Rehearsals have been full of fun, laughter, and collaboration as we bring this vibrant show to life,” Hazzard said.
Hazzard said although the show is set in the late 19th century, its message holds up to the modern world.
“Our production of ‘Newsies’ feels just as relevant today as it did in 1899,” said Hazzard. “The show tackles issues like social justice, fair labor practices, and standing up for what you believe in — things we’re still talking about now.”
She went on to say, “We’re also proud to feature a diverse cast, with newsies of all genders, showing that anyone can be part of the fight for equality and fairness. It’s been amazing to see this company of humans come together to tell a story that’s both timeless and timely.”
Amherst Community Theater was founded as Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater and has been producing high quality musical theater since 1993. “Our production history can be viewed at amherstacts.org,” said Hazzard. “Open auditions for our annual January production at Bowker Auditorium, UMass, are held in September, and anyone who joins one of our casts, serves on our production teams, or volunteers to help in any capacity — building set, costumes, props, back stage, ushering, on the board, etc. — is part of our theater community. Each spring, we also sponsor a week-long children’s theater workshop and performance in conjunction with Missoula Children’s Theatre.”
Hazzard said the group’s vision is “to continue to draw diverse members of our local community together in one creative endeavor each year and to share the miraculous result with hundreds more community members attending each performance. We believe that art elevates culture, and we have a lot of fun creating and sharing it. Amherst Community Theater truly is a team effort. It is community.”
Tickets are on sale now at amherstacts.org and in person at the Amherst Recreation office. The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 17 at 7:30p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 19 at 1p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m.
All performances are at Bowker Auditorium in Stockbridge Hall on the UMass campus.
Hazzard recommends purchasing in advance, but there may be tickets for some performances available at the box office, which will open one hour before curtain. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and children aged 10 and under are $15. General Admission on Thursday, Jan. 16 only for all tickets is $15. Group discounts are available by contacting producer@amherstacts.org.
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