The final show of the regular 2026 Broadway Season at Starlight is Disney’s Newsies, September 8-13. Tickets start at less than $23 and are available for purchase on the Starlight website, by phone at (816) 363-7827, or in person at the Starlight Ticket Office located at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, Mo., 64132.
Before we get into discussing the show, one thing to know is that this is a self-produced show which means Starlight is responsible for every part of the production including casting, staging, directing, and choreography.
Starlight announced the cast for the Tony Award winning musical based on the hit movie will include a phenomenal cast of Kansas City performers alongside national talent.
It’s a great chance to support local theatres and actors at the same time!
1. The story is inspired by real events.
Newsies is based on the 1899 strike of newsboys in New York City. In the 1800s, newsboys were a familiar sight in most major cities. The newspaper business was fierce, from the publishers competing for readers to the sellers competing for buyers.
Most newsboys were teenagers or younger who worked to help support their families or who scraped out a living alone on the streets. Conditions were rough to say the least.
When newspaper publishers raised distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, newsies from New York City and surrounding areas banded together to demand a better arrangement. After all, newsies were an essential part of getting those papers into the hands of the public.
Want to know more? Dig into The Truth Behind Disney’s Newsies: The Real 1899 Newsboys’ Strike.
2. Jack Kelly is not a completely historical figure.
All good stories need an engaging main character. Although Jack Kelly wasn’t an actual person, he was inspired by the real newsies who helped lead the strike.
The newsboys were often described as a loud, rambunctious, and determined lot. Jack represents the spirit behind the real young people who stood up and organized when they believed they were being treated unfairly.
3. The show is packed with high-energy dancing.
The dancing in Newsies is filled with kicks, twists, and turns that will entertain audiences of all ages. Acrobatic flips across the stage express the frustration and determination of the newsboys who are risking their livelihoods as they take on the powerful titans of publishing.
Their movements vary from sharp, rhythmic footwork to set the fast pace of city life to partner lifts that show the camaraderie between the boys to massive jump splits, leaps, and stomping that builds to the emotional peak of the strike.
4. You don’t need to have seen the 1992 Disney movie.
The 1992 movie starring Christian Bale has become a cult classic apart from the stage production, and there are strong feelings about which one is better.
Don’t worry if you haven’t seen the film. Even with differences of characters and some background stories, the stage production of the historical newsies stands on its own.
5. Starlight is an outdoor theatre, so here’s how to make the most of your night.
Starlight Theatre is an historic theatre set in Swope Park, part of the City of Kansas City Parks system. Starlight’s grounds fit beautifully into the park setting with flowers, trees, and plants throughout.
Shows at Starlight are held rain or shine so it’s a good idea to check the weather before you go. Starlight sends updates on show statuses through social media, text, and email so be sure to follow @kcstarlight and sign up for emails. Also, check the website at kcstarlight.com/alerts. Delays or cancellations due to other conditions are communicated as well.
General parking is included with your ticket but you may upgrade to Premium parking when you purchase tickets. Starlight has a clear bag policy so check the website to make sure you know what is allowed.
Make it a night out by enjoying a sit-down dining experience in Starlight’s Applause Club or come early and grab a drink on the Encore Deck. Starlight offers a wide variety of concessions, from burgers and nachos to salads and pasta bowls.
For Newsies, a new Picnic Basket option is available! Elevate your Broadway experience with a picnic basket for two, featuring your choice of savory bites or sweet treats and beverages, ready for convenient pickup before the show.
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