5 Things to Know Before Seeing Newsies a Starlight September 8-13

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, the first thing to know about Newsies 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. Each year, Starlight produces at least one show—a throwback to our roots as a “summer stock” theater.  

Starlight recently announced the cast for the Tony Award winning musical, including a phenomenal cast of Kansas City performers alongside national talent. 

It’s a great chance to support local theatre and local actors at the same time!  

1. The story is inspired by real events.

Newsies is based on the 1899 Newsboy Strike in New York City. In the 1800s, newsboys were a familiar sight in most major cities. The newspaper business was fiercely competitive, 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.  

Louis “Kid Blink” Ballatt was one of the real-life leaders of the 1899 strike. A teenage boy, he was nicknamed such since he was reportedly blind in one eye. Speaking at a large meeting, The Sun (N.Y.) quoted Kid saying, “I’m tryin’ to figure how 10 cents on a hundred papers can mean more to a millionaire than it does to a newsboy, an’ I can’t see it.”

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. 

“I’m tryin’ to figure how 10 cents on a hundred papers can mean more to a millionaire than it does to a newsboy, an’ I can’t see it.”

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 energy 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 build 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 different characters and some changes to 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 a 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. 

Show Updates 

Shows at Starlight are held rain or shine so it’s a good idea to check the weather before you go. Updates on show statuses are sent 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 for notifications. 

Parking 

General parking is included with your ticket but you may upgrade to Premium parking when you purchase tickets. Starlight has a clear bag policy. Be sure to check the website to make sure you know what is allowed.  

Dining 

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. Then, take the basket home at the end of the night! 

Tickets 

Tickets to all shows, including Starlight’s Production of Disney’s Newsies, are on sale now and available online at kcstarlight.com, by calling (816) 363-7827, or by visiting the ticket office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City Mo., 64132.  

For more information, including show content advisories, please visit kcstarlight.com. Discount prices for groups of 10 or more are available by contacting Starlight’s group sales department at 816-997-1137 or groups@kcstarlight.com.   

All Images: Pittsburgh CLO’s 2017 production of Disney’s Newsies | Photos: Matt Polk.