Newsies

Grant Goldman as Jack Kelly

GRANT GOLDMAN (Jack Kelly) is thrilled to make his Broadway Rose debut. He is entering his senior year at the University of Northern Colorado, pursuing a B.F.A. in musical theatre. Portland credits include Buck Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde and Eddie Birdlace in Dogfight (Bridgetown Conservatory). At school, he recently appeared as Orpheus and Henry in abridged productions of Hadestown and Next to Normal. Other credits include Lucio in Measure for Measure and swing in Murder on the Orient Express (UNC). Seeing Disney’s Newsies as a child sparked his love of theatre, and he thanks everyone who has supported his dreams.

 

Sophie MacKay as Katherine Plumber

SOPHIE MACKAY (Katherine Plumber) is delighted to spend her summer with Broadway Rose. She was most recently seen as Zoe Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen. Other roles include Sarah (Triangle), Sandy (Grease), Trish (Five Golden Rings), and Susie (Snapshots). Favorite past roles include Glinda in The Wizard of Oz (Northwest Children’s Theater), Blanche in Bonnie & Clyde and Rose in Dogfight (Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre). Offstage, Sophie directs Kid’s Co. at Northwest Children’s Theater, teaches voice lessons through her private studio, and instructs for Pure Barre. She thanks her family for their endless support and gives a shoutout to Grant for duetting with her for the third summer in a row.

 

Xander Dean as Davey

XANDER DEAN (Davey) is thrilled to be making headlines in Newsies! Recent credits include Anything Goes with Broadway Rose, Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure (Peter Pan), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Motive Theatrics, Holiday Inn (Ted Hanover), 9 to 5, Something Rotten!, and Matilda the Musical at Lakewood Theatre Company. Offstage, he serves as Executive Artistic Director of Motive Theatrics, where he is passionate about creating innovative, accessible theatre experiences for artists of all ages. Xander is honored to tell this timeless story of courage, community, and young people finding their voice, and hopes you enjoy the show.

 

Alec J. Connolly as Joseph Pulitzer

ALEC J. CONNOLLY (Pulitzer) is thrilled to return to Broadway Rose alongside both new and familiar faces. Fresh off appearances in Once Upon a Mattress and last year’s Waitress, he is excited to share this compelling story with audiences. Originally from New England, Alec has performed across the country and looks forward to putting down roots in Portland while contributing to the local arts community. He dedicates this performance to his family and friends and hopes you enjoy the show.

 

Josie Seid as Medda Larkin

JOSIE SEID (Medda Larkin) is thrilled to return to the Broadway Rose stage. Previous Broadway Rose roles include Into the Woods (Jack’s Mother), The Drowsy Chaperone (Trix the Aviatrix), and ensemble in Hairspray. Other regional credits include Men on Boats (Third Rail Repertory Theatre); Seven Guitars (PassinArt Theatre); The Miracle Worker and An Octoroon (Artists Repertory Theatre). She is an international arts envoy for the United States and has performed in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt, at the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre.

 

Sam Myerson as Crutchie

SAM MYERSON (Crutchie) is a Portland-based transgender performer currently finishing his degree in theatre at the University of Southern California after two years at Cornish College of the Arts. While in school, he played Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors and Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! (receiving the John Ritter Award for Outstanding Comedic Performance). Sam is excited to return to the role of Crutchie. Offstage, he teaches skateboarding lessons, plays Magic: The Gathering, visits his local library, and draws pictures of his girlfriend.

 

Dorian Woolfe Baxter as Les

DORIAN WOOLFE BAXTER (Les) is thrilled to make his Broadway Rose debut in Disney’s Newsies. He was most recently seen in the ensemble of The SpongeBob Musical at Portland Playhouse, where he also appeared in Matilda and A Christmas Carol. Additional credits include Oliver! with Stumptown Stages and school productions of Seussical the Musical and Once Upon a Mattress. A multi-talented performer, Dorian is a pianist, singer, and French horn player who also enjoys tap dancing. As he prepares to start high school this fall, he thanks his friends and family for supporting his passion for the stage.

 

Kristin Alarcon as Hannah/Bowery Beauty

KRISTIN ALARCON (Hannah, Bowery Beauty) is thrilled to return to the Broadway Rose stage where she previously appeared in The Little Mermaid, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Most recently, Kristin directed and choreographed Torchsong Theater’s spring 2026 production of the original musical Jekyll in Chains, and appeared as Cinderella’s Stepmother in Funhouse Lounge’s spring 2026 production of Into the Woods. By day, Kristin is a teaching artist at Northwest Children’s Theater and is the director of IT for Oregon’s Dance/Drill Association. Additionally, she dances for the One More Time Around Again Marching Band alumni team, is a long-distance runner, and owns Parties With Princess Kristin, where she performs as a variety of fairy-tale characters for parties and community events. She is eternally grateful to her friends and family for supporting her love of performing.

 

Sarah Baglin as Bowery Beauty

SARAH BAGLIN (Bowery Beauty) is so happy to be performing in her first ever professional production! She’s a proud alumnus of the Broadway Rose Teen Summer Camp, where she spent four wonderful years and was most recently seen as Cosette in Les Misérables. Other favorite shows include Sweeney Todd (Johanna), Little Women (Jo), and Legally Blonde (Elle). She is a rising sophomore at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she is earning her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. She sends all her love to Yuyoun, PB Egg, Justin, Trevor, Karen, and above all, her parents for being the reasons she does this.

 

Logan Bailey as Oscar Delancey

LOGAN BAILEY (Oscar Delancy) is a Portland-based actor with a B.A. in Theatre from University of Wisconsin Platteville. Recent credits include Witch (Profile Theatre), Storylogs (21ten Theatre) and Waitress (Broadway Rose). He is thankful as always for the continued support and advice from his mentor Ann Farrelly. “Enjoy the show!”

 

Nathaniel Barry as Race

NATHANIEL BARRY (Race) is thrilled to carry the banner in Oregon following his Off-Broadway debut in Marilyn Exposed. A New York City-based performer, he trained with Ballet Arizona and attended the University of Arizona School of Dance. Recent work includes a television appearance and stage performances. He thanks his friends, family and agent for their continued support. “The world is your erster.” @natenicholigaga

 

Keaton Bartz as Finch

KEATON BARTZ (Finch) grew up in Wisconsin and now calls New York home. His credits include West Side Story (Baby John), 9 to 5: The Musical, and Company. He has also toured internationally with the nonprofit performing arts organization Heart Global, teaching and performing for communities around the world. Bartz is thrilled to join the newsboy union in Disney’s Newsies and is deeply grateful for the continued support of his family, friends and mentors. Instagram: @keatonbartz

 

Evan K. Beesley as Buttons

EVAN K. BEESLEY (Buttons) is a recent graduate of the University of Utah, where he studied musical theatre. Selected credits include the Emcee in Cabaret and Hades in The Lightning Thief (Babcock Theatre); Jackie in The Wild Party (Hart Theatre); and ensemble in Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Pioneer Theatre Company). Additional credits include ensemble roles in Singin’ in the Rain, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Fiddler on the Roof (Hale Centre Theatre); Specs in Newsies and ensemble in Tuck Everlasting, Matilda, and Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Ruth Theatre). He also appeared as a featured dancer in Texas! The Outdoor Musical (Palo Duro Canyon Amphitheatre) and Shattered: A Wonderland Story (Lagoon Amusement Park). Instagram: @evankbeesley

 

Noah Bleasdell as Elmer

NOAH BLEASDELL (Elmer) is thrilled to make his regional theatre debut with Broadway Rose Theatre Company. Originally from the “Old Red Hills” of Georgia, he is currently pursuing a degree in musical theatre at the University of Oklahoma. Bleasdell is grateful to share the stage with this cast and thanks his family, friends, and teachers for their unwavering support. “Enjoy the show — and Boomer Sooner!”

 

Justin Duff as Wiesel/Mr. Jacobi/Mayor/Stage Manager

JUSTIN DUFF (Wiesel, Jacobi, Mayor, Stage Manager) is thrilled to be playing Wiesel and other featured roles in Newsies. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, he began his acting career in local university and civic theatre productions. He later earned a Ph.D. in divinity from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After teaching there for several years, he relocated to Portland to work as a bookseller and performance artist. Previous credits include Robin the Clown/Scholar No. 1/Pope in Doctor Faustus (The Canon Shakespeare Company), Bill Sykes in Oliver! (Stumptown Stages), and Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof (Grand Rapids Civic Theatre).

 

Dylan Freeman as Albert

DYLAN FREEMAN (Albert) is from Lake Charles, Louisiana, and is excited to be at Broadway Rose Theatre Company for this production. Previous roles include the Emcee in Cabaret, Arpad Laszlo in She Loves Me, and Squidward in The SpongeBob Musical. In May 2027, he will earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre, with a dance minor, from Northwestern State University. Dylan thanks his friends and family for always believing in him.

 

Riley Given as Henry

RILEY GIVEN (Henry) is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. While in New York, Riley performed in The Polar Express Train Ride, original plays, music videos, and dance showcases. He is from Eugene, Oregon, where he performed with Upstart Crow Youth Theatre, the Shedd Institute (season 2022 dance captain), and The Non Stop Players, where he played Jack Kelly in Disney’s Newsies in 2019. Riley is excited to return to both Newsies and Oregon.

 

Alex Gunter as Morris Delancey

ALEX GUNTER (Morris Delancey) is thrilled to appear in his first Broadway Rose production. Based in Portland, he works in theatre and film and enjoys writing plays, poetry, and fiction. Favorite roles include Albert Einstein in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Snowball in Animal Farm, Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap, Orlando in As You Like It, Joe Pesci in Jersey Boys, Bartholomew in the film He’s Dead & So Am I (Amazon Video), and previously Crutchie in Disney’s Newsies. “I hope this evening of theatre reminds us of the power of unionizing and the importance of protecting childhood. Enjoy the show.”

 

Joey Klei as Snyder

JOEY KLEI (Snyder) is excited to “seize the day” this summer with Lyn and this talented cast. He was last seen at Broadway Rose as Don Kirshner in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Other Broadway Rose credits include Mamma Mia! (Bill Austin), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Protean), Thoroughly Modern Millie (ensemble), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (CJ Scruggs), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Dan, 2011). He has also worked with Lakewood Theatre Co., Clackamas Repertory Theatre, Stumptown Stages, Northwest Children’s Theater, Live On Stage, 4x4 Musicals, and the Fertile Ground Festival. “Thank you for supporting local theatre. Enjoy the show!”

 

Piper Austin Lavey as Jojo

PIPER AUSTIN LAVEY (JoJo) is excited to make her Broadway Rose debut. Her recent credits include Sandra Bloom in Big Fish, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, and Gina in Amélie. Piper is pursuing her B.F.A. in musical theatre at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she has had opportunities to direct, choreograph, and perform in new works. She is grateful to her parents and professors for believing in her and pushing her to be her best.

 

Emerson Lempko as Mush

EMERSON LEMPKO (Mush) has been a dancer their entire life, specializing in tap. They are a member of Congruency Dance Collective, a Portland-based tap fusion group, and has worked with influential tap choreographers including Jason Janas, Anthony Morigerato, and Mike Minery. Emerson has long dreamed of performing in musical theatre and is thrilled to make that dream a reality with Broadway Rose Theatre Company’s production of their favorite musical, Disney’s Newsies. When not onstage, they work full time as a certified veterinary technician at a local animal emergency room. They are grateful to pursue both passions and thank their friends, family, and coworkers for their support.

 

Evan Lennon as Specs

EVAN LENNON (Specs) is thrilled to make his Broadway Rose debut and spend the summer in Oregon. Credits include The Book of Mormon (national tour, 2022–25), Disney’s Newsies (Casa Mañana), and Guys and Dolls (Sharon Playhouse). Evan holds a B.F.A. in musical theatre from the University of Oklahoma. He is based in New York, where he lives with his partner, Em. Hobbies include travel, cooking, and rock climbing. “Big thanks to Lyn and Amy, and love to Em, Mom, Dad, Ryan and Kate.” @evanlennon | www.evanlennon.com

 

Tyler Grant Luff as Romeo

TYLER GRANT LUFF (Romeo) is thrilled to make his Broadway Rose debut in Disney’s Newsies. Favorite credits include Rent, Spring Awakening, and A Chorus Line. Additional highlights include appearances at 54 Below in New York City and regional productions of Matilda, Mamma Mia!, and Disney’s Newsies. Tyler is a rising senior studying musical theatre at Marymount Manhattan College/Northeastern University. He thanks his family, friends, and boyfriend for their love and support.

 

Dylan Anthony Macabitas as Spot Conlon

DYLAN ANTHONY MACABITAS (Spot Conlon) is thrilled to return to Broadway Rose once again this season! Based in Portland and Seattle, Dylan works as a theatre actor, choreographer, and educator. Credits include Mamma Mia!, Footloose, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream, Waitress, and Once Upon a Mattress (Broadway Rose); Holiday Inn, By Jeeves, A Christmas Story, Groundhog Day: The Musical, and Flora the Red Menace (Lakewood Theatre Co.); My Fair Lady (Clackamas Repertory Theatre); Mamma Mia! (Village Theatre); and A Charlie Brown Christmas (Taproot Theatre). He has also choreographed for Spellcaster Stages, Oregon City High School, and George Fox University. Coming up this fall, Dylan will be joining the touring road company at Taproot Theatre in Seattle as a core company member. dylananthonymacabitas.com

 

Dan Murphy as Governor Roosevelt

DAN MURPHY (Governor Roosevelt) is happy to return to the stage at Broadway Rose Theatre Company, stepping out from behind his desk as the company’s founding managing director. He was most recently seen as King Sextimus in Once Upon a Mattress and as Joe in Waitress. Favorite roles at Broadway Rose include Reverend Mother in Nunsense, Edna in Hairspray, Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone, Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and Herbie in Gypsy. He has contributed to more than 85 productions over 35 years as a director, choreographer, and actor and has also worked with Lakewood Theatre Company, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Magdelyn Theatre Company, Stumptown Stages, and Pixie Dust Productions

 

Liz O'Donnell as Splasher

LIZ O’DONNELL (Splasher) is thrilled to return to the Broadway Rose stage after appearing in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Lucille/ensemble), West Side Story (Sharon), and Footloose (teen ensemble). She has also performed at Lakewood Theatre Co. in A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine, Holiday Inn (Daphne), and Funny Girl (Jenny), and at Stumptown Stages in West Side Story and Mamma Mia! As resident choreographer for Newberg High School, she has staged 15 musicals, including Matilda, The SpongeBob Musical, and Hello, Dolly!. Liz has danced in tap productions with Skylark Tappers, Congruency Co., and in Gruff with Echo Theater. She also teaches dance at Broadway Rose. Find a tap class at bit.ly/pdxtapdance.

 

Jay Piper as Bunsen

JAY PIPER (Bunsen) As a previous active member of the Southern California theatre scene, Jay is excited to be here in their third Oregon show, and to be making their Broadway Rose debut! Previous credits include Once (Electric Company Theatre), Gentlemen’s Ploy (Portland’s Fertile Ground Festival), Oklahoma! (Once More Productions), and Pippin (Sherwood Foundation for the Arts). Thank you to Shayna for all your love and support. Follow Jay on socials @J.JustTheLetter to see what Jay is doing next. “Enjoy the show!”

 

Megan Tudor as Tommy Boy

MEGAN TUDOR (Tommy Boy) graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in musical theatre performance. Favorite roles include Velma Kelly in Chicago and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes. Disney’s Newsies is her third production with Broadway Rose Theatre Company. Tudor also enjoys choreographing and teaching dance to youth across the Pacific Northwest. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her partner, caring for her many plants, snuggling her four cats, and exploring new creative pursuits. She thanks Nick, Katie, her family and friends — and her fur babies — for their encouragement and support.

 

Jack Wright as Seitz

JACK WRIGHT (Seitz) is making his Oregon theatrical debut at Broadway Rose Theatre. Previous credits include Bullets Over Broadway (Warner Parcell), The Addams Family (Uncle Fester), and 1776 (Thomas Jefferson). Wright holds a Bachelor of Arts in theatre from the University of Northern Colorado. Special thanks to his friends, family, and husband, Nick, for their love and support. Talent representation: Tara Manning at TMM Talent.

Director
Lyn Cramer

Music Director
Billy Thompson

Choreographer
Amy Reynolds-Reed

Fight Choreographer
Zero Feeney

Scenic Designer
David McQuillen Robertson

Costume Designer
Debbie Bray

Assistant Costume Designer
Devon Wells

Lighting Designer
Kristeen Willis

Props Designer
Sam Manilla

Sound Designer
Brian Karl Moen

Stage Manager
Jessica Junor

Keys
Billy Thompson

Drums
Yuya Matsuda

Percussion
Joey Craighead

Reed
Marc Grafe

Trumpet/Flugel
Rick Rier

Trombone
Greg Scholl

Guitar
Attila Csikos

Violin
Marya Kazmierski

Cello
Betsy Goy

Electric Bass
Amy Roesler