Fountain Inn residents will enjoy a lively new musical this fall as Ignite Theatre presents “Newsies” at the Younts Center for the Performing Arts. The show opens on September 11 and runs through September 26, offering tickets for $15‑$20.
Local talent and a historic story
Director and music director Tim St. Clair II says the production’s energy is palpable. “The building literally feels like it’s shaking,” he noted, describing the impact of more than 70 performers on stage. The cast, which includes children and adults, reflects the historical reality that both boys and girls worked as newsies in 1890s New York.
Underdog spirit and community values
“Newsies” tells the story of young newspaper sellers who organize a strike against powerful publishers who raise the price of the papers they must buy. For St. Clair, the musical’s blend of story, music, dance, and its underdog theme resonates with audiences seeking uplifting, family‑oriented entertainment.
Choreography and cast highlights
Co‑director and choreographer William Brown, who also plays the newsie Finch, brings eight years of dance experience to the production. One memorable sequence features about 45 performers tap‑dancing simultaneously, a feat Brown describes as “wild and amazing.”
Romantic leads Jack Kelly and Katherine Plumber are portrayed by married couple Jack and Caroline Spearman, longtime vocal coaches and performers with Ignite. Their on‑stage partnership adds a personal touch to the show’s narrative of unity.
Why it matters to Fountain Inn
Ignite Theatre, the Younts Center’s in‑house theater company, has never mounted a production of this size in its three‑season history. The musical’s emphasis on community collaboration mirrors the center’s mission to provide cultural enrichment for families and neighbors.
Tickets are available by calling 864‑409‑1050 or visiting yountscenter.org. Don’t miss the chance to experience a vibrant, family‑friendly performance that celebrates perseverance, teamwork, and the power of ordinary people to make a big statement.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
