Footlite Musicals kicked off the holiday season with a bang, tossing newspapers and hearts into the air with Disney’s Newsies at the Hedback Theatre in Indianapolis.
From the very first notes of “Carrying the Banner” to the triumphant shout of “Seize the Day,” the production brought the hustle and hope of turn-of-the-century New York straight to the audiences.
Director Cameron Callan worked alongside choreographers Brooke Callan, Chris Barber and Rick Barber to bring the high-energy, family-friendly show to the stage.
The production at the historic Hedback Theatre, located at 1847 North Alabama St., invited audiences into the world of 1890s New York through engaging ensemble work and the familiar rhythms that have made Newsies a favorite of community theaters everywhere. From Nov. 21-Dec. 14, performances ran Thursday through Sunday with evening shows Thursday through Saturday and afternoon matinees on Sunday. Discounted tickets were available for Thursday performances and the first Sunday, along with youth, student, senior and group pricing.
A standout for local audiences was Chloe McGowan, Arts & Culture reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, who appeared in the cast as Medda Larkin, the charismatic burlesque club owner who offers sanctuary to the striking newsies. In interviews with the Recorder, McGowan described Medda as “a diva, she’s glitzy, she’s glamorous,” and noted the historical roots of the character in real-life performer Aida Overton-Walker.
McGowan also shared that this production represented a meaningful full-circle moment. Newsies was one of her favorite shows long before her journalism career, and seeing the character of Katherine Plumber (Liz Carlson) — an ambitious reporter in the musical — helped spark her professional aspirations.
“It’s a beautiful moment for me to be able to do this… it’s a moment checked off my bucket list,” she told the Recorder.
As an audience member, the thoughtful details onstage stood out like the authentic newspapers scattered across the set, made possible through donations from local publications including the Indianapolis Recorder. McGowan noted that seeing these newspapers woven into the performance underscored the historical weight of the story and the importance of journalism’s role in amplifying working-class voices.
The costumes added another layer of fun and historical flair. The newsboys’ mismatched caps, suspenders and vests captured the rough-and-tumble life of street kids, while Medda Larkin’s sparkling dresses and theatrical accessories brought glamour and color to the stage. Every outfit seemed carefully chosen to highlight personality, status and the vibrancy of the period.
The set design transported audiences directly into the streets and buildings of 1899 Manhattan. Multi-level platforms, brick facades and stacked crates created a dynamic space for energetic choreography and lively ensemble numbers. Props like the newspapers added authenticity and helped the actors bring the bustling city to life in a way that felt both immersive and playful.
Footlite Musicals has long been a centerpiece of Indianapolis’ community theatre scene. Since 1955, the nonprofit volunteer-powered company has presented a season of musicals that span classic and contemporary titles, fostering local talent and inviting community members of all ages to participate onstage and off.
Upcoming productions include Heathers The Musical in January, Funny Girl in March and Kiss Me, Kate in May.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit footlite.org.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
