Jack Kelly: Maddox Bane

Maddox is a rising BFA Musical Theatre junior at the Boston Conservatory and is incredibly honored to be making his Grandstreet debut in Newsies, playing a dream role! Recently: Jimmy Powers (City of Angels) at Boston Conservatory and a Singer/Dancer (Retrospect) at Worlds of Fun Amusement Park. Upcoming: Baby John (West Side Story) at Starlight Theatre. Maddox is a Kansas City native and thanks his family and friends for their love and support! @maddoxbane

Davey: Evan Owen

Evan is so excited to be in Helena for the first time as well as make his Grandstreet Theatre debut! He is a rising sophomore at the Boston Conservatory as a Musical Theatre major and is excited to share this story with you all! He wants to thank the many mentors who have pushed and believed in him, the creative team here at Grandstreet, and his parents for their love and support. Enjoy the show! @evan_owen217

Katherine Plumber: Elsie Harrington

Elsie Harrington is a rising senior at Yale University and spent this past semester in London at the British American Drama Academy, where she played Viola in Twelfth Night. Born in Helena and raised atGrandstreet, she is thrilled to come full circle now in her secondNewsieshere. Favorite Grandstreetcredits: Godspell, Marvelous Wonderettes, Treasure Island; favorites at Yale: over easy at Yale Cabaret, Art,…Great Comet…, Little Women(director). “Forever thanks, Retta!!

Medda Larkin/Nun: Vera Brown

​​Vera Brown (She/Her) is a junior Musical Theatre major at Webster University in St. Louis. In 2022, Vera was a Jimmy Awards Semi-Finalist. Credits include Natasha…Comet of 1812 (Sonya) and Blood at the Root (Principal Miller) at Webster, the Regional Premiere of Junie B. Jones (Junie B. Jones), and You’re…Charlie Brown (Snoopy) which she produced. She would like to thank Grandstreet for the opportunity to spend the summer in beautiful Helena!

Instagram: @verhuhbee

Crutchie: Quincey Higgins

Quincey is a rising Sophmore at Helena High School, and has been involved in theater since she was 5 years old! She has been in many productions at Grandstreet including, The Little Mermaid, Matilda, and many more. Quincey would like to thank the entire production team, her family, friends, and the entire GST community for supporting her for so long! Enjoy the show!

Race: Alex Pletikapich

Alex Pletikapich (he/him/his) is NYC-based actor, and 2024 graduate of Marymount Manhattan College’s BFA Musical Theatre program. Collegiate credits include Electric Skate/Dance Captain (THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL), Ensemble (CARRIE), Kip (LIFE UNDER WATER), Choreographer (A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM). Regional credits include Franz (ROCK OF AGES) at Highlands PAC (Highlands, NC), The Emcee (CABARET) and Melchior (SPRING AWAKENING) at Cincinnati Actor’s Studio (Cincinnati, OH). Biggest hugs to Mom, Dad, Connor, Ian, and Drewby <3. @alexpletikapich.

Les: Owynn Carr

Owynn Carr, is a rising 5th grader, and delighted to portray Les in Newsies his 7th show at Grandstreet Theatre, where he has been involved since kindergarten. Perhaps you’ve spotted him as an Elf in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. Or in his most recent role as the Coroner in The Wizard of Oz. Owynn extends heartfelt thanks to his family for their unwavering support and to the Grandstreet community for their belief in his talent.

Ensemble (U/S Les) : Vivian George-Peretto

Vivian has been a member of Grandstreet Theatre family for the past 6 years. During her time here, she has brought to life a variety of characters, including Mayor of munchkin city in The Wizard of Oz, understudy for Jeremy in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and an elf in Rudolph. Vivian is beyond excited to be part of this summer’s production and looks forward to another thrilling theatrical adventure. She extends her heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Grandstreet and her family for their unwavering support.

Albert: Ryan Rudel

Ryan is thrilled to be making his Grandstreet Theatre debut. Previous credits include: Over the Rainbow (Virginia MT), Into the Woods (GSA), Urinetown (GSA). Ryan is currently pursuing his BFA in Musical Theatre at Marymount Manhattan College. He would like to thank his family and friends for their endless love and support. @ryanrudel

Buttons: Leah Leonard

Leah Leonard is 15 years old and going to be a sophomore at Helena High School in the fall. Leah has done many shows with Grandstreet over the years but most recently was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. In her free time, she enjoys playing violin and baking with her sister. She hopes you enjoy watching this wonderful show as much as she enjoys being in it.

Elmer: Ashlyn Grasmick

Ashlyn Grasmick (Elmer, She/Her) is currently a Junior at Capital High School. Ashlyn has been with Grandstreet for 6 years and is so excited to be a part of this incredible cast and production. Some of her previous roles on the Grandstreet stage include the Baroness in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Leeward in Disney’s Little Mermaid, and Ms. Claus in Grandstreet’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. Ashlyn would like to give a huge thanks to her parents for always supporting her and all of the Grandstreet family for making the magic happen!

Finch: Jade Zickefoose

Jade Zickefoose (they/them) is thrilled for their second year at Grandstreet to be in Newsies. Holding a BFA in Dance with a minor in Music Composition from Missouri State University,Jade has played roles like George in Carrie at Branson Regional Arts Council, Angel in KinkyBoots at Springfield Little Theatre, and Jetsam/Gull in The Little Mermaid here at Grandstreet. Grateful for all the support, especially from their mother, Jade looks forward to making more memories on stage.

Ike: Liberty Glatz

Liberty Glatz is 15 and is entering her sophomore year at capital high, she has been a part of Grandstreet’s Theatre school program for over 10 years and has been in many productions with them, some of her favorites including Matilda and The Little Mermaid. She is so thankful to everyone who’s contributed to her theater education including Marianne Adams, Retta Leaphart, and Gretchen Mundinger. As well as her family for their continual support.

Jo Jo : Adeline Anderson

Adeline Renn Andersen is going to be a sophomore at Helena High School and has attended Grandstreet for 10  years. Her favorite roles include Lily in The Giver, Rico in Madagascar, Young Elsa in Frozen Jr, Amanda in Matilda, Stinky Cheese Man in Stinky Cheese Man, Other Fairly Stupid Tales, and understudy Dorothy in The wizard of Oz. Adeline also enjoys playing tennis, painting, and snowboarding. Adeline would like to thank her parents, Gretchen, and Marianne for their support.

Mike: Ella McCullough

“Now is the time to seize the day!” Ella is an incoming freshman at CHS and Newsies will be her 10th season show at Grandstreet Theatre. Her favorite roles have been Matilda Understudy in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz Youth edition, Clarice in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr, and Cady Heron in Script to Stage’s production of Mean Girls Jr. “Thank you to my family and everyone who is apart of making theatre magic happen!”

Mush: Drew Tremblay

Drew is very excited to be making his Grandstreet debut in Newsies! Recent regional credits include: Joseph…Dreamcoat (Issachar), Peter Pan (Peter Pan), Mamma Mia! (Ensemble). Other credits: A Chorus Line (Mark), Heathers (Ram Sweeny), Chicago (Dance Capt.) and more! Drew is currently living in New York City studying at Marymount Manhattan College to earn his BFA in Musical Theatre. He is forever thankful for the support from his Mom, Dad, Alexander and friends. Lastly- he thanks Sebastian, Shane, Megan and all the staff at The Palace Theatre (NH) for getting him to the point where he is today! Instagram @drewdtremblay

Romeo: Robby Felber

Specs: Jason Sekili

Jason Sekili (Specs) is thrilled to be making his Grandstreet debut! He just graduated from Northwestern University, where he studied theatre, psychology, and marketing. Select regional: Baby (Male Swing/Danny u/s, Citadel Theatre); Rock of Ages (JoeyPrimo/Drew u/s; Barn Theatre, MI); A Chorus Line (Mark, MadKap Productions); and Joseph … Dreamcoat (Pharaoh, Big Noise Theatre). He is grateful for the love and support of his family and friends. More at jasonsekili.com

Splasher: Freya Elias

Freya Elias is a rising junior at Helena High School and excited to be a part of the cast of Newsies! She has been performing at Grandstreet Theatre for many years, most recently playing Adella in The Little Mermaid, Mrs. Donner in Rudolph Jr., and Alice in Matilda. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support!

Spot Conlon: Emerson Poole

Emerson has been a part of the Grandstreet family since they were seven years old and is ecstatic to be a part of this amazing production. Some of their favorite past roles include Violet in Willy Wonka, Amy in Little Women, and Tommy in Matilda. They would like to thank all of their teachers, family, and friends for their unceasing love and support throughout this hectic process, and the audience for making this all possible.

Scab 1/Refuge Kid/Newsie Ensemble : Micah Anderson

Scab 2/Refuge Kid/Newsie Ensemble: Gracie Fay Petersen

Gracie Fay Petersen is a 9th grader at HMS and this is her 10th year as a  Grandstreet Theatre School student. Some of her favorite roles on the Grandstreet stage include Sally Brown in A Charlie Brown Christmas, Brigitta in The Sound of Music, and James in Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach. She would like to thank her family, Marianne Adams, and Gretchen Mundinger for always supporting her.

Scab 3/Refuge Kid/Newsie Ensemble: Ansleigh Held

Ansleigh Held is a senior at East Helena High School. She has attended Grandstreet since second grade, and she is very excited to be a part of the conservatory group for the first time! Ansleigh’s favorite role to date is Mrs. Claus in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. Ansleigh would like to thank the Grandstreet community, and her family for their unconditional support.

Newsie Ensemble (U/S Crutchie & Henry) : Hailey Cox

Hailey is a rising sophomore at the University of Wyoming where she is pursuing a BFA in musical theater.  This past year she performed in The Laramie Project and Comedy of Errors at UW. She is excited to be back at Grandstreet for another summer show!  Previous summer shows include The Sound of Music (Louisa), Spongebob (Ensemble) and The Little Mermaid (Andrina).  She is looking forward to this run of Newsies and getting to know her castmates!

Darcy/Guard/Goon: Layna Newhouse

Layna Newhouse is a rising Senior in high school and has been a part of Grandstreet for 14 years. Her most recent acting credits include Seussical and The Wizard of Oz. She is also an avid techie, and recently won the JTF West Tech Olympics with her amazing team. She is also a recipient of Grandstreet’s Grandy award and Leadership Award. Layna would like to thank her family for always supporting her and the production team for always teaching her something new.

Bill/Goon/Stage Hand: Donny Shire

Donny Shire is a Junior at Capital High. Previous Grandstreet acting credits include Tree and Scarecrow Understudy in The Wizard of Oz, Rudolph in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, ensemble in SpongeBob The Musical, Hatseller and Cogsworth Understudy in Beauty and the Beast, and Charlie Brown in A CharlieBrown Christmas. At Carroll College, he has played roles including Ensemble in The Lightning Thief, and Edmund in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Donny would like to thank his parents, siblings, the Grandstreet community, and MEMEs.

Pulitzer: Bayard Leonard

Bayard has been involved with Grandstreet for over 30 years as a board member and actor.  His most recent shows are Willy Wonka and Beauty and the Beast. Other notable shows are Sweeney Todd, Secret Garden, Children of Eden, Into The Woods, Sound of Music, Footloose, and many more. He is grateful that his daughter, Leah, requested that he try out with her for this show.  He is proud and pleased to be part of this amazing cast. Enjoy!

Oscar Delancey: Will Menden

Will Menden is a rising high school senior who is excited to be performing on the Grandstreet stage another summer. Favorite roles from the past include: The Wizard in The Wizard of Oz, Windward in The Little Mermaid, and Ensemble in The SpongeBob Musical. He would like to thank his sister Annie Menden for the support she has given over the years as well as his cousins Henry and Elliott Kaleczyc for being a constant source of joy in his life.

Morris Delancey: Dalton Hudoba

Dalton is thrilled to return to the Grandstreet stage this summer! He graduated fromGrandstreet Theatre School in 2023 and will begin his education at Eastern Washington University for elementary education in September. Previous credits on the Grandstreet stage include The Little Mermaid, The Spongebob Musical, and Beauty and the Beast Jr. Dalton would like to thank Mom, Dad, and Nana for always supporting him.

Camera Man/Stage Manager: Cyrus Wright

Cyrus Wright (he/they) is a soon-to-be Junior from Cascade, MT, doing their second production here at Grandstreet. You may recognize them as Lord Scrumptious/A Vulgarian in Grandstreet’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Cyrus would like to thank “all my friends and family who cheer me on every day!

Synder: Kaden Connor

Kaden is a Helena local appearing in his third Grandstreet show. He previously appeared as Roland in Constellations and as a Sailor/Chef last summer’s The Little Mermaid. He also recently appeared in a production of Twelfth Night at Carroll College. Kaden would like to thank his family, friends, his amazing girlfriend, Ashtyn, and the GST community for all of the love and support they’ve given him.

Ensemble : Erika Foot

Erika Foot is a recent graduate from Capital High. While she has never done SummerStock, she has worked with Grandstreet for the last 11 years. She is so excited to be in one last show before heading to Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington this fall. Erika would like to thank Grandstreet for being her home away from home and her mom for being her hair stylist, makeup artist,24-hour notice-costumer, and miracle worker.

Ensemble: Hailey Elwood

A native of eastern Montana, Hailey got her start performing at Fort Peck Theatre where she most recently played Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! She spent some time in Missoula where she appeared in two MCT productions, Rocky Horror Live at the Wilma, and American Idiot at the University of Montana. She’d like to thank her husband, Dawes, for being so supportive and for tackling their toddler’s bedtime routine alone on rehearsal/show nights.

Ensemble: Blaine O'Tolls

Blaine has been working on film and stage sets for over twenty years as a performer, producer, and director. Originally from Colorado, Blaine was drawn to Montana to receive a bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Arts from Montana State University. He has been fortunate enough to appear in many community productions around the state. Blaine is extremely excited to deepen his involvement with Grandstreet while sharing his eclectic experiences.

Ensemble: Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor is so excited to be performing at Grandstreet! Since moving to Helena, he has taught musical theatre and dance for Grandstreet Theatre School, Carroll College, and is a teaching artist for the Myrna Loy. Past roles include Billy Cane in Bright Star, Jesus in Godspell, and Flotsam in The Little Mermaid. He would like to thank Anna and his family for their support, and the Newsies team for all their hard work!

Ensemble : Mackenzie Jones

Mackenzie Jones (Bunsen, Newsie Ensemble, she/her) is originally from Kansas City, MO, and has lived in Helena since 2019. She works at DPHHS on the Montana Disability and Health Program. Mackenzie is thrilled to be in her first Summer Stock production, though theGrandstreet stage feels like home. She has recently been seen as Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical, Lucy Grant in Bright Star, and Mrs. Cratchet/Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol. Mackenzie would like to thank Ibsen Dance Theatre for the 14 years of training, her work colleagues for being flexible and encouraging this summer, and the conservatory kids for “seizing the day” with their dedication, passion, and joy.

Ensemble : Daniel Rosenberg

Daniel Rosenberg has been active in the theater community in Helena since 2023.  He has been a part of several productions at the Helena Avenue Theater most recently in the play “What Hero Did While She Was Dead” with Ravensfeather Productions.  Newsies marks his debut performance with Grandstreet Theatre.