Newsies at ShowKids Invitational Theatre

Jonah Lione, a senior at North Hunterdon High School, leads the Newsies cast as Jack Kelly. Lione earned NJACT top acting honors for his charming performance as the lovable chimney sweep Bert in last season’s magical production of Mary Poppins. The third time was the charm for Lione, who had been nominated twice before for this award for his performances in prior SKIT productions: as the hip TV host Corny Collins in Hairspray and the hilarious sidekick Lefou in Beauty and the Beast.

The female lead character, Katherine Plumber, is beautifully portrayed by Allisa Conover, 16, of East Amwell Twp. Conover has been a featured performer in several SKIT productions including appearing as both Rapunzel in Into the Woods Jr. and as the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins last season. Audiences may also remember her as Annie a few years back.

The role of Davey is played by Ryan Apgar, 16, of Clinton Twp.; and the spirited role of Les is shared by Emma Nasto, 12, of Mt. Laurel, and Julia Morrissette, 12, of Clinton Twp. Crutchie/Mush is shared by Aidan Lavigne, 15, of Bethlehem Twp. and Owen Butler, 14, of Asbury. The role of Hannah, Pulitzer’s secretary, is played by Kaylyn Feeley, 17, from Clinton Twp; Seitz, Pulitizer's editor, is played by Hannah Willsey, 16, of Clinton Twp.; and Medda Larken, a burlesque star, is played by Josie Whitmore, 16, of Lebanon Twp.

Additional Newsies:
Race/Max & Scab – Sera Bunca, 17, of Asbury / Katie Gallagher, 17, of Stewartsville
Finch/Snitch & Scab – Imani Smith, 16, of Phillipsburg / Jonatha Berg, 17, of Clinton
Albert -- Sana Sarker, 16, of Clinton Twp.
Romeo – Harrison Fox, 16, of Phillipsburg
Henry – Sabrina Bunca, 14, of Asbury
Buttons – Riley Conaty, 11, of Clinton Twp.
Specs & Spot Conlon – Owen Tabor, 15, of Lebanon Twp.
Elmer – Abby Swan, 16, of Clinton Twp.
Jojo – Alexa Epstein, 15, of Califon
Tommy Boy – Charlotte Ruffine, 15, of Tewksbury Twp.
Splasher – Charlotte Kelly, 15, of Clinton
Ike & Scab – Hannah Willsey, 16, of Clinton Twp.
Mike – Destiny Daniels, 13, of Lopatcong Twp.
Jake & Darcy – Izzy Cappel, 16, of Ringoes
Fritiz – Josie Whitmore, 16, of Lebanon Twp.
Young Newsies – Jack Gallagher, 14, of Stewartsville; Dakota Krouse, 12, of Alexandria Twp.; Maddie Moore, 12, of Clinton; Maddie Nasto, 9, of Mt. Laurel; Andrew Pedri, 8, from Drums, PA; and Aubrey Whitmore, 10, of Lebanon Twp.

Rounding out the Newsies cast are several talented adults, each playing multiple roles. Appearing are Todd Gagnon, of Long Beach Twp.; Joe Krouse, of Alexandria Twp.; Rob Lehnert, of Clinton Twp.; Steven Lione, of Clinton; and Jeff Mehl, of Tewksbury Twp. Also, Tom Newman of High Bridge appears as Joseph Pulitzer; Earle Steeves, of Union Twp. appears as Teddy Roosevelt; and Aaron Wilsey, of Clinton Twp., appears as Mr. Synder.