It’s musical season at Marion and true to form, there is something in the 2026 production for everyone.
“Newsies” is this year’s production and March 6-7 is the performance weekend. Based on the true story of the 1899 newsboys strike in New York City, the musical brings the intensity and energy expected of anything associated with the Big Apple.
“It’s something that really happened and people were passionate about it,” said Marion senior Aaron Meyer, who plays the role of Davey. “So it’s fun to embody that passion.”
Senior Aidan Rittenhouse plays the lead role of Jack Kelly, the 17-year-old father figure for a group of New York City newsboys, most of whom live in poverty while selling newspapers on the city streets. Jack dreams of a better life in Santa Fe but when the newspaper he sells raised the cost of the papers for the newsboys to sell (which cut into the newsboy profits) emotions reached a boiling point.
“This by far is the most active and energetic production I’ve been in,” said Rittenhouse.
More than 30 cast members have been practicing regularly since December and the set crew has been busy creating an involved set that is impressively prominent. And when cast members aren’t working on lines and choreography, they’re working with seamstresses to make sure the wardrobe is properly fitted to add even more to the experience.
Senior Ashllyn Maynard is Medda Larkin, a theatre owner and friend to the newsboys who provides refuge. She said it’s been fun exploring the theme of “Newsies,” especially since it’s based on a true event.
“She’s friends with Jack and gives him space,” she said. “He’s with the other kids who are fighting for their right to be paid for the work they do.”
Senior Kaydence Potter has had even more fun as Katherine Plumber, a reporter who processes Jack’s attempts at flirtation.
“I love her sarcastic attitude,” said Potter. “It’s been super fun.”
As fun as the actual production is, most of the Marion students are back for another production for two reasons. The first?
“All my friends were in it and I started to get a little jealous,” said Potter, who joined the cast as a sophomore after working backstage as a freshman. “It was everything. The tap, the costumes, the singing. It’s (hard work) for sure, but if you really love this, then it’s all worth it.”
“It’s so much fun and I love being with my friends, and tap dancing,” said senior Emma Whalen, who plays the role of Seitz.
And the second? Director Shelly “Frau” West Thompson.
“She’s the energy I wish I had,” said senior Sienna Mattison, who plays the role of Hannah.
Thompson, a German teacher at Marion since 1987, is in her 38th year of producing musicals at Marion. And while Marion students have plenty of fun preparing and performing a musical every spring, Mrs. Thompson has found a way to balance fun with discipline to ensure every aspect of the musical peaks at just the right moment.
