Disney's Newsies Cast

Parker Calkins (Jack Kelly)
Parker is a sophomore at Sparta High School. Parker had been a part of 4 SHS productions, his first being “Shrek the musical” as Papa Bear, his second was “The Addams Family” as Mal Beinke, his third being “Little Shop of Horrors” as a part of the ensemble, and now “Newsies” as Jack Kelly. Parker is also a part of Sparta’s Upstage Adrenaline Show Choir as well as Vocal Jazz and Chamber Choir. Parker would like to thank his family, friends, cast, and directors for supporting him through everything!
Ava Erickson (Katherine Plumber)
Ava is a junior at Sparta High school. This is her first production at SHS! Outside of the musical, she is involved with tennis, show choir, and soccer. She is super excited for the show and for everyone to see it! Ava would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her in everything, and her directors for making her feel so welcome in this group.
Eddie Clark (Crutchie)
Eddie is a sophomore at Sparta highschool. He has been a part of one other Sparta High School production. He was Pugsley in “The Addams Family.” He is also a part of the upstage adrenaline show choir. He is also in the vocal jazz and chamber choir. Eddie would like to thank friends, family, cast and directors for helping him get to the point he is now.
Cameron Steffen (Davey)
Cameron is a Senior and this is his fourth production with Sparta Spotlight Players. In the fall of 2021, he was in “Shrek the Musical”, where he played the Big Bad Wolf. Last fall, he was in “Addams Family”, where he played the mobster ancestor. In spring, he was in “Little Shop of Horrors”, where he played the voice of Audrey II. He loves this show deeply and is excited to be putting it on stage! He’s going to go to college for musical theatre and education. He’d like to thank his friends and family for supporting him and his passions.
Cody Morrow (Joseph Pulitzer)
Cody is a current senior at SHS. This is his fourth production at SHS. He played Captain of the Guard in “Sherk”, Lurch in the “Addams Family”, and played bass in “Little Shop of Horror”. He is involved in Football, Show Choir, Track, and Jazz Combo outside of the musical. He wants to thank his family, friends, directors, and coaches for the support over his four years at SHS.
Skylah Simao (Medda Larkin)
Skylah is currently a sophomore at SHS! This is her first production with Sparta Spotlight Players. She also participates in both prep and varsity show choir groups and the JV Volleyball team. Skylah is very excited to be in her first production
Carter Brieske (Les)
Performances Nov. 10, 12, 19, 20 --- Carter is a 6th grader at St. Pauls in Tomah. Carter previously played Karl in "Bye, Bye Birdie", Camper in "Hansel and Gretel", and attended the Missoula Children's Theatre Camp in Missoula, Montana. He is also part of the Soundsations show choir, basketball and baseball. Carter would like to thank the directors, cast, and crew for welcoming him into the Sparta Theatre family. He would also like to thank his family for all the support and help getting to and from rehearsals.
Gavyn Declute (Les)
Performances Nov. 9 (preview), 11, 16, 17 --- Gavyn is a 7th grader at Meadowview Middle School. This is Gavyn’s first time in a SHS production. He is excited to perform as the character, Les, in “Newsies”. He is thrilled about the new skills he has developed, and the new friends he has made. He’d like to thank the cast and directors for welcoming him; and his family and friends for supporting him, through this exciting new journey.
Brianna Betterly (Hannah)
Brianna is a sophomore this year. This her first Sparta high musical, playing Hannah. Aside from musicals, she also participates in Show Choir, Prep and varsity, Band and Treble choir. She’s also part of the chess and game club, improv club, student council, and international club. Her main passions are Pershing music, it also helps her to learn better and focus. She is so excited to be able to participate in so many programs, and what will be ahead in the future. She would like to thank friends, family, and anyone else supporting her musical journey and what’s to come. She hopes you all come and enjoy the musical, as all cast members and crew have worked so hard to make the production come to life and be the highest quality musical. Please enjoy!!
Tristin Chapman (Seitz)
Tristin is a junior. This is his third SHS production being: "The Addams Family" as an Ancestor, "Little Shop", as Bernstein, and now Newsies. He was also in stage crew for "Shrek". He is in Upstage Adrenaline, Chamber Choir, and Vocal Jazz. He enjoys being with his friends. He loves the time he gets to spend with his second family. He would like to thank his friends; Ella, Katelyn, Becca, Stella, Brianna, and Delia for being there for him, and his directors for being there for him. He can't wait for another year of fun with music!
Sophie Ebert (Tommy Boy)
Sophie is a sophomore at SHS! This is her second production with Sparta Spotlight Players. Sophie is also in Upstage Adrenaline and Rise of Adrenaline show choirs! She’s super excited to bring this character to life on stage. Sophie loves performing and loves the people she performs with!
Evan Edwards (Albert)
Evan is a junior here at Sparta High School, and this will be his first production ever! He is also in the show choir group, Upstage Adrenaline. He is very excited to be in this production and has enjoyed working with everyone and learning so many things and hopes everyone enjoys the show.
Kylah Frost (Putz)
Kylah is a sophomore here at Sparta High School, and this will be her first production ever! She is so excited to perform in this production and she has enjoyed the many friendships she has made. She would like to thank her friends and family for being there for her and encouraging to work hard.
Jackie Greydanus (Mr. Jacobi / Nunzio / Scab)
Jackie is a senior this year. This is her fourth production with SHS Sparta Spotlight Players! Previously, she had been White Rabbit in “Shrek The Musical”, Hollywood Actress Ancestor in “Addams Family The Musical” and stage crew in “Little Shop of Horrors”. She is also involved in both prep and varsity show choir groups. After high school, she plans to major in musical theater and possibly minor in interior design. Jackie would like to thank her family and friends and directors for their support and welcoming her into a second family.
Alayna Hamamoto (Elmer)
Alayna is a sophomore in high school, and this is her third production at SHS. She played Alice in the Addams Family, and was part of the ensemble in Little Shop of Horrors. She is also co-captain of the Sparta cheer team, and part of Sparta’s Upstage Adrenaline. She would like to thank her friends and family for encouraging her during this production.
Madysen Henry (Scab)
Mady is a junior at Sparta High School. This is her second production with Sparta Spotlight Players. Last year she was a Backstage Crew Member for “Little Shop of Horrors”. She is also involved in Backstage Beats, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Track & Field. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her with all her extracurriculars. She would also like to thank the cast and crew for all their help and hard work they’ve put into this production!
Stella La Rock (Bowery Beauty / Nun)
Stella is a junior this year. This is her second production with the SHS theater department. She was in "The Addams Family '' as an Ancestor and now as a Nun and Bowery Beauty in "Newsies". Stella is involved with show choir and Earth club outside of the musical. She is so excited to be working with her cast members again this year and hopes to be able to work with them again. Stella would like to thank her family, friends, and directors for pushing her as hard as she can go.
Isaac Larson (Buttons / Darcy)
Isaac is entering his senior year, and he is so excited for what we have accomplished this year. This will be his 4th musical at Sparta. He is also in the varsity show choir and the marching band. He plans on majoring in Musical Theater in college. He is so grateful that his time has been doing the thing he loves at Sparta. He hopes to inspire others to get on the stage and perform.
Patrick Larson (Mush / Mayor)
Patrick is a freshman this year and is excited for the new opportunities that high school will bring. This is the first time he will be performing on stage but his second musical production because he was a crew member for Little Shop of Horrors. He is also a member of chamber choir, band, and show choir. He is excited to perform and have fun as his first performance as an actor. He really wants to encourage others to be a part of the program because it is so fun!
Aidan Malone (Morris Delancey)
Aidan is a junior this year and this is his very first SHS production playing a role but he was part of the crew for 2 other SHS productions which were "The Addams Family" and "Little Shop Of Horrors.” He's also in Upstage Adrenaline show choir and maybe robotics. His favorite hobby is hanging out with his friends and family! He would like to thank his parents for working through everything and getting him where he needs to be and supporting him through everything! He would also like to thank the Directors Camie Schneider and Skyler Erickson for everything and helping him through the hard times
Garrick Manning (Finch / Bill)
Garrick is a freshman at SHS this year and this is his first production with the theater program at the high school. He’s never done anything with acting before, and this is his second year being involved in anything choir-related. He’s also involved in the jazz band, jazz combo, chamber choir and show choir - and loves all things music. He’s loved being a part of this production, and looks forward to many more as the years go on.
Kira Markuson (Splasher)
Kira is a senior at Sparta High School. This is her second musical production, while Shrek was her first during her sophomore year. She is involved in tennis, DECA, and soccer during the school year, and is very excited to join vocal jazz and chamber choir for the first time this year! After high school she plans to attend college for Education and Spanish. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her in her decisions, and her friends for pushing her to try new things, like Newsies!
Allie Martinson (Bowery Beauty / Nun)
Allie is in her sophomore year in high school. This is her second production in SHS theater. Last year she was a part of “The Addams Family” as an ancestor. She is also involved in show choir, treble choir, softball, and archery. She would like to thank her parents for supporting her in her activities and her friends for being there for her during rehearsals and having so much fun together.
Delia Mathison (Bowery Beauty / Nun)
Delia is in her sophomore year of high school and this is her second year being in the fall musical! Her freshman year she was in “The Addams Family Musical” and was a member of the Upstage Adrenaline crew. This year, aside from “Newsies”, she is in the varsity show band playing synth along with being section leader in Rise of Adrenaline show choir, and art club. She would like to thank her family, for the never ending support and joy, her friends for all the laughs in between, cast for the uplifting environment, and directors for their ability to push her to her full potential and encourage her throughout the year.
Carter Miller (Henry)
Carter is a sophomore at Sparta High. This is his second production with the Sparta Spotlight Players. He also did Addams Family last year. He also does robotics, cross country, and chamber choir. He would like to thank his parents for supporting him in all his endeavors as well as his friends for helping him through busy times.
Wyatt Morrow (Police Officer)
Bio coming soon...
Celia Olbert (Race)
Celia is a senior this year at Sparta High. This is her fourth musical with the Sparta Spotlight Players. Previously she was Gingy in “Shrek the Musical”, Wednesday in “The Addams Family”, and Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors.” She is also involved in Sparta’s Upstage Adrenaline show choir, chamber choir, and vocal jazz. After high school she plans to major in musical theater and minor in dance. Celia would like to thank her family and friends for all their support and the directors for pushing her to grow each year.
Roman Olbert (Romeo)
Roman is a freshman this year and this is his 3rd production. He previously played Young Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Caveman/Cousin Itt in the Addams Family, and was involved in crew for Little Shop of Horrors. He is also involved in numerous activities such as show choir, band, jazz combo, chamber choir, and golf. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continuous support in everything that he does.
Katelyn Scholze (Rusty)
Katelyn is a junior and this is her first musical production at SHS. She is also involved in Varsity and Prep show choir and enjoys singing alongside all of her peers in both Treble and Chamber Choir. Katelyn would like to thank her family and friends for all of the support they have shown through the years.
Madysen Schwarz (Bowery Beauty / Nun)
Mady is a freshman at Sparta high school this year. This is her second musical production, being in the crew for “Little Shop of Horrors.” Mady is also a part of Sparta’s Upstage Adrenaline show choir group, while also being in the prep group, “Rise of Adrenaline,” and Treble choir. She is so excited to perform and make amazing memories with amazing people! She would like to thank the directors for pushing her to do her best. She would also like to thank her mom for being there every step of the way.
Phoebe Schwarz (Spot Conlon)
Phoebe is a senior this year and this is her third musical production at Sparta High School. Last year, Phoebe was a part of “The Addams Family” playing the role of an ancestor, and “Little Shop of Horrors” playing the role of Chiffon. Outside of theatre, Phoebe has also been involved in Sparta’s Upstage Adrenaline and Rise of Adrenaline show choirs, Vocal Jazz, and multiple other choirs provided by the high school. After high school, Phoebe plans on going to a university where she can major in Music Education. She would like to thank her friends, family, cast members, and directors for all the love and support throughout the years!
Victoria Seifert (JoJo)
Victoria is a senior this year. This is her second musical production at Sparta High School. Last year she was in The Addams Family and played the role of an ancestor. She has also been involved in Sparta’s Varsity Show Choir, Upstage Adrenaline for 4 years. She also sings alongside her peers in Chamber Choir. After high school she plans to attend Winona State University and major in Public Health. She would like to thank her directors for leading everyone to success. She would also like to thank her friends and family for supporting her throughout the years of her musical journey.
Matthew Smith (Specs)
Matthew is a freshman this year, and this is his first production with SHS. He is also in his first year in Sparta High School's Upstage Adrenaline show choir and previously competed in Sparta Middle School's group and took home Grand Champion once. He is also in Chamber Choir and is very excited to perform in every group he's in. He would like to thank the cast, crew, directors, orchestra, and the choreographer because without them the show would not go on. He would also like to thank his mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa for being such great supporters. Finally he would like to give a special thanks to his big brother for being such a big inspiration.
Brianna Sparks (Scab / Woman Customer)
Brianna is a junior at Sparta High this year. She was previously in “The Addams Family” as the Titanic Passenger ancestor. Aside from theatre, she is involved in Sparta’s Rise of Adrenaline Prep Show Choir, Sparta’s Upstage Adrenaline Varsity Show Choir, Treble Choir, 4-H, and Youth Group. She is so excited to be in “Newsies” this year, and would like to thank her Family, Friends, and her directors for pushing her to always do her best. She hopes you all enjoy the show!
Luke Tempski (Wiezel / Bunsen)
Luke is a junior. This is his first production on stage, he was previously in stage crew for “Shrek”, ”The Addams Family”, and “Little Shop.” He also participates in Upstage Adrenaline and is in Chamber Choir. He enjoys chilling out, relaxing , and shooting some bball outside of school. He would like to thank his friends for getting him into the music department. Can’t wait for Rock of Ages this spring.
Daisha Van Beek (Riff-Raff)
Daisha is a junior this year at Sparta High School. This is her 3rd production with SHS. She was on crew for Shrek and The Addams Family. She is also on the Sparta High dance team and performs with Sparta Area Theatre and Arts Guild. Daisha likes to act, dance, play softball and spend time with friends. She is extremely excited to be putting on this show! Lastly she would also like to thank her friends, family, and directors who pushed her to come out of her comfort zone and audition for this show!
Tanner Wehmanen (Snyder)
Tanner is a freshman this year. This is the first production with Sparta that he has been a part of.
Adrian Williams (Oscar Delancey / Roosevelt)
Adrian is in his final year of highschool. He has been in 2 other musical performances in previous years including "Shrek the Musical" as Pig #2 and "The Addams Family" as the Cowboy ancestor. He spends most of his time rehearsing for the current musical, "Newsies" and the varsity show choir group, Upstage Adrenaline. In his spare time, he likes to relax at home, listen to music, or play video games. “I am thankful for all of the support over the years from my mom, younger brother, friends, and everyone in the music department. I'd also like to thank Camie Schneider and Skyler Erickson for bringing out my true potential.”