the mommy avenger

There’s something magical about the first musical of summer—when the air is warm, the stars are bright, and the stage lights up with stories that tug at your heartstrings. This year, SCERA is kicking off its 2025 Summer Season with a Broadway favorite that’s bursting with heart, hope, and high-flying choreography: Disney’s Newsies! And let me tell you, this is one show you and your family do not want to miss.

I remember when Newsies first hit movie theaters back in 1992—yes, Christian Bale, dancing newsboys, and all. Then years later, it stormed Broadway with even more grit, energy, and show-stopping numbers like “Seize the Day” and “King of New York.” It was an absolute favorite! And now, it’s hitting the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre stage, right here in Utah County, for a limited summer run starting June 6 through June 21, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00pm.

This show is a feel-good, family-friendly spectacle that’s got something for everyone—daring kids standing up for what’s right, catchy songs you’ll be humming all the way home, and dancing that defies gravity (I mean seriously, those leaps!). Based on the real-life 1899 Newsboys Strike in New York City, Newsies tells the story of Jack Kelly and his ragtag team of “newsies” who take on the mighty publishing giants to demand fair treatment. It’s a story of courage, friendship, and believing in your own voice—even when the odds are stacked against you.

And watching it all unfold under the stars at the SCERA Shell? Pure summertime bliss.

It may not be Santa Fe (as Jack so desperately dreams about), but nestled in the heart of Orem, Utah’s SCERA Shell is its own kind of magic. You’ll be surrounded by families, lawn chairs, and picnic blankets, all soaking in the joy of live theater in the great outdoors. It’s the perfect place to introduce your kids to musical theater—or to fall in love with it all over again yourself.

Plus, I absolutely love that this production is wholesome, high-energy, and packed with positive messages. It’s got just the right mix of heart and humor to entertain younger kids, while the teen rebellion and inspiring underdog story totally resonate with older kids (and let’s be real—us parents, too).

🎟️ TICKETS:
Ready to seize your seat? Tickets are on sale now at scera.org or by calling 801-225-ARTS. You can also stop by the SCERA Center for the Arts in person.

• General Admission Lawn Seating: $15 Adults / $10 Children (age 3-11), Seniors (65+), Students (w/ID)
• Reserved Seating (chair provided!): $20-$25 Adults / $15-$20 Children, Seniors, Students

Whether you’re new to Newsies or have been singing “The World Will Know” since the ‘90s, this is your chance to experience it live—with your favorite people by your side and the open sky overhead.

So grab your tickets, pack a picnic, and bring the whole family. Let’s make this a summer to remember—starting with Newsies at SCERA!