At the invitation of director Tyson Kaup, I volunteered to photograph a recent rehearsal of Walla Walla Summer Theater’s production of Disney’s Newsies. Rehearsals offer a chance to see the work behind a production, from the performers learning each movement to the creative team bringing the music, choreography and story together. Walla Walla Summer Theater is also working toward a larger goal: restoring the Fort Walla Walla Amphitheater as a permanent home for locally produced theater, arts education and future generations of performers. You can support that work by purchasing tickets to Newsies or making a tax-deductible donation to Walla Walla Summer Theater.

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Inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899, Disney’s Newsies follows a group of young newspaper sellers who organize against powerful publishers and fight for fair treatment. The musical combines a story about friendship, courage and collective action with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein.

Walla Walla Summer Theater’s production is directed by Tyson Kaup, the organization’s executive artistic director. The creative leadership team also includes music director and conductor Mitchell Brownell and choreographer Brad Willcuts. The production reflects the work of a much larger group of performers, musicians, designers, technicians, volunteers and community supporters.

Performances are scheduled for July 17-19 and July 23-25, 2026, at the Fort Walla Walla Amphitheater. Tickets include general-admission lawn seating, reserved chairs and VIP reserved seating. Because this is an outdoor production, guests should review the theater’s current seating, accessibility and weather information before attending.

Walla Walla Summer Theater is a nonprofit organization with a mission to transform the Fort Walla Walla Amphitheater into a nationally recognized regional theater while strengthening Walla Walla’s cultural identity through locally produced performances and accessible educational opportunities. The organization envisions an ongoing summer theater company that creates opportunities for local youth, performers, musicians, technicians and visiting artists.

Learn more about the 2026 season and Newsies, purchase tickets or support the amphitheater and theater programs with a donation.