Newsies
July 24 – August 9, 2026
Directed by Steven McCloud
Choreographed by Cat Delos Santos Reyes
Castro Valley Center for the Arts
19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Synopsis
Newsies follows a group of newsboys in 1899 New York City, who strike against powerful newspaper owners, Pulitzer and Hearst, after prices for newspapers are unfairly raised. The leader, Jack Kelly, inspires his fellow “newsies” to stand up for their rights and fight back. Through unity, determination, and song, they prove that even the smallest voices can make a big difference.
Cast
Danila Bursheytn (Jack Kelly) is ecstatic to be making his return to the TMCA/CVAF stage with Disney's Newsies. Recent and favorite credits include Frank Jr. in Catch Me If You Can, Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Prince Oliver in Between the Lines, Riff in West Side Story, Jack in Into the Woods! He would love to thank Kimberly, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Nick and Liz for their never ending love and support!
Cat Delos Santos Reyes (Katherine Plummer) is excited to finally return to performing again! After many years of a performance hiatus in which she focused on choreographing the musicals instead, this is a literal dream come true to perform one of her dream roles. Other credits include: Vanessa (In the Heights), Taylor (High School Musical), Beth (Little Women); ensemble for productions in the Bay Area. Cat would like to give a "biiiig shout out" to her husband, Joren, who is literally The Best! Finally, thank you to TMC Arts for this incredible opportunity - so much love to you!
Paul Plain (Pulitzer) is happy to be making his debut with TMCA/CVAF! After previous stints with Tri-Valley Rep in Rock of Ages (Heinz), Legally Blonde (Mr Woods), Oliver ( Fagin), Spamalot (Galahad), and My Fair Lady (Higgins), he recently appeared at Center Rep in Cabaret (Max), Our Town (Stage Manager), and the Bay Area premiere of It Shoulda Been You. At Berkeley Playhouse: Becoming Robin Hood (Little John), Tarzan (Father), Billy Elliot (George), and various other roles. Onscreen: Oppenheimer, The Matrix Resurrections and The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Vivaan Rai (Davey) is so grateful and thrilled to be a part of TMCA/CVAF's production of Newsies! Most recent performances: Anything Goes (Billy Crocker), ... Spelling Bee (William Barfee), and Grease (Kenickie) with SRVTheatre; Newsies (Albert), 9 to 5 (Bob Enwright), and Urinetown (Old Man Strong/Hot Blades Harry) with ICDT!; and Sound of Music with Korsa. He will be attending Wagner College in New York to pursue Music Theatre Performance and Business Economics. Vivaan would like to thank the entire cast, team, and directors for their energy, acceptance, support, and endless laughs.
Jaxson Ramos-Louis (Les) is absolutely thrilled to be working on Newsies. She has been performing since 2nd grade and continues to pursue theatre passionately. Having previously worked on Pride & Prejudice (Lydia Bennett), Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (Willy Wonka), Between the Lines (Fairy #2), 9 to 5 (Doctor), You’re a Good Man (Lucy), Les Misérables (Street Urchin), and Mary Poppins (Bert), she is all in on the strike!!! Jaxson would like to emphasize the support that her family and friends have afforded her throughout her theatrical journey. She is deeply grateful for the opportunities she has been granted to grow both on and behind the stage. She wants you to remember to seize your day to its fullest extent!
Ashton Prestosa (Crutchie) is thrilled to be taking the stage in this production of Newsies! A junior in college, Ashton discovered his passion for the stage during his senior year of high school and hasn't looked back since. Credits include Sonny in In the Heights (Sunnyvale Community Players), Oklahoma! (TMCA), and Escape to Margaritaville (LPC). Immersing himself in the worlds of music and dance has helped Ashton's personal growth, teaching him resilience, confidence, and the true value of community. He is incredibly grateful to the creative team and this amazing cast for the opportunity to help tell this story.
Andrea Daniel (Medda Larkin) has spent many hours in the audience watching her daughters perform. Now she is happy to be making her debut here on the CFA stage! She has played many roles in the Bay Area: Rona Peretti (Spelling Bee), Aldonza (Man of LaMancha), Nell Carter (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Narrator (Joseph), Grizabella (Cats), Nettie Fowler (Carousel), and Aunt Em/Glinda (The Wiz). Andrea won the coveted Bay Area Shelley Award for her role as Sarah in Ragtime with Diablo Light Opera. Andrea would like to thank her amazing daughters, Ryan and Taylor, for their support and motivation. You inspire me!
Keli'i "Kaos" Salvador (Racetrack) is ready to seize the day in his first show with TMCA/CVAF! He has been seen in Annie as Ensemble (Berkeley Playhouse), RENT as Angel (Chabot College), Legally Blonde as Carlos (Korsa), and Carrie as Stokes (American Conservatory Theatre). His choreography has been seen in Avenue Q (Chabot College), Hadestown (American Conservatory Theatre), and Oklahoma! (Korsa). You can see him next in Legally Blonde at Berkeley Playhouse! He thanks the cast and crew for their contributions! STRIKE! Instagram: @kelii.salvador
Arnel "AJ" Torrado (Albert) is ecstatic to perform in his first show with TMCA/CVAF! Newsies is one of his favorite musicals and he’s honored to be able to perform it alongside such a talented cast. Some of his past productions include In The Heights (Sonny U/S), RENT (Mark Cohen), Beauty and the Beast (Lefou) and High School Musical (Troy Bolton). He thanks all of the cast and crew and hopes that you all enjoy the show. Seize the day!
Ryder Hom (Henry) is thrilled to be joining TMC Arts and CVAF in this production of Newsies! He became more involved in theatre within the last two years, working both behind the scenes as well as participating in a few shows, most recently in Heathers with Ohlone College. He would like to thank his family and friends for all of their support.
Bennett Chambers (Finch) is a student performer who has recently fallen in love with staged plays and musicals. He has played Joe in 9 to 5 and Gomez Addams in The Addams Family. Outside of theatre, Bennett likes to sing for Castro Valley High School's choir and play video games. He wants to give special thanks to the adults in his life that support his passion and keep him going.
Laura Balayut (Specs) is ecstatic to join Newsies as her first show with TMC Arts/CVAF. A recent Sacramento State graduate, she holds a BS in Health Sciences and minor in Child Development. She has performed around the Bay Area, including California’s Great America‘s Halloween (The Spectral Sisters) and Winterfest (Holly Jolly Trolley & Cool Yule) seasons, Broadway South Bay’s Anastasia, and most recently with the Peter Pan Foundation in Lafayette. Her deepest gratitude to friends and family that wholeheartedly support her passions!
Justin Sabino (Romeo) he/him; is excited to be in TMC Arts/CVAF's production of Disney's Newsies. Sabino is a Bay Area actor and choreographer. Actor credits include: SBMT's RENT (Angel); Center REP's Altar Boyz (Luke) and Disney's Freaky Friday (Louie Snaps/Wells); TVRT's In The Heights (Graffiti Pete) and Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame (Clopin); CCMT's Westside Story (Pepe); Woodminster's Gypsy (Kansas); and BPH's The Prom (Teen and Adult Ensemble). Choreography: RENT (Landmark Music Theatre) and ...Spelling Bee (CCMT). Sabino is a teaching artist with Imagination Stage's Educational Theatre program, providing theatre for young audiences with mental health education programming to schools and communities across the state of California. Thanks to family, friends and especially Steven for your love and support.
Myles Wu (Elmer) is thrilled to return to TMCA/CVAF where he last performed in Mary Poppins! Some of his previous credits include Anything Goes (Altarena Playhouse), Annie and Cinderella (Berkeley Playhouse), A Christmas Carol (Center REPertory Company), The Music Man (Tri-Valley Theatre Company), and Freaky Friday (Diablo Valley College Drama). Myles would like to thank everyone for their love and support. @mylesjonathanwu
David Patiño (Mush) is excited to return to TMC Arts/CVAF for Newsies! To be a part of any form of storytelling is his favorite hobby, and it's his belief that good theater inspires you. Enjoy the show! Previous musical credits: Chicago as Amos (Plethos), The Hunchback of Notre Dame as Feat. Ensemble (TMC Arts), RENT as Roger (Chabot College), Once Upon a Mattress as Sir Harold (Ohlone College).
Steven McCloud (JoJo) is stoked to be returning to the stage in one of his favorite musicals and making his onstage debut with TMC Arts/CVAF. He graduated from San Francisco State with his B.A. in Theatre Arts and has been performing in the Bay Area for over fifteen years! His most recent performance was in Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble’s production of Urinetown. Grateful to be in this production with his loved ones: Justin and Mel.
Melissa McCloud (Buttons) This is Melissa’s 3rd production with TMC Arts. You may have seen her in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Oklahoma! Melissa is attending California State University Long Beach for her Bachelor of Theatre Arts and Education with minors in Dance and American Sign Language. She is a choreographer and technical props designer as well! She wants to thank all the people who love and support her on her life adventure.
Danny Brown (Wiesel, Mayor) is excited to return to the Bay Area performance scene after having acted from one end of the American continent to the other. After graduating from Brigham Young University with a major in Theater Arts, he began performing for years as a character actor in the infamous Evermore Park, a Washington D.C. Grassroots Shakespeare production of Hamlet, and finally back home with Broadway South Bay's production of Anastasia. He looks forward to adding even more to his repertoire in the years to come.
Taryn Hannigan (Tommy Boy) is so excited to be making her TMCA/CVAF debut! A graduate of Chapman University and Diablo Valley College, she has spent several years performing internationally at theme parks. She currently teaches with Town Hall Theatre and Plethos Productions. Recent credits include Yes And D&D: Down the Rabbit Hole, All in the Timing (Betty), Jackie and the Beanstalk (Ensemble), and Othello (Bianca). She will be performing in Shanghai starting in the fall!
Gamliel Urlanda (Seitz, Others) is excited to join TMC Arts/CVAF once again! He previously performed in Mary Poppins as John Northbrook, Policeman, and Vocal Ensemble. Gam also enjoys making music in other settings, having previously co-led the a cappella group, Isang Himig, at UC Santa Cruz and served as an organist and choir teacher at his community church. Thanks to the cast and crew for such a welcoming experience!
Joseph Saam (Mr. Jacobi, Roosevelt, Others) is delighted to continue his Newsies journey with TMCA/CVAF. He has appeared in six Bay Area productions of Newsies, favoring the roles of Pulitzer & Governor Roosevelt. Additional credits include Archibald Proops (Jekyll & Hyde); Mickey Marcus (The Normal Heart); Ben Silverman (The Sunshine Boys); and Patrick (A Murder Is Announced). Joe also enjoys improv, voice work, and trips to Disneyland. He thanks his wife Clarisse, son Joey, and extended family for their endless love & support. Newsies forever!
Sean Cooper (Bunsen, Others) Between the Lines (Rapskullio/Dr. Ducharme), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (TMCA/CVAF, Frederic/Ensemble), Bright Star (TMCA/CVAF, Stanford/Ensemble), Poppins/Charlie Brown/Oklahoma/Anastasia (TMCA/CVAF, Sound Design). Thanks to my family and friends for your constant support and encouragement. To Dayna, Berenice, and the TMC Arts/CV Arts Foundation team: Thanks to your love, passion, and dedication, the lyrics of the opening song in Newsies describe my experience as a member of this cast and creative team: “Why, the minute that you get there, folks’ll walk right up and say, welcome home…”
Brian Dobbie (Guard, Others) is honored to join the amazing cast and crew of Newsies. He appeared In CVAF/TMC Arts’ production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Monk Choir) in 2024 and is thrilled to make musical magic with them once again. Brian grew up performing locally in Castro Valley and is an ongoing participant in the Castro Valley High School Alumni Chorale and the Douglas Morrisson Theatre Chorus. Past credits include several performances with Livermore Valley Opera and Festival Opera.
Kaitlyn Creedon (Nun, Others) is super excited to be performing in her first TMCA/CVAF show, and even more excited that it's Newsies!! It’s such a fun little show, like, seriously. Some favorite past shows include Rent at Chabot College and Chicago with Plethos Productions. Outside of performing, she likes reading, painting, and trying to pet outdoor cats. She’d like to thank her family, friends, and boyfriend for their unending support of her many theatrical endeavors.
Joey Berube (Snyder, Darcy) age 30, was born and raised in Castro Valley. His love of performing arts started in middle school. While attending Castro Valley High School, he sang with the Acapella and Madrigal Choirs. Joey continues to sing locally with The Morrisson Theatre Chorus, In Full Swing, and Route 66. His favorite roles included Scuttle in The Little Mermaid, Robertson Ay in Mary Poppins, and Ambrose Kemper in Hello Dolly! He’s excited to be working with the talented cast of Newsies.
Riofa-Gean Fernandez (Nun, Others) is excited to be sellin’ papes to you lovely folks! Before she was a newsie, her previous roles with TMC Arts/CVAF were Janice/Marina in Between the Lines, Mrs.Corey in Mary Poppins, Sally in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Anya u/s in Anastasia.
Sheridan Liaw (Hannah, Others) is a 25-year-old singer and performer who graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a degree in Music, concentrating in Vocal Performance. She began singing at age three and writing songs at sixteen. In 2022, she released her debut album State of Being Single, available on all streaming platforms. Her live performance experience includes two years performing in seasonal shows at California’s Great America. Sheridan works in event coordination and currently serves on the philanthropy team at YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley.
Arsalan Khan (Oscar Delancey) is elated to be back performing with TMC Arts, you might have seen him in Oklahoma! as Ali Hakim. Actor, singer, coach, and certified personal trainer, he has a BFA in Acting (AMDA), an AA-T in Theatre Arts (Las Positas College), and Meisner Technique training (Empowerhouse Acting Studio with Melissa Thompson Esaia). Recently, he performed with the Peter Pan Foundation at Disneyland! He would like to thank everyone and hopes you enjoy the show. Now… go check out the bio of his strike-breakin’ brother Kyle J Brown as they prepare to make life challenging for the Newsies!
Maximilian Cordoba (Spot Conlon) is thrilled to be in one of his dream shows with TMCA/CVAF. Max holds a BFA in Music Theatre from UC Irvine. Recent credits: Mean Girls at Ray of Light Theatre (Swing); The Addams Family at Berkeley Playhouse (Uncle Fester u/s, Ensemble) Hello, Dolly! at Cedar Summerstock Theater (Horace Vandergelder), Cabaret at UC Irvine (Ernst Ludwig), and The Drowsy Chaperone at Vanguard University (Aldolpho). Max would like to thank his family and friends for their unwavering support throughout his performing journey. IG:@maxcordobalovesmt
Lydia Crocker (Nun, Others) is thrilled to make her TMCA/CVAF debut in one of her dream shows. Her favorite roles include Nostradamus (Something Rotten!), Shrek (Shrek), and the Cat in the Hat (Seussical). She is so grateful for this opportunity to be a part of this amazing community. She thanks her family, friends, CVPA teachers, and vocal coach for their support.
Kyle J. Brown (Morris Delancey) is excited to present the world of Newsies to all reading this right now! You may have seen him in works such as WUAS (Tarzan/Prince Adam), Into the Woods (Prince Charming), CLUE (Wadsworth), The Greek Olympiaganza (Zeus/Hercules/Achilles), DreamCast (Julius Cheeser) or several other productions. He would like to thank God, his family, and his friends for all the support he has received along the way. Now… go check out the biography of his strike-breakin’ brother Arsalan Khan as they prepare to make life difficult for the Newsies!
Savana Robles (Newsie) is a 19 years old who has been dancing all styles of dance for 17 years, with her preferred style being hip hop. The passion from her parents and watching everything on Michael Jackson growing up inspired her to train. In her day to day life, she enjoys hanging out with her family, going on dates with her boyfriend, and having sleepovers with her bestie. "This experience is truly a dream come true! Thank you!"
Louisa Yuxin Ou (Newsie) is thrilled to be back on the TMC Arts/CVAF stage! Past performance credits include Vocal Ensemble in Mary Poppins and Dunya/Ensemble in Anastasia (TMC Arts), and Andrina in The Little Mermaid (Broadway South Bay). As a choreographer, she has brought to life Lion King Kids, Aladdin Kids, A Year With Frog and Toad Kids (SMC Creative Camps), Into the Woods Jr. (TMC Arts), and Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition. (ACTC). Thank you for supporting Bay Area community theater!
Isra Sherif (Newsie) is thrilled to return to TMCA/CVAF for Newsies after performing in Between the Lines. Favorite roles include Mary in Pride & Prejudice, Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Little Red in Into the Woods. Isra is grateful to her family, friends, and the entire TMCA/CVAF community for their constant support and for providing so many opportunities to grow as a performer.
Brendan Thomas (Newsie) is so excited to be making his debut with TMC Arts/CVAF in Newsies and he can’t wait to present this story to you all! He most recently played Angel in Rent at OneStage Theatre. He would like to thank his family and friends for their endless support, and he cannot express his gratitude enough to the creative team for believing in him for this production. Instagram: @brendanjthomas
Ivann Gelico (Newsie) He/They; is ecstatic to be performing again with TMC Arts and CVAF in his #1 favorite show! He graduated from UCSB with a degree in Sociology and Ohlone College with a degree in Fine Arts with a focus on acting. He’d like to thank his family and mentors for their endless support. Favorite credits include Scab/Brooklyn Newsie in Newsies (Hillbarn), Ensemble in The SpongeBob Musical (Palo Alto Players), and Daryl Ames in Bright Star (TMCA/CVAF). Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!
Tyler Louie (Newsie) is thrilled to be in his first-ever TMCA/CVAF production! His past performances have been with Castro Valley High School, including Les Misérables and 9 to 5. He is excited to perform in Newsies for the Castro Valley community, his family, and friends. He hopes to continue his passion for theatre!
Parker Swinyer (Scab, Newsie) is a student at Castro Valley High School and a passionate vocalist who performs with the school’s advanced A Cappella Choir. He has also studied voice for more than 5 years at Castro Valley School of Music and was honored to be selected for the California All-State Choir by the California Choral Directors Association. When he’s not singing, Parker enjoys rock climbing, basketball, and learning new songs on the guitar, piano, and ukulele.
Madi Lopez (Newsie) has been dreaming of this day ever since she could remember! She’s so grateful to have been given this opportunity to be in Newsies! Asides from Newsies, you’ll usually catch Madi dancing or in her school musical. She wants to thank her parents and friends for all the support they have given her! Thank you so much.
Amosi Morgan (Bill, Newsie) attended Cal State Monterey Bay and studied in the Music and Performing Arts department where he got his Bachelor’s in Contemporary Music. He’s been in several short films and productions in and out of college, including The Wiz and Alice In Wonderland in college, and Curious & Curioser and Spirals & Dirt outside of college. This is his third production with TMCA, after Oklahoma! and Mary Poppins. He’s thankful to his family and friends for their continued support.
Zachary Riley (Scab, Newsie) is a junior at Castro Valley High School who made waves this year as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. He is so excited to be a part of the Newsies cast! A passionate lover of anything history related, this show delivers a message and story that’s right up his alley. He starred in his first show, The Aristocats (Scat Cat) at age 10 and has been in many shows since, including Shrek: The Musical (Lord Farquad) and Les Misérables (Ensemble). He can’t wait to be able to add Newsies to his repertoire!
Karma Gibbons (Newsie) is excited to perform in her first full show with TMCA/CVAF. She has previously performed in Into The Woods Jr. (Rapunzel/Jack's Mom/Cinderella's Mom), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Jr. (Announcer/Oompa Loompa), Mary Poppins Jr. (Ms. Smythe), Shrek Jr. (Storyteller), and The Addams Family Young@Part (Lurch), among many other shows. Karma would like to thank her family and friends for their support!
Carly Hillen (Newsie) is thrilled to be returning to TMC Arts, having been in Oklahoma! and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. A recent graduate of CVHS, she has been in musicals and plays for the past four years. Some Favorite roles include Doralee (9 to 5), Fantine (Les Misérables), Ursula (The Little Mermaid), Jackie Cochran (They Promised Her the Moon), and Lady Catherine (Pride and Prejudice). This fall, Carly will begin the Actor’s Conservatory program at Las Positas College. She would like to thank her family for their endless love and encouragement!
Creatives
Steven McCloud (Director) Newsies will be Steven’s second time directing a musical with TMC Arts/CVAF, after directing their production of Between The Lines this winter. Steven is no stranger to the stage himself. Favorite shows performed include: Side Show (Altarena Playhouse), Avenue Q (New Conservatory Theatre Center), Damn Yankees (Tri-Valley Repertory), Billy Elliot (Berkeley Playhouse), and West Side Story (Contra Costa Musical Theatre). Last year he directed a production of The Curious Savage with Encore Players of Livermore. He is so grateful to the team at TMC Arts/CVAF for trusting him to carry the banner for this show and to his cast and crew for enriching this show with their time and talent. Seize the Day Y’all!
Cat Delos Santos Reyes (Choreographer) is excited to return to the TMCA/CVAF stage, having choreographed Anastasia, Oklahoma!, You’re A Good Man..., and Between the Lines. Other choreography credits: Jesus Christ Superstar, The Little Mermaid, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Song of the Nightingale (TVRT); Matilda, Becoming Robin Hood, and The Addams Family (Berkeley Playhouse); and Legally Blonde (TVTC). She teaches at Bay Area youth theater programs and at dance studios where she has choreographed many national award winning groups and solos. She had the honor of choreographing for the troupes of Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre, as well as touring with them as an entertainer/teaching artist. Up next, she will choreograph Berkeley Playhouse's season opener, Legally Blonde and their winter show, Frozen. Cat wants to thank this cast for their amazing hearts and dedication, she's so proud of them! She hopes you have so much fun watching their incredible dancing!
Camden Daly (Music Director) is thrilled to return to TMCA/CVAF! Camden is a music director, conductor, and composer from the San Francisco Bay Area. He has music directed and conducted shows with theatre companies across the country, including CYT: Tri-Valley, Berkeley Playhouse, Tomorrow Youth Repertory, and TMCA/CVAF. Favorite productions include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Urinetown, Mary Poppins, and Beauty and the Beast. Upcoming: Legally Blonde (Berkeley Playhouse), School of Rock (Hillbarn Theatre), and A Little Night Music (Ross Valley Players). Camden is also embracing the music world as a film composer. He discovered his calling as a composer for film and television while at CSU Monterey Bay which led him to a master’s program in film music. In the Spring of 2025, Camden graduated from Jacobs School of Music with a master's degree in Music Scoring for Visual Media.
Charles Rotenberry (Scenic Design and Set)
Dayna Speed (Costume Design)
Ronda White (Costume Design)
Colin Mogilefsky (Lighting Design)
Sean Cooper (Sound Design)
Chae Hyden (Stage Manager)
Bobby Scofield (Assistant Stage Manager)
Mike Wu (A1)
Elliot Lucas (A2 Board)
Faith Hudson (A2 Script)
Mina Chen (A2 Backstage)
Leah McCollister (Lead Deck)
Hannah Huemoeller (Lead Deck)
Renee DeWeese Moran (Tap Choreographer)
Orchestra
Camden Daly (Keyboard 1 / Conductor)
Dean Starnes (Keyboard 2)
Naomi Ho (Cello)
Niko Umar Durr (Violin)
Brenden Arellano (Guitar)
Noah Berk (Bass)
Danielle Napoleon (Reeds – 1st Weekend)
Kevin Feliciano (Reeds – 2nd Weekend)
Matthew Porter (Trumpet)
Zachariah Friesen (Trombone)
Wesley Booth (Drums)
Tiena Elias (Percussion)