As autumn blankets Peoria in hues of orange and red, the city's theatergoers have double the reason to step out of the chill and into the warmth of live entertainment, with two stellar productions set to take the stage at Arizona Broadway Theatre and the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. Dusting off the ol' newsboy caps and pinstripe suits, Peoria's Arizona Broadway Theatre is currently bringing magic to life with their rendition of Disney’s Newsies: The Musical, a high-octane extravaganza that's all the buzz through November 1, according to the City of Peoria.
Newsies tells the inspiring story of Jack Kelly and his group of newsboys as they stand up to powerful newspaper publishers during the 1899 Newsboys Strike. It's more than just songs and dance—it's a story about friendship, justice, and standing up for what's right. This production features a mix of local and national talent, a live orchestra, and detailed sets that bring the turn-of-the-century setting to life. Plus, it includes ABT’s popular dinner-and-show experience, with a themed menu created by their in-house chef, as reported by the City of Peoria.
On the other hand, TheaterWorks is bringing fun and youthful energy to the stage with the Tony Award-winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, running October 24 to November 9 at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. This show isn't just something you watch—it pulls the audience into the action with interactive moments, even inviting some people on stage to join the spelling bee, making the experience personal, playful, and one-of-a-kind, as per the City of Peoria.
