Disney Newsies Jr - June 26 - June 27, 2026
Casa Grande Youth Theatre
Crew Who's Who
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Casa Grande Parks & Recreation
Production Company
Casa Grande Parks and Recreation has been running the Summer Youth Theater Program since the 1980s. Originally called Casa Grande Children's Theatre, Jody Elder of Coolidge started the program when she wrote and directed her own versions of fairy tales like "Peter Pan," "The Wizard of Oz," and others. The program passed to Mitch Menchaca, who introduced Music Theater International's Broadway Jr. library, which we still use today. Paul Ortega took over the program with "Into the Woods Jr.," which was going to end the program, but after parent feedback, it was noted how valuable the program was to the community. Reina Canute directed "Jungle Book Kids" and co-directed "Beauty and the Beast Jr." with Paul. Christine Deaton continued the fairy tale theme with a fractured fairy tale. Noelle Wells has run the program since 2013. All these splendid leaders have brought something new, magical, and expanded the program! All havedone excellent work with our youth.
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Noelle Wells
Director
Noelle Wells is thrilled to continue her creative journey as a director, a role she stepped into in 2013. Her directing credits feature an array of vibrant youth productions, including Disney’s Mary Poppins Jr., Something Rotten! Jr., Disney’s The Lion King Jr., and Disney’s Moana Jr. Beyond musical theater, she also directed The Outsiders play in collaboration with The Black Box Foundation. Noelle’s deep-rooted passion for theater began right here with CGYT when she graced the stage as Blousey Brown in Bugsy Malone Jr. She is incredibly proud to cultivate the next generation of theatrical talent.
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