By Nicolas Pacelli 

As this year’s Summer Stock Austin sneak peak progressed, I began to wonder why the temperature in the theatre was so cold, when I looked at my arms and realized the chills I was experiencing were rather a result of constant, unrelenting goosebumps from the talent on stage. This year’s SSA season proves once again that Austin is a bottomless well of talent when it comes to emerging theatrical artists. Pluck any one performer off the stage at the McCullough theatre and you have yourself a future Broadway star! It is no surprise that once again, SSA has put together a show-stopping preview event full of stars past, present, and future that precedes not only the incredible shows to see this summer, but underwrites the incredible educational, artistic, and emotional value of a career in the fine arts! It is a marvel (but not a surprise) that in addition to preparing two full musical productions, these talented students came together and learned countless additional eight counts of choreography and pages of music from a swath of other musicals to put on a showstopping sneak peek for their eager audience. 

PREVIEW: Disney’s Newsies (July 31 – Aug 9, 2026)

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the night was the performance from the cast of Disney’s Newsies at the end of the first act, introduced by director Greg Almanza. He spoke about how while on the surface Newsies is riotous entertainment and mountainous musical numbers, the emotional core of the show really connects to SSA’s artistic spirit, a collective of young artists persevering and coming together to tell stories. After highlighting what a great choice this show was, the audience was blessed with two glorious performances of the iconic “Santa Fe” and the grandiose opening number “Carrying the Banner”. Returning for a second season at SSA, Blaine Lovett leads the show as newsboy Jack Kelly, charming not only the fiercely independent Katherine Plumber (Delilah Grad,) but audiences as well. His performance is certainly a can’t miss, but after the opening number you’ll also want to stay for the larger-than-life ensemble that fills the stage with terrific turns, sharp leaps, and unmatched gravitas. Other ensemble standouts include Reilly Favacho, Ben Akers, Daniela Pratts, and River Tinch (Crutchie). Tickets for Disney’s Newsies at the McCullough Theatre are on sale NOW at texasperformingarts.org !!

PREVIEW: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (July 23 – Aug 9, 2026) 

While Newsies brings the heart to Austin this summer, SSA’s second musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, is sure to bring the hope! Before this preview began, director Zoë Adams spoke about how taking a second look at this classic story has helped the company realize that Cinderella is truly about how in moments of darkness, you must always turn to hope to guide you into the future. This powerful messages resonates not only within this production, but outside the theatre into the world we live in today, and cannot be missed on stage this summer. 2025 Heller Award Winner Avery Linden stars as the titular Cinderella, and while we didn’t get too much of a look at her performance in this show, her featured solo “Change In Me” (Beauty and the Beast illuminated that this performance will be nothing short of stellar. Audiences were treated with featured songs “The Prince Is Giving A Ball” and “Stepsister’s Lament”. The former featured a stellar central performance from Aidan Cox (Lionel) and highlighted the absolutely magical production value, filled with props, sets, costumes, and more that bring the iconic story to life in bright colors. The latter previewed the sheer comedic genius of Reilly Kearney and Lucky Cantu as the wicked stepsisters, who are sure to balance the earnest-nature of the royal ensemble with their twisted shenanigans. Tickets for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella are on sale NOW at texasperformingarts.com !!

Summer Stock Stars – Past, Present, & Future! 

While the centerpiece of the evening was certainly the previews of the two season musicals, the 75+ artists on stage prepared over fifteen other showstopping musical numbers for the audience to enjoy, showcasing the talents of dozens of artists not featured in principal roles in the productions themselves. While so many numbers stood out, a few highlights include: 

• “Dancin’ Man” (Dancin’) – Pure fosse bliss for the diehard fans of the classic choreography, completed with unmatched charisma from Elliott Richards at the front of the stage. The rhythmic clapping and snapping really took this number to another level! 
• “On My Own/I Dreamed a Dream” (Les Miserables) – No one expected this mashup of the two iconic Ballads, and effortlessly crystal clear vocals from Ashlynn Ellsworth and Daniela Pratts took the medley to another level. This one was a real tear jerker, you could feel it from the front row all the way to the back of the house. 
• “You Can’t Stop The Beat” (Hairspray) – Perhaps the most impressive choreography of the night came during this iconic song, with a standout dance performance from longtime dynamic duo Elliott Richards and Kyra Jackson. 
• “Opening: The New World” (Songs For A New World) – The audience was never louder than for this harmony-filled tribute to new beginnings and human connection. The score of this number was carried beautifully by all eight ensemble members, but vocal standouts include Nyla George and Aidan Cox. 
• “Right Track” (Pippin) – Returning SSA Icon Donny Thigpen joined his younger fellow thespian Reilly Favacho in this high-energy dancing tribute to the connective power of Impact Arts and Musical Theatre. 
• “Impossible Dream” (Man of La Mancha) – A full cast of SSA icons returned to the stage to bring attention to the lasting impact this incredible program has had on the Austin area and its artists. Supported by the entire current season cast behind them, this was a truly touching 11 o’clock number. 

Accessible Theatre For All! 

Throughout the night, there was an occasional interjection between numbers to highlight important ticketing information, accessibility information, educational opportunities, and more! There is truly no one doing it like Impact Arts when it comes to quality training and theatrical education for the youth. This year, SSA is proud to provide Sensory Friendly, ASL Interpreted, Spanish Interpreted, Audio Described, AND Discount Performances. Information about all of these accessibility options and more can be found at texasperformingarts.com ! Impact Arts co-founder Donny Thigpen closed out the night by highlighting the incredible power of this program that has only continued to grow, thanks not only to the legendary artistic director Ginger Morris, but also the community that consistently comes back to support this program. 

It’s going to be another banner year for Summer Stock Austin, and you do not want to miss either of these iconic musicals, brought to life by the future of theatre in Austin! 

More about Impact Arts:

Housed under the umbrella of Impact Arts and celebrating its 22nd Season, Summer Stock Austin is uniquely a production company and educational training program in one. It offers high school and college students an opportunity to train, perform and engage in all aspects of theatre and film production in a fast-paced professional atmosphere – all tuition-free while working with theatre professionals. Summer Stock Austin culminates with high caliber, fully staged musical theatre productions for family audiences.