Renaissance Theatre Brings Three September Shows to Mansfield, Including Free Sensory-Friendly 'Newsies JR' and Pay-What-You-Can Etta James Concert

For a Mansfield group of up to six people with sensory needs, a seat at the Renaissance Theatre's Newsies JR. on Sept. 12 will cost nothing. A week earlier, concertgoers at the downtown Brickyard will decide for themselves what to pay to hear At Last: An Evening with Etta James.

Together, the events make accessibility a visible part of the Renaissance's fall programming rather than an afterthought. Its September lineup comprises three regular performances of Newsies JR., a free sensory-friendly presentation of the youth musical, and a pay-what-you-can outdoor concert featuring the music of Etta James.

The approach is particularly significant in Mansfield, where the median household income is approximately $42,605 to $44,540 and roughly one in four or five residents lives below the poverty line, according to recent local estimates. The free sensory-friendly performance and pay-what-you-can concert directly address economic barriers that can exclude working families from cultural participation.

The September slate builds on existing accessibility efforts, which include free ticket programs for youth and seniors and discounts for veterans, active military members and students. Tickets for some Renaissance performances start as low as $13. By eliminating the cost entirely for eligible families and allowing audiences to set their own price for the outdoor concert, the theater positions affordability as a core programming strategy rather than a series of one-off charitable events — consistent with its mission to foster greater human connection through performing arts experiences that inspire, engage and educate all people.

The first of the month's productions, At Last: An Evening with Etta James, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026, at the Brickyard, 24 East Temple Court in downtown Mansfield. Presented in partnership with Downtown Mansfield Inc., the outdoor performance will operate on a pay-what-you-can admission model, with reservations recommended through RenTickets.

The concert features vocalist Condrea Mason and a live band tracing Etta James' tumultuous life and career through signature songs including "At Last," "I'd Rather Go Blind" and "Sunday Kind of Love." Mason, a lead vocalist with the Mansfield-based CONNE Band, originated the lead role in the production.

At Last is an original production written and directed by Michael Thomas, the Renaissance Theatre's Artistic Director, first performed on the Theatre 166 stage in early 2020. Bringing it to the Brickyard takes Renaissance programming beyond its traditional Park Avenue West theater building and into a public downtown space.

The following weekend, more than 50 area students ages 9 to 18 will take the stage in Disney's Newsies JR. The cast represents public, private, charter and homeschool backgrounds from across the area.

The musical is set in New York City in 1899 and follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who leads a group of street newsies in organizing a union strike after newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer raises the price they must pay for papers, cutting into their earnings.

"At its heart, 'Newsies JR.' is a story about young people discovering that their voices matter and that they can accomplish great things when they work together," Dauphne Maloney, Education Manager at the Renaissance Theatre, said. "Our cast has embraced that message from the very first rehearsal, demonstrating incredible dedication, resilience and teamwork. I couldn't be prouder as I've watched them grow as performers — and as individuals; it's been one of the greatest rewards of working on this production," Maloney said.

The production is part of Mansfield Youth Theatre, or MY Theatre, a Renaissance performance program founded by Maloney that gives students ages 5 to 19 the opportunity to gain theater experience in a nurturing, collaborative environment while participating in a full production.

Regular performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. Tickets are $15 general admission and are available through the Renaissance box office, by phone or online at rentickets.org.

Between those performances, the Renaissance will offer a free sensory-friendly presentation at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Groups of up to six people with sensory needs can attend at no cost, an accommodation aimed at families often excluded from traditional theater. Sensory-friendly performances are modified for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, anxiety or other developmental disabilities, with accommodations that can include lower sound levels; fewer loud or startling effects; dimmed house lights rather than complete darkness; reduced flashing or strobe lights; relaxed rules allowing audience members to talk, move around, or leave and return as needed; and access to quiet rooms or sensory tools.

Seating is limited, and advance registration is required; walk-up guests will not be accommodated. To register, families should contact the Renaissance Education Department at 419-522-2726, extension 212. Groups larger than six or families without sensory needs may purchase $15 tickets.

The Renaissance Theatre box office is at 138 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, OH 44902, open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The main phone number is 419-522-2726.