Get ready to be inspired—and maybe even a little outraged—because the untold story of the women behind Disney’s golden age of animation is finally taking center stage. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Disney’s magic has captivated generations, the female artists who helped create it have remained largely invisible—until now. On January 13, Newport NewWorks will present an invitation-only industry reading of the groundbreaking new musical Ink & Paint at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre’s Black Box Theatre. Directed by Liz Carlson, this documusical shines a spotlight on five trailblazing women who fought for creative recognition in a male-dominated studio system. And this is the part most people miss—their stories aren’t just about animation; they’re about resilience, artistry, and the fight for equality in an industry that often sidelined them.
The star-studded cast includes Broadway favorites Sierra Boggess, Jason Gotay, Gizel Jiménez, Ashley Spencer, Gwen Hollander, and Grace Yoo, with Josh Kight as musical director. Conceived and written by composer-lyricist Danielle E. Moore (Audrey) and bookwriter Marjorie Duffield (Over the Moon), Ink & Paint is more than a musical—it’s a movement. Developed during the 2025 Newport NewWorks Musical Theater Festival, this reading marks the organization’s first New York City presentation, a milestone in bringing these overlooked voices to the forefront.
Here’s the bold part: Co-Artistic Director Peilin Chou believes Ink & Paint embodies the very reason Newport NewWorks was founded—to amplify stories that matter in a collaborative, artist-centered space. But let’s ask the tough question: Why has it taken this long for these women’s contributions to be celebrated? Is it a reflection of the industry’s slow progress toward gender equality, or something deeper? We’ll let you decide.
For those eager to learn more, visit NewportNewWorks.org. And don’t forget to join the conversation—what do you think about the untold stories behind the magic? Let us know in the comments!
