Newsies

It might surprise some of you to know that I have never seen Disney's film musical Newsies. It was a flow when it came out in 1992 (when I was 8 years old) and though I was probably the prime audience for the film, my parents didn't take me to see it, nor do I even remember it being on my radar at the time. Over the course of the next 20 years many people have scoffed at me for having never seen the film, and it's one of those movies that I keep meaning to add to my Netflix que but never get around to actually doing it.

This past week I had the pleasure of seeing Newsies in it's new incarnation as Broadway musical, and I can say that what is happening on stage at The Nederlander Theater 8 times a week must be making the folks at Disney very happy. Not only is the production creatively successful, but it's a success with the critics (for the most part) and most definitely with the enthusiastic audiences.

Having never seen the film any changes that may have been made did not bother me in the slightest. Though I understand that there are some significant changes (such as the addition of a love interest for Jack). The score to Newsies is very good. There are rousing anthems of sticking it to the man, as well as soft and sultry ballads of far away dreams and places.

Harvey Fiersteins new book is a gem. He does a wonderful job at keeping the show fast paced without glossing over any of the important details. The only character that is underwritten is that of Joseph Pulitzer, who seems more of a cartoon character villain (think a journalistic Gargamel with the newsboys being the smurfs) than a flesh and blood character. There is also a theater owner named Medda played with aplomb by the wonderful Capathia Jenkins, but the character seems extraneous.

Newsies is by no means a perfect musical, but what is? It is my every means a wonderful evening of Broadway entertainment. The set design by Tobin Ost is not only functional, the solid steel framework that weaves in and out and serves as many a location brings forth the new dawn of the industrial revolution and the changes in the country. Jess Goldsteins costumes are less effective, but none the less do their intended job. Jeff Croiters lighting is serviceable but nothing terribly special. The direction by Jeff Calhoun is sleek and fast paced. Christopher Gattelli's choreography is energetic and entertaining, and may finally earn him a well deserved Tony award.

Everyone has been raving about Jeremy Jordan's performance and he doesn't disappoint, though at this particular performance he did seem to be a bit vocally under the weather. Kara Lindsey is making a sparkling debut as Katherine. Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Crutchie and Ben Fankhauser as Davey are particularly delightful.

Newsies just announced an open ended run at The Nederlander Theater. The Tony awards are June 10th and I suggest buying your tickets before that date, otherwise you may end up having to wait a very long time to see this fantastic show!