NEWSIES Sings and Dances Its Way into Your Heart
Extra! Extra! Read all about the Muny’s spectacular production of Disney Newsies The Musical! There are memorable songs, fantastic choreography, a compelling David versus Goliath story, young love, and kids – so many talented and charismatic Muny youth and young adults giving every scene their all and creating a highly entertaining, family-friendly show. Adapted from the Disney film of the same name, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by Harvey Fierstein, the infectious, feel-good show is the kind of must-see musical that makes for unforgettable Muny magic.
Jack Kelly, a teen with a dream of leaving New York City for Santa Fe, is just trying his best to survive, sell papers, and keep out of the city’s reform system. But when Joseph Pulitzer conspires with other newspapers to raise the cost of the papers for newsboys, Jack suddenly finds himself the leader of a strike. His quick wit, passion for fairness, and concern and care for others, like Crutchie with his bum leg and brothers Davey and Les, catch the eye of Katharine, a young reporter trying to make a name for herself and move from the social pages to hard-hitting news coverage. Together, the two of them bring the plight of the underpaid and overworked newsies to the attention of the city, with a little help from the proprietor of a vaudeville house and an unused printing press, gaining the support of other laborers and leading to a citywide strike. But will that be enough to get working children a fair deal or will they all end up in jail? And can Jack and Katharine’s budding romance survive their very different backgrounds?
Jack Roden is persuasive and compelling as the hesitant leader Jack Kelly, with a smooth voice and rakish charm. He’s complemented by Nolan Almeida as the sympathetic Crutchie, Bryce Williams and Jaron Bentley as brothers Davey and Les, and Kayla Pecchioni as the sweet-voiced but feisty and determined young reporter who goes by the pen name Katherine Plummer. These young performers are the central characters in an expansive cast that features Anastacia McCleskey as Medda Larkin, Matt Dean as Race, Arick Brooks as Romeo, Joshua Messmore and Christian J. Collins as the Delancey brothers, Michael Parks as Joseph Pulitzer, and Michael Halling as Governor Roosevelt, among the memorable and talented ensemble. Denis Jones provides clear, focused direction that shifts attention to key moments while keeping the story moving, and music direction by Annbritt duChateau compliments the performers and the quick pace of the action. Richard J. Hinds is responsible for the spectacular choreography that holds the audience spellbound with its enthusiasm, athleticism, and power.
The musical is filled with memorable numbers, from the opening notes of the aspirational “Sante Fe” to the anthemic “Seize the Day.” “That’s Rich,” “The World Will Know,” and “Watch What Happens” are first act highlights that provide story depth and set up the budding romance between Jack and Katherine. In the second act, “Letter from The Refuge” is a plaintive and sad piece that lingers, while “Brooklyn’s Here” infuses the plot with the joyfully rebellious spirit of the striking children. “King of New York” is an exuberant tap-dancing number, and “Something to Believe In” and “Once and for All” capture the cumulative power of hope and determination. The songs and script come together to create a sense of possibility and reinforce the resilient nature of the working class while underscoring the poor conditions and pay they faced, particularly in a time before unions established baseline accountability and safety for workers.
Based on the 1899 children’s strike, the musical takes a romantic and nostalgic look at an important turning point in US history – the emerging labor movement and the efforts to protect children from abuse and misuse by industry. The story of the children’s movement is both compelling and cautionary; a reminder that the workers of today owe much to the courage and determination of the laborers of the past. Suitable for all ages and filled with inspirational performances from a large, youthful cast, Newsies at The Muny is an upbeat and inspirational musical with exceptional choreography that features the talented Muny youth ensemble in an infectious and uplifting story. The combination of stars and the ensemble create an engaging and thoroughly entertaining production that underscores why venerable institution remains an important and beloved leader of art and culture in the St. Louis region.
