Review: Disney's NEWSIES Charming Family Fare

NEWSIES is a Disney Theatrical Productions musical based on their 1992 film Newsies. The original film took its inspiration from the Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. NEWSIES has a book by Harvey Fierstein with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman. It premiered at the Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011 and made its Broadway debut in 2012, where it played for 1004 performances. The stage version contains songs from the movie and several new numbers. Those who grew up on the film version will notice that this new adaptation has written out Jack's original love interest Sarah Jacobs as well as the New York Sun reporter Brian Denton, who writes about the Newsies. These characters have been replaced by a new character, Katherine Plumber, a reporter who is a composite of the characters from the original film. The North American tour, which is currently playing at the Bass Concert Hall, started in October 2014 and is ending its 43 week run on October 2, 2016 here in Austin, TX.

Without giving too much away, NEWSIES tells the story of Jack (Joey Barreiro) and the others Newsies who decide to go on strike when Joseph Pulitzer (Steve Blanchard) raises the price for them on the newspapers they sell, and the young female reporter (Morgan Keene) who goes against her boss to tell the public of the Newsies plight.

When you catch a touring show late in the run, there's a good chance that you will experience either one of two things. Sometimes the cast gets re-energized by the knowledge that the tour is ending, sometimes the cast simply has tour fatigue. The performance I saw on the opening night for their final dates here in Austin is a combination of both. More on that later in this review.

The real star of this production is the stunning scenic design by Tobin Ost. The set consists of three three-tier metal towers with stairs that rotate and move in perfect synchronization. Other pieces move in and out as needed, but these towers are quite amazing both in design and execution. On top of that are some beautiful projections by Sven Ortel, adapted by Daniel Brodie, that set mood and place while functioning as scenic items as well. The set changes in time with the music to create a rapidly flowing and skillfully executed technical marvel. The costumes by Jess Goldstein were perfection as well.

Jeff Calhoun's direction keeps the show moving like a well oiled machine without a moment wasted changing scenery and was a joy to watch. Likewise, the choreography by Christopher Gattelli, is snappy, smart and athletic. The main problem I had was not with the choreography, but rather that it was often not performed with the precision and unity that it needed. Outside of the Act Two opener, "The King of New York" (which was exactly what I expected this choreography should be), we had dancers who were either ahead or behind everyone else on stage, which is a shame, because this company proved they could do it right at the top of Act Two. In a show that relies so much on choreography, this was a disappointment.

The vocal work in this production is also top-notch with great musical direction by James Dodgson that absolutely soars. Fans of the original music will not be disappointed by the stage production.

Another of the key problems for me was in the performance of Joey Barreiro as Jack. While he absolutely nailed the street savvy aspect of the character, he failed to capture the soul of the artist and the charm and charisma of the young man who could lead a strike and ignite youth to bring a city to its knees. The end result was sadly two dimensional.

There are some wonderful performances worthy of note in this production. Andy Richardson, as Crutchie, had a splendid physicality and superb comedic timing. Morgan Keene, as Katherine was delightfully plucky and charming. Stephen Michael Langton was excellent as Davey delivering a fully realized character. Turner Birthisel as the youngest Newsie, Les, has great comic timing and that rare ability that makes an audience watch a performer whenever he was on stage. Steve Blanchard delivered a magnificently imposing Joseph Pulitzer. Kevin Carolan gave us a comedic gem of a performance as Governor Roosevelt. I also enjoyed the sassy and wise performance of Aisha de Haas as Medda Larkin.

In the final analysis, problems aside, NEWSIES is still a good solid evening of smart family fare with a great message. The problems aren't enough to detract from enjoying this production. It is entirely possible that they may work themselves out quickly, as this was the opening night in a new space for these performers who have been doing this show for 42 weeks.

Disney's NEWSIES, Book by Harvey Fierstein, Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Jack Feldman.

Running time: Approximately Two Hours and 30 Minutes with one intermission.

Disney's NEWSIES, produced by Disney Theatrical Productions and presented by Lexus Broadway In Austin, at Bass Concert Hall in the Texas Performing Arts Center (2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712). Performances run through Oct 2nd.

Ticket info 512-471-1444 or www.BroadwayInAustin.com

Photo Credit: Joey Barreiro (Jack Kelly) (center) and the North American Tour company of Disney's NEWSIES. ©Disney. Photo by Deen Van Meer.