Review: Extra! Extra! NEWSIES Tour Makes Headlines at Providence Performing Arts Center

In 1992, the Walt Disney Company released Newsies, a musical film based on the compelling true story of a turn-of-the-century newspaper carriers' strike. A ragtag group of youngsters, many of whom were orphans or runaways, banded together to take on the New York news conglomerate after publishers suddenly hiked up paper prices for the carriers. The newsies fought back, defying even William Randolph Hearst and the great Joseph Pulitzer to score an unprecedented victory for the "little guy."

Their success was a win not only for the newspaper boys of New York, but it also served as a first blow against exploitation and unfair practices for child laborers nationwide. Nearly a century after the "Newsboy Strike of 1899," the children's story again captured the public's imagination as Newsies (in spite of a lackluster turn at the box office) developed a devoted fan base and inspired a generation of musical theater performers through its unforgettable song-and-dance numbers.

The stage production of Newsies, now playing a limited run at the Providence Performing Arts Center, features the same stirring and beloved songs (with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman) - including the rousing "Carrying the Banner," the newsies' anthem "Seize the Day," Jack's heartfelt tribute to "Santa Fe," and the effervescent showstopper "King of New York" - that captured the hearts of moviegoers, as well as newly choreographed, high-octane dance numbers that dazzle with gravity-defying leaps and spins. Whether performing in tap shoes or while gliding around on sheets of newspaper, the outstanding dancers of the Newsies tour boast incredible talent and infectious energy. These young men seem to slow time itself with each breathtaking feat of aerial acrobatics.

Heading this sparkling cast of triple-threat performers is Joey Barreiro as the newsies' outspoken, charismatic leader, Jack Kelly. Barreiro is spot on in his role, admirably balancing the character's cool self-reliance with vulnerability in a charming and thoughtful performance. Morgan Keene gives a spirited turn as Katherine Plummer, the rising star "girl reporter" who champions the newsies' plight, and Zachary Sayle portrays the loveable Crutchie with both sweetness and spunk.

Harvey Fierstein's book for Newsies honors the film (and the film's dedicated fan base), but it does make some significant changes along the way. In one of the most prominent alterations (here be spoilers), news reporter Bryan Denton (played by Bill Pullman) and Davey's sister, Sarah Jacobs (Ele Keats), have been hybridized and replaced by the character of Katherine Plummer.

Katherine's personality was greatly inspired by the real-life Nellie Bly, America's first female investigative reporter, and in many respects, this is a smart change. With such a heavily male-dominated cast, a strong female voice and point of view were sorely needed in Newsies. This also helps to establish the historical moment as the newsies' battle mirrors Katherine's bid for respect and equality in her own field; in 1899, a female writer was expected to cover only arts or society stories, not hard news. In addition, the love story between Jack and Katherine is foregrounded more prominently than was Sarah's blossoming relationship with Jack in the film. Though this results more in romantic comedy than young romance - even the duo's "meet cute" feels stagey - the couple's second-act duet, "Something to Believe In," is one of the best new numbers written for the play.

It is, however, unfortunate to lose both Denton and Davey's parents. These three were the paperboys' chief adult allies; as champions and familial figures, this trio took the newsies and their fight seriously, provided balance, and supported the carriers' efforts. Omitting positive, grown-up characters on stage more starkly pictures the newsies' strike as an "us vs. them" generational conflict.

Interestingly, eliminating Sarah and the elder Jacobs also undercuts Davey's part in the stage show. While Davey (Stephen Michael Langton) is still the brains behind the strike movement, the fraternal bond between Davey and Jack never fully gels. Instead, it is Crutchie's friendship with Jack that reads most like a brotherhood. Davey also seems much more uncertain, even timid in early scenes; while it makes sense that he builds confidence and comes into his own as the strike progresses (which Langton well plays), too often Davey's role as the able and mature co-leader of the strike movement is upstaged by other characters, including his precocious little brother.

It is in this interpersonal connection (or lack thereof) that Newsies, for all its strengths, stumbles a bit. Numerous musical transitions provide for dance breaks and reprises of Newsies' "greatest hits," but after a while, these interruptions begin to wear down the momentum of the narrative, causing the storytelling to drag in spots. The show is even self-referential about this as, late in the second act, Governor Teddy Roosevelt orders Pulitzer to address the newsies if only to stop their incessant singing.

A key facet of Jack's character manifests in his deep-seated, long-repressed desire for a family of his own, which stems from his spending time with the - now omitted - Jacobs household. On stage, his change of heart largely comes about through his (inevitable) romance with Katherine, making for a more abrupt about-face. Additionally, an early crisis of conscience causes Jack to briefly abandon the newsies' cause; the children continue to protest, but perplexingly, they do so only after hours as financial need drives them back to work during the day. Such a compromise would surely work in Pulitzer's favor, not bring the newspaper tycoon to his knees.

The city-wide fraternity of newsies is depicted mainly through dance, which is visually appealing but downplays the connections between the boys. Even Spot Conlon, the street-smart and dynamic leader of the Brooklyn newsies, makes only a token appearance on stage. Since much of the good-natured banter between the boys is transferred to song, the lyrics are not always easy to discern and their impact gets drowned out in spectacle. Parents should also note that the stage production of Newsies has a little more edge than does its film counterpart. Curse words are subtly sprinkled into the songs and dialogue, and a few lines of innuendo creep into the script as well.

Still, Newsies' score has never sounded more at home than in a theatrical setting with a full orchestra (conducted by James Dodgson) playing each note with heart and harmony. Christopher Gattelli's breathtaking choreography is ovation-worthy. Tobin Ost's metalwork scenic design provides for a sense of scope and movement as the newsies dash through the streets and tenement fire escapes of New York City, while Sven Ortel and Daniel Brodie's projections well compliment the storytelling. And the production's inclusion of a real, working Chandler & Price printing press (c. 1900) is a fabulous, fascinating addition to the show's second act.

Newsies plays the Providence Performing Arts Center through Sunday, October 25, 2015. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ppacri.org, by phone (401) 421-ARTS (2787), or by visiting the box office at 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI. Ticket prices range from $26-$83; group orders (15 or more) may be placed by calling (401) 574-3162.

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Photo by Deen van Meer

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