Review: NEWSIES at West Fargo Summer Arts Intensive

By: Jul. 30, 2018
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Review: NEWSIES at West Fargo Summer Arts Intensive

Review: NEWSIES at West Fargo Summer Arts Intensive

Review: NEWSIES at West Fargo Summer Arts Intensive

Review: NEWSIES at West Fargo Summer Arts Intensive

Extra! Extra! Read all about it. Newsies makes regional debut.

Adam Pankow and the artistic team at West Fargo Summer Arts Intensive bring the first production of Disney's Newsies! to the region. Originally Pankow planned on doing a production of Jesus Christ Superstar this summer, but when the rights for Newsies were released he jumped at the chance to be the first in the area to get it.

For those not familiar, Newsies tells the story of the New York Newsboys strike of 1899. The story was made famous by the 1992 Disney movie and it first took the stage in 2011 on Broadway. The story follows the Newsies leader Jack Kelly and his battle with publisher Joseph Pulitzer over fair pay for newsboys. The underlying message about a younger generation standing up for something they believe in fits very well in today's political climate.

Randall Taylor played the part of Jack Kelly. I last saw Randall in FMCT's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels earlier this year and as Prince Eric in Trollwood's The Little Mermaid 2 years ago. Randall commanded the stage as Jack Kelly and shined in his performance. He really stood out in Santa Fe, in which he performed with Caleb Steinke (Crutchie).

Braden Miller as Davey, the outsider who joined the cause, was at his best. Braden is also familiar to locals from previous roles in Titanic the Musical and Beauty and The Beast. Miller is very talented and it's always great to see him on stage.

Izzy Larson as Katherine Plumber, one of the only female leads, did a fine job. I last saw her in Moorhead High's production of Disney's Aida last fall. I believe this was one of her best roles. From her dancing to her singing she was on point throughout the show.

One of my favorite numbers of the show was King of New York, the massive dance/tap number in act II. Noah Coon definitely stole the show in this scene, Noah was seen last summer in Trollwood's Beauty and The Beast. He led many of the cast in a wonderfully choreographed number that got the loudest cheers of the show.

A special shout out to the youngest member of the cast, James Kirch (12) as Les. This young man held his own with all of the older cast members and did a great job tapping in King of New York.

So many more supporting leads and ensemble members I wish I could name. This was a huge production and everyone did a great job. Although the story tells the story of news boys, it was great to see many girls cast in the production.

Jason Carlson led a 13 member pit orchestra that did a beautiful job giving the show life with music.

You still have a few chances to see this show and I highly recommend it.

**Photo Credits Mike Benedict



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