Tobin Ost News

A lot may seem familiar in Disney's Broadway musical NEWSIES now on tour in Boston, but the dancing chorus of a dozen or so able-bodied newsboys makes this production soar.

Disney musical is full of energy and entertainment.The first time I saw a snippet of this Disney produced musical based on the 1992 film (which I had always enjoyed) was on the Macy's 'Thanksgiving Day Parade'. I knew then that I had to see this show and it was exactly what I expected. It features a remarkable ensemble, amazing athletic dancing thanks to the Tony-winning choreography of Christopher Gattelli who has commented that the show has no chorus, they are all characters with individuals names. (See Nelson Pressley's great article in the June 5 Washington Post) . There are incredible defying gravity leaps, high-flying splits, standing back flips, cartwheels, somersaults, pirouettes, tumbling, and even tap dancing. I just loved watching them dance on newspapers. How clever!

Based on the 1992 Disney film of the same name, which in turn was inspired by the real-life newsboys strike of 1899 in New York City, Newsies tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York.

It often seems today that life is fraught with apathy and complacency and Newsies becomes a great conversation starter for young and old alike. This musical essentially becomes what the original newsboys strike of 1899 was: a call to action.

Christopher Gattelli's superb choreography - spirited and athletic, amazingly theatrical and awe-inspiring - may be reason enough to see Disney's Newsies, the show now ensconced at TPAC's Andrew Jackson Hall through Sunday, where it's entertaining audiences and eliciting some of the loudest responses we've ever heard in that cavernous space.

BWW Reviews: NEWSIES Seizes The Day With A Knock Out Production

DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL, which had its World Premiere at the Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on April 15th, will be closing its doors earlier than planned.

Based on the best-selling book The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson, DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL makes its world premiere at the Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino tonight, April 15, 2015. The talented cast features Broadway veterans and Las Vegas locals who will join the company in celebration of the Robertson family's rags-to-riches story. DUCK DYNASTY's Willie and Korie Robertson stopped by TODAY to talk about the show - click below to watch the interview!

Based on the best-selling book The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson, preview performances for DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL begins tonight, April 8. The production makes its world premiere at the Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on April 15. The talented cast features Broadway veterans and Las Vegas locals who will join the company in celebration of the Robertson family's rags-to- riches story.

Tony nominee Jeff Calhoun is at it again, bringing the famed Robertson family of television's DUCKY DYNASTY to life in Las Vegas, as the director of the world premiere of DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL, which began performances earlier this month at the Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

In 1899 droves of newsboys from every borough of New York City banned together and went on strike against Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst and other wealthy newspaper owners, in a crusade to save children from menial wages and physical abuse. This was a first, where uneducated street kids stood up to the big suits and won. In 1992 Disney created the movie Newsies that went on to become a humongous hit. In 2012 Harvey Fierstein, Alan Menken and Jack Feldman came to Broadway with a musical show they created based on the film. Under the Disney banner, the first national tour of Newsies is currently onstage at the Pantages. All I can say is run, don't walk, to purchase tickets. The Newsies ensemble pulsates from the moment the lights hit the stage. It will jolt you, fulfill you and make you jump for joy.

Freedom's Song: Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War by Frank Wildhorn, Gregory Boyd and Jack Murphy with music by Frank Wildhorn, adapted by Richard Hellesen and Mark Ramont, is directed by Jeff Calhoun and runs now through May 20, 2015 at at Ford's Theatre is located at 511 10th Street NW, between E and F streets.

The incomparable Kevin McAllister leads a dream cast of DC artists whose powerhouse performances explore one of the most consequential times in American history.

?After a nationwide search, full casting for the highly anticipated production, DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL, is now available.

The Ford's Theatre Society 2014-2015 season continues with the musical Freedom's Song: Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, directed by Jeff Calhoun, March 13 through May 20, 2015, at the historic Ford's Theatre (511 Tenth Street NW, Washington, D.C.). A new adaptation of the Broadway musical The Civil War, Freedom's Song features the words of Abraham Lincoln and music inspired by the letters of those who lived through the Civil War. The production is part of Ford's 150: Remembering the Lincoln Assassination, a series of events marking the 150 years since Abraham Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre.

After a nationwide search, full casting for the highly anticipated production, DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL, is now available. Based on the best-selling book The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson, preview performances for DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL will begin April 8. The production will make its world premiere at the Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on April 15. The talented cast features Broadway veterans and Las Vegas locals who will join the company in celebration of the Robertson family's rags-to- riches story.

Stop the presses! Stop the presses! Newsies is hitting the headlines in a way that is worthy of front page, above-the-fold coverage. If you're looking for an uplifting powerhouse show that will inspire you to action then Newsies is the show for you.

Get your duck calls ready - America's favorite family, the Robertsons, are bringing their story to life onstage for the first time. The highly anticipated DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL, based on the best-selling book The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson, will make its world premiere at the Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on April 15.

Get your duck calls ready - America's favorite family, the Robertsons, are bringing their story to life onstage for the first time. The highly anticipated DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL, based on the best-selling book The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson, will make its world premiere at the Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on April 15. Tickets range from $49 to $125 plus applicable taxes and fees and are available for purchase on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. PT for Total Rewards members, the loyalty program of the Rio's parent company Caesars Entertainment, and Duck Commander fans by visiting www.duckcommandermusical.com. Facebook users who 'Like' the DUCK COMMANDER MUSICAL Facebook page can also gain access to the presale offer. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. PT.

Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone announce the release of The Ensemblist's 42nd episode: "Spotlight On: Costumes!"