Review: NEWSIES at the Capitol Theatre is Mesmerizing

Everything about the national tour of Disney's NEWSIES, playing this week at the Capitol Theatre (with a rare return engagement scheduled for August due to high demand), is mesmerizing. With a rousing score, striking stage pictures, fluid movement, sympathetic characters, and athletic dancing, there is always something to excite.

NEWSIES (music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, book by Harvey Fierstein) is based on the cult classic 1992 film. When Joseph Pulitzer raises the prices of newspapers, the newsboys who sell them go on strike. Their leader is the strong-willed Jack Kelly, who dreams of a better life outside the city but is fiercely loyal to his friends. Will they seize the day and win the fight?

The rousing, Tony-winning score contains the beloved songs from the film arranged for optimal vocals, along with a number of new songs that tug on the heartstrings and tap the toes. The story has been reimagined smartly, including the welcome addition of gutsy female reporter Katherine (unflinchingly played here by Morgan Keene).

It is uncommon for the physical production of a touring company to match its Broadway counterpart in quality, and this one does. The multi-tiered steel girder set (designed by Tobin Ost) moves effortlessly to create striking stage pictures, in tandem with superbly designed projections by Sven Ortel (adapted by Daniel Brodie) and perfectly matched lighting from designer Jeff Croiter. The production feels simultaneously understated and spectacular--just right for the show.

Jeff Calhoun's direction seamlessly integrates the production elements with the unfolding scenes through fluid movement. The Tony-winning choreography by Christopher Gattelli is entertaining and breathtaking in its athleticism and artistry, thanks to the extremely impressive performances of the cast. It leaves the audience wanting even more.

Though the dancing is the most exciting and unique element of this musical, the heart and soul of the show is the sympathetic Jack Kelly, played by Joey Barreiro with an appealing mix of masculinity and raw emotion. His Act I finale closer is a major highlight of the production.

Despite a slight tendency to overact among a few of the performers, the cast is filled with strong singers and actors--especially impressive when you consider their dance prowess.

Other memorable performances include Aisha de Haas as Medda Larkin, Steve Blanchard as Joseph Pulitzer, Stephen Langton as Davey, Iain Young as Crutchie (understudy), and Anthony Zas as Spot Conlon.

NEWSIES plays the Capitol Theatre for a limited engagement through Sunday, June 12, 2016. It will then return from Thursday, August 25 to Sunday, August 28, 2016. For tickets, call ArtTix at 801-355-ARTS (2787) or visit www.arttix.org.

Photo Credit: Joey Barreiro (Jack Kelly) (center) and cast. Photo by Deen van Meer.

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