Review: 'Disney's Newsies' by Warner Stage Company

Photo Credit for all photos: Luke Haughwout and Mandi Martini ©2018 The Warner Theatre

Dedicated to James Healy

Now is the time to seize the day
Stare down the odds and seize the day
Once we've begun
If we stand as one
Someday becomes somehow
And a prayer becomes a vow - "Seize the Day"

Torrington, CT - I have always loved the musical DISNEY’S NEWSIES: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL, ever since I got to see the dance-filled Broadway production. At the time, I wrote that what made the experience so special was the stage full of talented young men dancing their hearts out to fabulous choreography in newsboy caps. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman and a fiesty book by Harvey Fierstein, this big show is based upon the little Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White that is loosely based upon the Newsboy’s strike of 1989.

The story of NEWSIES began with publishing magnate Joseph Pulitzer raising the price that newsboys pay (upfront) for 50 “papes.” A band of children led by by “Kid Blink,” here renamed Jack Kelly, hastily formed the first union and started a strike for better pay. The strike that was led by a ragtag newsboys is credited with the beginnings of child labor reform.

Noel Roberge (who played leading roles in the Warner’s ONCE, TOMMY, ROCK OF AGES, ASSASSINS) nailed the role of strike leader Jack Kelly. His glorious singing voice made us believe the longing in “Santa Fe” and he maintained an easy charm to make the most of the role. Zachary Taylor (THE FULL MONTY) leaned on his wooden crutch in the role of newsie Crutchie, but nothing needed to be supported in his performance of this wonderful featured role. Featured newboys included Robert Melendez, William Armstrong, Dylan Zawisza, Thaddeus Asheim, WAMS junior and dancer extraordinaire Charlie Pelletier, Conio Lopardo, WAMS senior Michael Ramahno, Robbie James, Michael Christie, Trevor Rinaldi, and Michael Christie. Kudos to the dozen amazing dancers in the Newsies ensemble that filled the massive Warner stage.

I spent the first act trying to place the young actor playing Davey and then it hit me that Michael Ruby of Burlington had given a masterful take on the lead role in PIPPIN at SSCU. Here he was just as good in the role of the rising union organizer. His younger and adorable brother Les was brought to vivid life by Brendan Reilly Harris (MARY POPPINS with WSC and THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES with Goodspeed Musicals.)

The supremely talented Kelly White (SPRING AWAKENING, ONCE) was perfectly cast in the role of the spunky Katherine Plummer. In PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, Ms. White was the only girl on the stage and here she is most assuredly outnumbered by the boys, but this only allowed her to shine brighter. Her beautiful singing voice captured the essence of “Watch What Happens” and she displayed just the right amount of attitude as the budding reporter in a man’s world. Not to mention that she held her own on a stage full of tap dancing guys.

The other notable women in the cast included Katie Cummings, L. Nagle (who appeared as Pulitzer’s secretary Hannah,) Cassandra McKenna, and WAMS teacher Doreen Lopez (as Mrs. Jacoby) who played singing nuns and Medda’s Bowery Beauties.

In Pulitzer’s world, Tyler Bard and his brother Peter Bard played the nasty Delancey brothers, Jeff McGurk played Weisel. Dick Terhune was dashing in the role of Joseph Pulitzer and oh that speaking voice. Lou Oporto did well as his in-office barber Nunzio. Jim Wood appeared in the second act as a “bully” Governor Theodore Roosevelt. It was a pleasure to catch up with Mr. Wood’s real life co-star Dianna Waller (WALTER CRONKITE IS DEAD) during intermission.

Director Richard McKenna, decked out in a tux with tails on opening night, understood the inner workings of the musical and made every member of the cast, from the smallest to the most seasoned, look great. James Luurtsema came onboard as both music director and conductor of the bright nine-piece orchestra; shout out to Naugatuck native Mark Wilcox on guitar and the members of the pit choir. The musicians did a great job of working with the limitations of the sound system on opening night.

Co-choreographers Sharon (Wilcox) Houk and Caitlin Beaudry designed dance moves that rivaled the Broadway version and ensured that the young dancers hit their marks. Holly Havens was the dance captain of the newsies. Ms. Houk, the WSC Production Manager, also designed the set that featured a newsprint backdrop and specialty props from Staples HS in Westport. Philip Beaudry produced the “Katherine” animated illustration.

Costumes designed by Renee C. Purdy and Aurora Montenero were gritty, period appropriate and well-appointed. The lush ensembles for Metta Larkin (played gloriously by Mary J. Cantoni-Johnson) set a very high standard for upcoming productions of NEWSIES. Shout out to Matthew Dettmer, assistant costume designer. The team of lighting designers worked their magic throughout the two acts. There were sound issues that delayed the opening of the house and were significant in the first act; thankfully things improved as the opening night performance continued, but there were still many lines that I missed. I am certain that these issues will be corrected before the Sunday matinee.

Why should you "Seize the Day" and definitely plan to attend a remaining performance of NEWSIES at the magnificent Warner Theatre in Torrington? If you have never seen this uplifting musical, this rousing production will probably make you an instant fan. If you have seen the Broadway version or one of the touring companies, this community theatre production will not disappoint in any way. I enjoyed every minute of this compelling story. NEWSIES runs through November 11 on the Warner mainstage.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle.She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.