Paper Mill Hosts 'Newsies' Meet & Greet in NYC

Harvey Fierstein and Alan Menken, along with the Disney Theatrical Group and the Paper Mill Playhouse, recently shared some of the work they’ve been doing to give "Newsies’" its theatrical debut in Millburn next month.

On Sept. 15, the stage version of the 1992 cult movie by the same name will premier at the Paper Mill Playhouse, bringing the music by the Oscar-winning composer Menken and a new book by Tony-winning actor Fierstein to life on the stage.

Both Menken and Fierstein were in attendance at a "Newsies" Meet and Greet in New York City's Times Square on Tuesday morning. 

"Newsies" is based on the Newsboys Strike of 1899, when a large portion of New York’s newspaper distribution newsboys, or “newsies,” refused to sell Pulitzer- and Hearst-published newspapers because of their high cost and the respective companies’ unwillingness to buy back unsold papers. 

The meet and greet was held at The New 42^nd Street Studios, where set dioramas and costume sketches were on display near a table where those involved in the show were welcomed with a bagel and a schmear. 

"Newsies" is the latest in a string of Disney movies translated into live theatrical musicals. Paper Mill was chosen by Disney earlier this year to steer the maiden voyage of the show. 

“They saw the quality of our work,” said Shayne Austin Miller, public relations director for the Paper Mill Playhouse, referring to the theatre’s previous showing of Disney’s "High School Musical."

After a bit of mingling, those at the Meet and Greet listened to what the players in the creation of "Newsies" had to say about the show and its journey. 

Mark Hoebee, producing artistic director, said the project was kept secret for some time, adding around the Paper Mill offices it was referred to only as " 'the hush-hush project.’ "  One day Hoebee walked into an office at Paper Mill to hear workers singing songs from "Newsies." He believed the seal on the hush-hush project had been breached, but was quickly reassured by his staff that the singing employees were simply fans of the film. There’s “such a love of this piece,” said Hoebee. 

Tom Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical Group, spoke about the social justice aspect of the show.

“The world is in flames,” said Schumacher, adding that 2011 is a great time to debut a show like "Newsies." He also spoke of his nephew, who he said was “in love” with the movie at a young age. The film had such a “profound effect” on his nephew, he said, that the boy grew up to work as a labor organizer. 

After the presentations, Patch had a chance to speak with both Menken and Fierstein. 

Menken, no stranger to Disney scores, has such shows under his belt as "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Little Mermaid"

“Paper Mill’s a great theater,” said Menken. “I’ve been there for shows, and I’ve been there to work [on Newsies].

“Most of the big tent pole moments from the movie remain, although they’ve been rewritten, just like 'Beauty and the Beast' ” and other shows he’s scored, he said. 

Fierstein, who worked on the book for two-and-a-half years, said the story of Paul Revere’s Boston Massacre cartoons and their role in the Revolutionary War inspired him to make the lead character, Jack, into an artist. 

“Art can be as powerful as anything political,” said Fierstein, “and I’m hoping that's a statement that will be made through this boy… [who] ends up becoming something bigger than he ever imagined by using his art; and hopefully encouraging young people to do the same." 

Fierstein says that the stage version of "Newsies" is “for every kid in every sweatshop … for every kid that can’t go to school because he has to go to work… it’s for them.”

Fierstein also dealt with the subject of women’s liberation by making Katherine, the female lead, into an impassioned reporter. 

“Jack is the soul, and she becomes the voice… it’s her words that create the revolution,” he said. 

"Newsies" begins at Paper Mill Playhouse on Thursday, Sept. 15, and will be performed eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday, through Sunday, Oct. 16. For ticket information see the Paper Mill's website.