The Mouse is back in Millburn.
Disney Corp., which chose Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn for the New York Metropolitan premiere of its “High School Musical” stage adaptation in 2008, has returned to Brookside Drive for the world premiere of Disney’s "Newsies, the Musical.” The show opens Thursday, Sept. 15.
Jeremy Jordan, who recently made his Broadway debut in “Rock of Ages,” stars in this stage version of the 1992 Disney film about the notable newsboys strike of 1899 in New York City. This unusual film, which was not originally planned as a musical, featured a dozen songs and several dance scenes. Released at a time when Hollywood musicals were a rarity, “Newsies” bombed with both the critics and the public. It has since gained cult status on video and through cable broadcasts on the Disney Channel.
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Since “Newsies” came and went, Disney has become one of the dominant forces on Broadway, so this adaptation would seem somewhat overdue. Getting it to Millburn, though, took years of planning by some musical-theater legends.
Eight-time Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Little Shop of Horrors”), who wrote the songs for the movie, was brought back to pen additional songs for the score, while four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein was recruited to write the book. Jack Feldman, who co-wrote “Copacabana” with Barry Manilow, wrote the new lyrics.
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“It’s been amazing working with these people,” Jordan said during a recent break from rehearsal. “At first, I didn’t have that much contact with them, but as the opening got closer, they were around much more. It’s a lot of work but an exciting time.”
“Newsies” also opens the 2011-12 season at Paper Mill, which continues “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical” (Nov. 16 to Dec. 24); “Boeing Boeing” (Jan. 18 to Feb. 12); “Damn Yankees” (March 7 to April 1) and “Once on this Island” (May 30 to June 24).
Paper Mill and Disney also are teaming up for a special “Newsies Fan Day” on Oct. 2 exclusively for those holding tickets for the 7 p.m. show that night (separate event admission is $25). The event includes a gift, a reception at 5 p.m. and a talkback with the cast at 6 p.m. Radio Disney will join the party. Contact the theater for details.
“Disney’s Newsies, the Musical” runs through Oct. 16 at Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn. Tickets are $45 to $96. Discounts and season ticket plans available. For tickets and show times, call 973-376-4343 or visit www.papermill.org
