Fans of the 1992 Disney musical Newsies have nothing to fear when checking out the stage version of the show as Disney’s Newsies, currently playing the National Theatre until June 21, offers even more fun and excitement than the cult film on which its based.
Set in New York City just before the turn of the 20th century, Newsies tells the tale of a bunch of newspaper delivery boys—many orphaned and homeless—whose friendship and camaraderie help get each other through the days. When a villainous paper magnate decides to raise the cost the Newsies must pay to buy the papers they hawk, they decide to go on strike and fight the injustice.
With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, the story was inspired by the real-life New York Newsboy strike in 1899, and explores social classes, politics and the importance of unions to society.
Dan DeLuca plays Jack Kelly, the unofficial leader of the Newsies, who takes charge in organizing the strike. DeLuca has a powerful voice and packs an emotion punch in songs like “Santa Fe” and “Carrying the Banner.”
Stephanie Styles plays Katherine, a budding society reporter who is looking for that big story to get herself on the front page. The chemistry between Styles and Katherine is palpable and it’s not long before Jack and Katherine find their bickering turning to more loving feelings. Together, they shine on “Something to Believe in” and their voices complement each other perfectly.
But Newsies is not really a love story, it’s the story of friends and the little people battling together and fighting injustice. And in the show that’s done through some incredible dancing by the ensemble. Utilizing a three-story steel tower, and making full use of the stage, the boys put on an acrobatic showcase of dance. The powerful “Seize the Day” number is fantastic and the Newsies barely have time to catch their breath between memorable moves in “Carrying the Banner” and “The World Will Know.”
Zachary Sayle as Crutchie adds some comic relief to the show but has the most tender moment of the production with the song, “Letter from the Refuge.” Jacob Kemp as Davey and Vincent Crocilla as his 9-year-old brother Les are also terrific, providing a lot of heart throughout. Other standouts include Steve Blanchard doing his best villainous turn as Joseph Pulitzer and Angela Grovey as Medda Larkin, the theater owner who brings the house down with “That’s Rich.”
Don’t just read about this one—this is a show you’ll want to see in person.
Disney’s Newsies is playing the National Theatre Tuesdays thru Sundays until June 21. Tickets range from $48-$108. For more information, visit thenationaldc.org.
