Review: NEWSIES Brings Charm, Remarkable Talent to Dr. Phillips Center

Admittedly, I am not in the target demographic for Disney's musical NEWSIES, running through February 1st at Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This musical, which concluded its two-and-a-half year Broadway run last fall, has inspired a legion of young, female fans who have dubbed themselves "Fansies." So while I might not be who the show is normally marketed towards, I left the Walt Disney Theatre on Opening Night completely infected by the optimism, athleticism, and heart of this movie-musical adaptation. Though far from being without fault, the score (which won a Tony for composer Alan Menken and lyricist Jack Feldman), the script (by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein), and the immense talent of the young ensemble made this a exceptionally enjoyable evening of entertainment.

Based on a 1992 Disney movie-musical, which starred a young Christian Bale, the story is a fictionalized version of the Newsboys Strike of 1899. In the musical, a charismatic orphan named Jack Kelly leads a rag-tag group of newsboys on a strike against the corrupt newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer, who, without warning, raised the cost that the newsies had to pay to purchase their papers. Aided by a worldly newcomer named Davey and Katherine, a young female reporter looking to climb out of the social pages, Jack unwittingly organizes his friends, many of whom are orphans and homeless, into a union to take on New York City's most powerful men.

Perhaps more than anything, the aspect of show that has attracted the legions of Fansies is Christopher Gattelli's kinetic Tony-winning choreography. The newsies combine incredible technique and obvious athleticism to create a dancing style reminiscent of Gene Kelly. While at times the dancing is far too polished for a group of boys who live on the streets, the joy that fills each pirouette, flip, and tap makes you overlook that and marvel at the skill and artistry on display. The dancing alone is reason enough to buy a ticket.

For more than a few generations of movie-goers, Menken has been synonymous with Disney musicals. However, nestled in between BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and ALADDIN, the film version of NEWSIES was considered a flop by all standards, including earning five Razzie nominations, "winning" for Worst Song. However, the numbers that have become anthems from the stage show are the ones that survived from the movie; "Carrying the Banner," "Santa Fe," "The World Will Know," "Seize the Day," and "King of New York." The score as a whole is uneven; when it ventures into romance or Pulitzer's point of view, it loses steam; but when the newsboys band together in song, just try not to get goosebumps. The only disappointment from the newsies is there reliance on thick, clearly forced New York accents. Many of the actors still seem to be uncomfortable with the dialect, which occasionally made it difficult to understand dialogue and lyrics.

The one song of note sung by a non-newsie is "Watch What Happens," in which Katherine tries to reconcile her unexpected feelings for Jack, her desire to climb the corporate ladder, and her moral duty to help the boys. The song is fast, high, and more than a little schizophrenic, but Stephanie Styles shines in delivering crystal clear vocals and in conveying each of Katherine's competing motivations. I did think that Katherine's occasional flights of giddiness somewhat undermined her as a strong professional woman in an era dominated by misogynistic gender roles, but Styles' charm and ability make Katherine every bit the hero her newsboy counter parts become.

As Jack, Dan DeLuca is a charismatic leader, and serves as a steady heartbeat for the show. He navigates the ups and downs of Jack's journey in a way that is far more convincing than is probably necessary from the role. His voice does tend to get a bit thin on the higher notes, but for the vast majority of his songs, DeLuca delivers compelling if not always impressive vocals.

Jacob Kemp as Davey, Vincent Crocilla as his little brother Les, and Zachary Sayle as the appropriately named Crutchie all add important layers to the newsboys. Crocilla is a comedic highlight, and Kemp and Sayle subtly drive much of the show's emotions. It also helps that all three are very gifted performers.

Steve Blanchard is especially dastardly as a less than historically accurate Pulitzer, and Angela Grovey is radiant as Medda Larkin, a famous performer and theatre owner who is friends with Jack and a certain bully politician.

While I have no issue with shows that blend historical fact with historical fiction, i.e. RAGTIME and GYPSY, I was a bit uncomfortable with the amount of dramatic license taken in NEWSIES. I will avoid getting too deep into spoilers, but to completely makeover real life figures, or worse yet, to create characters that an unsuspecting audience member should have the right to believe are real, seems to be either lazy, or disrespectful to the memory of the people who were actually involved.

There is one final major star of NEWSIES that I have yet to discuss, and that is Tobin Ost's magnificent three-level, moving, scaffold set. Coupled with Daniel Brodie's projections, the visuals on the stage are nearly as exciting as the dancing.

Despite Jack and Katherine's prominence in the story, NEWSIES is an ultimate ensemble musical. The strength in the show's plot, and performance, is in the collaboration of all involved. From dangerous choreography to harrowing battles; from exhilarating harmonies to inspiring teamwork, the power of NEWSIES is truly "all for one, and one for all."

It would be a shame for Central Florida theatre fans of any age to miss this exciting, infectious production before it leaves town on Sunday. To purchase tickets, visit the Dr. Phillips Center's website, or call 844-513-2014.

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Did you join the strike at the Dr. Phillips Center? Let me know what you thought of NEWSIES in the comments below, or by "Liking" and following BWW Orlando on Facebook and Twitter. You can also chat with me on Twitter @BWWMatt.

Photo Credit:
1) Original North American Tour Company: Deen van Meer | Disney
2) Dan DeLuca and the Original North American Tour Company: Deen van Meer | Disney
3) Stephanie Styles and Dan DeLuca: Deen van Meer | Disney
4) Dan DeLuca and the Original North American Tour Company: Deen van Meer | Disney

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