Review Roundup: Paper Mill Playhouse's NEWSIES!

The on stage premiere of NEWSIES opened this Sunday, September 25, at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey.

The musical is based on the 1899 true story of a courageous group of scrappy newsboys who become unlikely heroes when they rally forces to fight an unscrupulous newspaper tycoon. "NEWSIES" features a book by Harvey Fierstein, lyrics by Jack Feldman and music by Alan Menken. Based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli.

What did the critics think of this new adaptation of a cult classic? Find out below!

Starring as Jack Kelly is Jeremy Jordan, who is joined by Ben Fankhauser as Davey; RJ Fattori and Vincent Agnello sharing the role of Les; Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Crutchie; Tommy Bracco as Spot Conlon;Brendon Stimson as Oscar Delancey, Mike Faist as Morris Delancey; Aaron J. Albano, Ryan Breslin, Kyle Coffman, Max Ehrich (Jack U/S), JP Ferreri, Garett Hawe, Corey Hummerston, Evan Kasprzak, Andy Richardson, Scott Shedenhelm and Ryan Steele. Tony® Award nominee and Broadway veteran John Dossett portrays newspaper tycoon Joseph Pulitzer. Kara Lindsay plays Katherine, a role created for the stage version of Newsies.

Rounding out the cast are: Mark Aldrich (Seitz), Helen Anker (Medda), John E. Brady (Wiesel),Kevin Carolan (Roosevelt), Julie Foldesi (Ms. Baum), Stuart Marland (Snyder), Michael McArthur,Jack Scott, Nick Sullivan (Bunsen) and Laurie Veldheer (Hannah).

"NEWSIES" is now running at the Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ, 07041. For tickets and information, please go to www.papermill.org. Performances run through October 16.

David Rooney, The New York Times: Even for the cynics among us, "Newsies" has a stirring, old-school sincerity that's hard to resist. In its call to arms, its refusal to back down to big business, its fight for basic human dignity and its skepticism toward politics, the show also has themes that resonate in our new depression. It's not Clifford Odets, but an adorable pro-union, up-with-the-downtrodden musical seems worth singing about.

MIchael Sommers, Variety: Plenty of frisky dancing, several stirring anthems and an exuberant production staged by Jeff Calhoun with a handsome company and impressive visuals score a winner for Paper Mill Playhouse. Like the two-act legit version of "Aladdin" that bowed in Seattle over the summer, this Disney Theatrical Prods.-backed stage adaptation is targeted to regional, stock and amateur stagings rather than a large-scale Broadway berth.

Rick Busciglio, The Examiner: On a scale of one-to-ten the WOW factor is plus ten. Once again, the Paper Mill Playhouse, in collaboration with an entertainment giant, has presented a spectacular, toe-tapping, foot-stomping production of pure entertainment.

Joe Dziemianowicz, NY Daily News: It is on its way there, but there's still work to do when it comes to songs and characterizations...secondary characters still remain sketchy to the point of being superfluous. What "Newsies" does have going for it is the discovery of a bright new star in Jeremy Jordan. For the next couple of weeks, Jordan and the rest of the company of "Newsies" will give you something to cheer for.

Peter Filichia, NJ Star-Ledger: The musical is full of pugnacious people who loudly protest. They thrust their arms in the air, stamp their feet and throw chairs around in rally after rally...Deep-pocketed Disney is footing the bill for this large cast and Tobin Ost's elaborate if ugly set. The Mouse will be rewarded by seeing "Newsies" endorsed by rabidly enthusiastic crowds that will applaud and holler.

Thom Geler, Entertainment Weekly: An extra!-extra!-special production that scrabbles hard to earn its ovations in the spotlight,  this is the rare stage show that dramatically improves upon its source material. So, come on, Disney. 'Open the gates and seize the day,' as your cap-wearing chorus sings. 'Don't be afraid and don't delay.' Broadway could use a fresh burst of good newsies.

Frank Scheck, NY Post: Very much a standard-issue Disney musical in its sentimentality, predictable plotting and formulaic characters -- the villainous Pulitzer practically twirls his moustache -- the show is redeemed by its song and dance. As the lead newsboy -- played in the film by a young Christian Bale -- Jordan proves himself a star in the making. He bursts with charisma, and his impassioned acting and soaring vocals give the show heart and soul.

 

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