BWW Reviews: Extra! Extra! NEWSIES Leaps into Atlanta

With vigorous dancing and impressive sets, Newsies is currently entertaining audiences in Atlanta. Disney once again provides an excellent spectacle in theatrical mastery.

Based on the flopped film of 1992 starring a young Christian Bale, Newsies has had a successful second life as a re-imagined stage show.The musical features a book by Harvey Fierstein with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman.

Newsies received a regional production at Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011. Interest quickly sparked a Broadway transfer. The musical ran on Broadway for 1,005 performances where it won Tony Awards for Best Choreography and Best Score.

The show centers around the true story of the Newsboys Strike of 1899. Leader of a created union for the newsboys, Jack Kelly, leads the boys on strike as Joseph Pulitzer raises the prices of papers 10 cents for every 100 papers. Where the musical differs from the movie is Fierstein writes the new character of Katherine Plumber as a reporter for the newsboy union and a love interest for rebellious leader Kelly. Because this changes some plot points, fans of the movie must approach the musical with fresh eyes and an open mind. The addition of a love story for the lead character and a more personal connection to Pulitzer allows for a stronger stage production where the plot moves more interestingly from scene to scene.

Newsies features choreography by Christopher Gattelli including tap dancing, leaps, turns and 31 acrobatic tricks. The dancing in the show is worth the price of the ticket alone. The newsboy ensemble is made up of some truly talented dancers. The whole cast also shows great strength as they race and climb up and down a set design created by Tobin Ost. The set features three towers and 75 steps.

Newsies plays Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) January 20-25, 2015. Tickets can be purchased at FoxTheatre.org.