Review: Dinner and a Show- Media Theatre's NEWSIES and Fellini's Café

There's nothing like a big song and dance show with heart and Disney's NEWSIES at the Media Theatre Media Pa has grabbed a handful of some of the best young actors and dancers for a non-stop enjoyable show. Set in New York City at the turn of the century, "Newsies" is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged 'newsies', who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys' expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what's right.

There is so much to like about this production from the energetic direction and choreography by Geoffrey Goldberg to the stellar casting, lighting by Steven Spera, sets by Kyle Brylczyk and musical direction by Ben Kapilow. Each talented Newsie outshines the other. With a large young cast of 25 , there is barely a moment when the actions stops. Making his Media debut, Jeff Sundheim commands the role of Jack Kelly with a believable innocence that wins over the other Newsies and the girl (Katherine) played by the talented Megan McDevitt. Jack's sidekick/best friend Crutchie is played wonderfully by Media's Christopher Infantino. The two's New York accents and friendhip are realistic and endearing. Outstanding performances are offered by Ronnie Keller (Race) and Marc Andrew Nunez (Finch). The youngest Newsie Les played by Aidan Crane is show stealing! Media favorite Kelly Briggs plays Joseph Pultizer, the money/power hungry Big Wig of the Newspaper with 'hissable' flair and a few haughty well sung songs much to his talented credit.

Based on the 1992 motion picture, "Newsies" features a score by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy). The stage version introduces eight brand-new songs by the original team of Menken and Feldman while keeping many of the beloved songs from the film, including "Carrying the Banner," "Seize the Day," "King of New York" and "Santa Fe."

NEWSIES plays at the Media Theatre, 104 State St. Media Pa through June 10. For tickets and more information visit mediatheatre.org or call 610.891.0100

On to dinner at Fellini Café.... Stepping into Fellini's is like a visit to Italy. Beautiful hand painted artwork surrounds every table in an arbor of vineyards; an intimate dining experience with a warm and friendly staff. Felllini's menu will make you want one of everything! The extensive menu consists of 10 antipasti appetizers, 11 specialty salads, several main entrees consisting of meat, chicken, seafood and of course tender pastas of all kinds. We feasted on a spinach and gorgonzola salad with walnuts, red onions and a port wine dressing. Our main courses consisted of lobster ravioli with a wonderful creamy tomato cream vodka sauce and Apollo Alla Martino Melanzone (sautéed chicken bread with eggplant in a tomato sauce with provolone cheese). Thank you D! Dessert... yes we did, was a decedent crème Brule cheesecake; truly a wonderful dining experience and Media Theatre guests receive a 10% discount with ticket stubs! Fellini's Café is located just 2 blocks from the theater at 106. W. State St. For more visit www.felliniscafe.com or call 610.892.7616

Photos: Courtesy Media Theatre & Fellini's Cafe

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