‘Newsies’: Disney musical smash hit of season

BREAKING NEWS! ‘NEWSIES’ IS A HIT: Jeremy Jordan (center) and the cast of ‘Newsies: The Musical.’ Photo: Deen van Meer

By David NouNou

Energy abounds aplenty in this new Disney musical, thanks in large part to Alan Menken’s catchy music and Jack Feldman’s poignant lyrics; expert, fast-paced direction by Jeff Calhoun; brilliant choreography courtesy of Christopher Gattelli; and a most fascinating revolving set by Tobin Ost.The only drawback to this otherwise well-done musical is Harvey Fierstein’s middling book. He brings his usual heavy-handed, trite dialogue and often cutesy, groan-inducing lines that are neither stylistic nor realistic to the period, but are merely modern, hip phrases to which the youth of today can relate.

Based on the abysmal 1992 movie of the same name, chronicling real-life events dating back to 1899, the film starred an uncomfortable Christian Bale. In this far superior stage adaptation of the story of striking newsboys known as “newsies”
(boys who sell newspapers to make a hard-earned penny), the show works because of the tough times we live in now.

The immediacy and the intimacy are more prevalent and relevant today. Not only is this musical something to which adults can relate, but it is a Disney show that actually teaches young children important values and life lessons in an entertaining manner. This is a family show in its truest sense.

However, the real Cinderella story here is Jeremy Jordan, playing Jack Kelly, the leader of the newsies, all of whom go on strike against the Pulitzer publishing company for raising the amount of papers the boys have to sell for the same price. Mr. Jordan was in the most boring musical of 2011, the dreadful Bonnie and Clyde. He is now in the smash-hit musical of 2012.

Oh, how the fickle finger of fate can play in the gamble known as Broadway. With his big voice and charismatic charm, Mr. Jordan has a unique way of filling the stage, and for that reason alone, he will become a Broadway staple as a leading man for years to come.

In addition to all the other pleasures, there is also a romantic angle for the adults. Kara Lindsay, a charming ingénue with a lovely singing voice, plays Katherine, the love interest. She is a Turn of the Century version of Lois Lane, a “girl reporter”who writes about the newsies and brings their plight to the public while every other journalist in town refuses to cover the story.