'Newsies' Tour Hits Civic Theatre
Live and Full-Throttle
For many, their first acquaintance with the Disney stage
musical Newsies arrived in a telecast from the 2012 Tony Awards. We remembered raised fists and flying bodies.
Raised fists and flying bodies are pretty much what
audiences get at the Civic Theatre this week (through Sunday) when Disney Newsies (based on the 1992 film) – the 2012 Tony Award winner for best score (Alan
Menken) and best choreography (Christopher Gattelli) may be seen in its live,
full-throttle entirety.
Dance and fly they do, this company of 33 dancers/singers
including leads. They also tap and play the spoons, something common in the
turn-of-the-century in an era when the greater New York area had numerous major
newspapers. The Newsies, mostly comprising teenage boys, many of them orphans, having
bought newspaper copies at a discount before dawn, hawked them on street
corners. Historically, many Newsies, like the musical's protagonist Jack Kelly (appealing Joey Barreiro), lived
in group homes.
A benevolent spirit, Jack cares for the crippled Crutchie
(Andy Richardson). He meets newcomer Davey (Devin Lewis) and his feisty little
brother Les (Turner Birthisel on opening night) and even though they come from
a family with two parents (the father was laid off because of an injury), Jack
helps them by taking Les under his wing, figuring the kid will be good for
sales. |
| Photos by Deen van Nere Courtesy Broadway Sa Diego |
The status quo is upset when World publisher Joseph
Pulitzer (Steve Blanchard) decides to increase profits by raising the amount
Newsies pay for their papers. So does William Randolph Hearst, owner of a
competitive newspaper. The amount of the raise is miniscule, but looms large in
the plight of the Newsies, who are working hard for pennies. The story reaches
the ears of a news reporter named Katherine (Becca Petersen), who not only
writes a story, but becomes involved with Jack and the ensuing Newsies’ strike.
The complicated plot with numerous characters was simplified
by book writer Harvey Fierstein, and the whole shootin’ match is eased by Jack
Feldman’s song lyrics. However, keeping track of everyone and the progress of
the protest, even though brightened considerably by the arrival of then New
York Gov. Teddy Roosevelt (Kevin Carolan) is still a decided challenge.
Eventually one merely succumbs to the magnificent movement, enjoys Tobin Ost’s
miraculously choreographed set, and listens to the pleasant songs, which
advance plot in subtle fashion. The best of them are “Santa Fe,” “The World
Will Know,” “Something to Believe In,” and “Sieze the Day.”
Jess Goldstein designs knickers, trousers and caps, and Jeff
Croiter keeps up with lighting the spectacle. Ken Travis is the blessed sound
designer who should instruct every Cvic Theatre book-in sound guy henceforth
forevermore. He manages to achieve a satisfying balance of sung and spoken word
with orchestral sound that is a rarity in our Civic Theatre. One must no doubt
credit the singers, director Jeff Calhoun and music director James Dodgson for
this achievement as well as the 12 piece union orchestra (six homies and six
travelers, including the non-playing conductor).
Aurally and visually this touring production, which hit the
road two years ago, is a rare treat. There are no stars – the amazing ensemble
is the attraction. They do not disappoint.
Newsies continues
through Sunday.
WHERE: San
Diego Civic Theatre, 3rd and B Street, Downtown San Diego
PERFORMANCE TIMES: 7:30 Thursday-Saturday; 2pm Saturday; 1pm and 6:30 Sunday
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