Disney’s NEWSIES
PERFORMANCE NOW THEATRE COMPANY, LAKEWOOD, CO.
JANUARY 5 – 21
With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, “NEWSIES” is based on the 1992 Disney film. It recounts the story of stalwart Jack Kelly, who rises to leadership of the newspaper delivery boys in New York City when publishing giants raise the prices on newspapers and put a dent in the carriers’ income. Kelly unifies them and leads them to strike for better pay. (The show is based on the real-life Newsboys Strike in New York City in 1899.)
Nominated for eight Tony awards, it received two: Best Choreography and Best Original Score.
In this production, Rebecca Scott Dean’s choreography Astounds! The dancing thereof by the large cast, exhilarates!
Heather Iris Holt, last season’s Marlowe Award-winner for best Music Director, creates magic from the pit with the rousing, pulse-pounding score. The chorus work is outstanding! “Carrying the Banner,” “The World Will Know” and “King of New York” are all powerfully sung!
Award-winning scenic designer Andrew Bates has created a strikingly efficient minimal set for the proceedings.
Director Bernie Cardell has cast the show impeccably and paced it at a gallop.
Levi Randolph delivers a Jack Kelly that is praise-worthy indeed. Besides nailing the acting, the vocals and the dancing, this actor has the exact right accent for the part. Randolph’s singing of “Santa Fe,” as well as “Something to Believe In”, his duet with Ms. Atkinson, are two glorious examples of his excellent work throughout the proceedings.
Sarah Atkinson is stunning in the role of Katherine Plumber, Kelly’s love interest. Ms. Atkinson’s soprano soars brightly through, “Watch What Happens.” (One must diverge momentarily to thank both producer Ken Goodwin and director Bernie Cardell for bringing young talent of the caliber of Mr. Randolph and Ms. Atkinson to the stage. Their foresight and vision give us great hope for the future of the theatre community here in Colorado.)
Decked out in Susan Rahmsdorff Terry’s glorious costumes, Michaela Murray belts “That’s Rich” to ear-pleasing perfection as Medda Larkin.
David Kincannon delivers a Joseph Pulitzer we love to hate as the greedy publishing magnate. His singing of “The Bottom Line” is most memorable.
Eli Schroeder delivers a heartbreaking version of “Letter From the Refuge” in the role of Kelly's buddy, Crutchie. Schroeder, who is a graduate of the Cincinnati School of Creative and Performing Arts, was born with cerebral palsy, and states in the program that he “was born to play the part.”
Performance Now’s production of Disney’s NEWSIES is an exhilarating evening of musical theatre.
Run to get tickets!
For tickets go online at performancenow.org or call 303-987-7845.
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