Broadway in Chicago presents Disney’s NEWSIES.
This Tony Award-winning musical features butch ballet. Choreographer Christopher Gattelli has these rag muffin guys regularly in the air. Instead of walking across the stage, they often flip…sideways, backwards, over another guy. Their athletic feats are marveling. And even when they do a graceful pirouette, it still looks every bit like macho dancing. They may harmonize like a boys choir. Yet, they look like Billy Elliot on steroids times 12.
NEWSIES is a fun Disney flick on stage. It’s a tribute to the paperboys of yesteryear. When the publisher bullies them, the newsies strike back. They fight for fair wages. Based on the 1992 film, the story is pure Disney heartwarming Americana. *Spoiler Alert* The scrappy underdogs bring down the establishment. And everyone goes home happy…especially the audience.
The talented ensemble is a bundle of high-spirited energy. The charismatic Dan DeLuca (Jack) leads his band of misfits. In one scene, he’s conning his way to bigger sales. And in the next scene, he’s helping Zachary Sayle (Crutchie) or wooing Stephanie Styles (Katherine). His audacity tempered in tenderness makes him the perfect hero. His duets, “Santa Fe” with Sayle and “Something to Believe In” with Styles are the perfect wistful anthems for career and romance.
Styles showcases vulnerability and comedic timing in her song “Watch What Happens Yet.” She brazenly attacks the typewriter only to admit that she is in over her head. Styles delightfully holds her own in this dudes’ world. Her feminine moxie has her pulling up her skirt and kicking up her heels. And she does it with a conspiratorial grin and twinkle in her eyes. Even though it’s a small role, Angela Grovey (Medda) still stands out larger than life. Grovey plays the diva owner of a burlesque theatre. Her mere presence commands both the theatrical stage and the actual stage. And then she belts out a hilarious and vocally robust “That’s Rich.”
On the slick scaffolding-style framework of Scenic Designer Tobin Ost’s set, Director Jeff Calhoun facilitates chases and memorable visuals. Calhoun fills the massive, bi-level structure with newsies. There is this industry verses humanity imagery as the guys sing their hearts out for capitalistic reform. The lesson originating from this 1898 strike is still relevant. While the power of the newspaper in being THE vehicle of information continues to dissipate, that overall message still resonates true.
NEWSIES is something to see! The family-friendly show has zestful hi-jinx. And the scrappy mostly male dancers might appeal more to sons, fathers…and mothers than the glass slipper alternative opening up down the street.
Running Time: Two hours and thirty minutes includes an intermission
At Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph
Based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
Choreographed by Christopher Gattelli
Directed by Jeff Calhoun
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 8pm
Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays at 2pm
December 26th, 30th and January 2nd at 2pm
Thru January 4th
Buy Tickets at www.broadwayinchicago.com
For more reviews and information on Chicago theatre, visit Theatre in Chicago.
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