Review “Newsies” (Broadway in Chicago): Heart-stirring, Rebel-rousing, Fun-loving Disney Magic

Saturday, July 30, 2016 Permalink 0

Broadway in Chicago has brought the Tony Award-winning Disney’s NEWSIES back for a limited engagement.

This show blew me away in 2014. The story is pure heart-stirring, rebel-rousing, fun-loving Disney magic. The singing sounds like a harmonious yet cheeky boys choir. And the  dancing is absolutely unstoppable and unforgettable. Choreographer Christopher Gattelli has the superb ensemble leaping, flipping and tapping.  The admirable athleticism is made to look effortless.  A fast paced tapping number has Morgan Keene (Katherine), one of the few ladies in the show, hesitantly tip-toe into the guys’ showcase.  She eventually is going full speed in the dazzling showcase of physicality and synchronization.  Special nod out to Jordan Samuels (Specs) for his remarkable gymnastic moves.

8MorganJoeyThis tour is being led by a commanding Joey Barreiro (Jack Kelly).  The magnetic Barreiro unifies the newsies, stands up to the bully (the dashing Steve Blanchard) and woos the lovely Keene and the entire audience.  In 2014, I was surprised at how much I loved this show.  Last night, I was surprised again because I loved this NEWSIES even more than before.  “Seize the Day”! Buy a ticket before these papes are sold out!

My December 2014 review.

11Seize the Day

Running Time:  Two hours and thirty minutes

Based on the Disney film , NEWSIES, with screenplay by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White

Book by Harvey Fierstein

Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Jack Feldman

Directed by Jeff Calhoun

Choreographed by Christopher Gattelli

At Cadillac Palace, 151 W. Randolph

Thru August 7th

Buy Tickets at Broadway in Chicago

 

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