By Harley Ann Kulp
Every theater-lover out there has that one show that just makes our heart flutter in excitement whenever we think about it. Mine is Disney’s Newsies. I’ve always had a special connection to the show since the very beginning.
I discovered Newsies when the cast performed on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2012 (which happened to be my birthday). The cast tapped their way into my heart with “King of New York”, which is still one of my favorite numbers, to this day. I quickly became obsessed to the cast album, teaching myself the harmonies to every song. When I was given a trip to New York City for Christmas that year, I knew immediately what show I wanted to see most.
I’ve seen Newsies twice on Broadway. Once on my first trip to the Big Apple. The second time was three weeks before it closed. I had seen the news online and cried for three days straight. It took a lot of convincing, but my parents took me up to my favorite city to see my favorite show one last time.
Luckily, I had already bought tickets for Disney’s Newsies on tour at that point and knew I’d see the show at least one more time in my life. This was the last time. And boy, was it an emotional roller coaster.
The month leading up to the show date made me excited. I was super pumped to be seeing the show again! Until I had the revelation that it was likely the last time I’ll see the show in my life. Then the week before the show, I was sad whenever I thought about it. I didn’t want it to end. But all good things must come to an end.
As I arrive at the glorious and shiny new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at noon on Sunday, February 1st, a mixture of feelings clouded my mind. Sadness, excitement, and nervousness were just a few that I felt. I knew I’d be comparing the Broadway Jacks (Jeremy Jordan and Corey Cott) to the tour Jack (Dan DeLuca) and the Broadway Katherines (Kara Lindsay and Liana Hunt) to the tour Katherine (Stephanie Styles) and so on. But as soon as the hopeful “Santa Fe (Prologue)” began atop the Newsboys Lodging House rooftop, all comparisons flew away. It was astonishingly clear this production had a life and light of it’s own.
Of course the set, costumes, and music were absolutely splendid as they were on Broadway, but it was the actors that brought the new light to the table.
Stephanie Styles, for example, showed the audience a whole new side to Katherine. While Kara Lindsay and Liana Hunt played the sassy, independent girl, Styles was more of a sweet, clever Katherine. While the fiery banter and strength was still there, it was toned down. It gave a Katherine a few more layers and they were noticed and appreciated by the audience.
Dan DeLuca, on the other hand, played Jack completely different than Jeremy Jordan or Corey Cott. Less of a jokester, and more of a young boy who had no clue what he was doing as leader. Of course DeLuca’s Jack got a hang of it by the end of the show, stepping up to finish the strike as a man. His chemistry with Zachary Sayle’s Crutchie was incredible and real – you could feel the brotherhood from a mile away.
Ben Fankhauser, the original Davey from the Broadway Production was a fan favorite, so there was hesitation with seeing a different Davey. However, Jacob Kemp delivers above and beyond! He brings a new element to Davey, creating a worried aurora around the already cautious newsboy. When Davey gave a speech, Kemp gave the impression Davey was riding on a wave of adrenaline. The more he spoke, the more excited and confident he got. This was a really nice touch on Kemp’s part!
Nine year-old Vincent Crocilla was playing Les at this particular Matinee (he alternates with Anthony Rosenthal) and was a crowd favorite! This adorable little newsboy captured the hearts of the audience as soon as he threw out the famous “Les Puppy Dog Face”.
Surprisingly, the performer that captured the attention of the audience most was Miss Angela Grovey. As soon as this woman stepped on stage in that hot pink dress of Medda Larkin’s, eyes were glued to her. Her voice was smooth and rich, giving the song “That’s Rich” a real sparkle. It was an incredible performance! This woman is a star!
Everyone in the cast was simply spectacular! (Also, welcome to the tour cast, Molly Jobe, who had previously been in the Broadway production. She joined the tour cast during this matinee.) This show has a wonderful light on it’s own, but the actors really make the show. I don’t think I’ve ever clapped so hard in my life. If you have a chance to see this production of Newsies, definitely do! Upcoming tour locations are Miami, Florida, San Fransisco, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Don’t miss your chance to see Newsies on tour!