Let’s cut to the chase- this show most definitely seized my day.
I am one of the few theatre-lovers who hadn’t really jumped on the Newsies bandwagon. It wasn’t that I didn’t think the show would be good- I just simply hadn’t heard much from the soundtrack and I never prompted myself to look into the storyline. However, after watching the show on its national tour Detroit stop (at the stunning Detroit Opera House), I have instantly caught the Newsies bug.
First of all- THE SET. I have never been to a show with a set quite like this one. The entire stage has an industrial look to it, which makes sense considering “Newsies” takes place in 1899 Manhattan. The massive three-story fire escapes dominate the stage. Not only are they huge and complex structures in themselves, but they move too! Throughout the show, these tiered frames move forward, backward, and even turn and spin. I was pleased by the use of fly space as well. Constantly, pieces fly in and out, creating seamless transitions that were exciting to watch. The production also uses projections throughout its entirety. I’ve been to a show where projections were applied, but never have I seen them used like this. There are projections of chalkboards, of drawings, and of course- newspapers. The stage gets transformed into a headline story, which the audience can even watch Katherine, the show’s fiery and quick female lead type out on a screen.
Every single person in the cast gave a stellar performance. Not a single “weak link”, voice crack, or stumble. Usually, after seeing a show, I can easily point out my favorite character. But, honestly, I really can’t with this one. I legitimately loved each person’s performance and how they carried themselves on stage. Vocals were as amazing as I expected them to be. (Jack Kelley, played by Joey Barreiro, singing “Santa Fe”, was one of the highlights of the entire show). It’s one thing to just listen to the soundtrack, but seeing the songs performed on stage (as the actors are dancing enough to make anybody completely breathless) will leave any theatre-goer in awe. Accents were well-executed, characters clearly defined, and laughs and cheers resonated through the theatre. The stellar performances really got the audience into the show. Every thespian knows that an active, energetic, audience is the best kind. And, boy, was this audience active. After the incredible dance numbers, the entire theatre would applaud for what seemed like ages- hollering and clapping for everyone on stage. Being in a theatre and realizing that the entire house is completely connected with the musical is a magical feeling.
Of course, when one goes to see Newsies, they expect some amazing dancing. My expectations were far and beyond exceeded. Personally, dance has never been my specialty. So seeing this huge group perfectly leap in synch and effortlessly dance across the stage blew my mind. Each newsie is practically a maser of tap, jazz, and ballet. I continuously thought “How long did this number take to perfect? How intense is the training for this show?” (Also, “how is this possible?”). Glued to the front of my mind is the legendary newspaper dance during “Seize the Day”. This sequence was completely unfathomable to me- who would most likely fall flat on my face from merely standing on a paper. Have the guts to try learning it yourself? Check out this video!
All in all, the show was excellent. It was a perfect combination of amazing vocals, a stunning set, flawless dancing, an exciting storyline, and a happy ending.
My advice: If you get the chance to witness the Newsies National Tour in your town- do it. I promise- you will not be disappointed.
I’d go as far as to say, I would choose seeing Newsies a second time even over a trip to Santa Fe.