"Newsies" at Artistry

Artistry's production of Newsies has done so well in its first two weekends, selling out several performances, that they extended it for a week. I saw it the second weekend, and it's easy to see why it's so popular. The musical adaptation of the 1992 cult hit Disney movie appeals to kids as well as their parents, with an inspiring and relevant story about young people standing up for their rights. Artistry has assembled a young, talented, and energetic cast, with some fabulous high-kicking choreography. Catch it at the Bloomington Center for the Arts, now through August 18.

Based on the historical newsboys' strike of 1899, Newsies is part Oliver! (orphan boys living on the street), part West Side Story (street fighting/dancing), part Annie (a love of NYC and an appearance by a Roosevelt), and even part RENT (dreaming of leaving NYC for Santa Fe, hanging out at a cafe where they can't afford to buy anything). And it's also all Disney, i.e., predictably pleasant. Of course the charming young hero Jack and his band of boys are going to succeed in overthrowing media giants Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, with the help of Governor Teddy Roosevelt, natch. And of course Jack is going to fall in love with the plucky reporter (is there any other kind?) Katherine. But it's all quite fun, with an inspirational story to boot, and provides the framework for some great musical and choreographical moments.*

Jack (Will Dusek) and Katherine (Audrey Parker)
on the rooftop (photo by Dan Norman)

Ben Bakken directs the piece with great energy and momentum, and Renee Guittar's choreography never lets up, with one thrilling moment after another (including the iconic newspaper dancing). New #TCTheater favorite Will Dusek, who spent a majority of the last year hitting the high notes as Frankie Valli in Chanhassen Dinner Theatre's regional premiere of Jersey Boys, is perfectly cast as Jack. He's got the charm, charisma, and effortless voice to make us all fall in love with and root for Jack as he changes the world. Another rising star Audrey Parker is equally strong as Katherine, with spunk and a lovely voice. Other highlights in the cast include Tyson Insixiengmai as Jack's sweet friend Crutchie, Bri Graham in a too-small role of showgirl and theater owner Medda Larkin, young Maddox Tabala as the littlest Newsie, and Armando Harlow Ronconi stealing scenes in a number of roles.

the high-flying cast of Newsies (photo by Dan Norman)

The Artistry stage has been turned into a NYC street, with wooden platforms, fire escapes, and laundry hanging on the line. The cast is dressed in sepia-toned turn of the century street wear, complete with newsboy caps. The fabulous nine-person band, led by Music Director Kate Mariana Brown, sits in the partially covered pit, with a ladder leading down into it, used when Jack climbs up to and down from his rooftop lair. (Scenic design by Michaela Lochen, costume design by Meghan Kent.)

The labor movement, workers demanding to be treated and compensated fairly, young people banding together to make the world a better place, the haves vs. the have nots, all of this is incredibly timely and relevant. And in Newsies, these themes are wrapped up in a fun and energetic musical with fantastic dancing.

*Plot summary borrowed from my reviews of previous productions.