Brilliant choreography part of 'Newsies' undeniable appeal
Everything you need to know about the allure of the exuberant "Newsies" was obvious from the excited expressions of the children who arrived by the busload to Chicago's Oriental Theatre opening night.
Everything you need to know about choreographer Christopher Gattelli's jaw-dropping fusion of ballet and gymnastics was apparent from the pointed toes and bent ankles of the superb, indefatigable ensemble.
And everything you need to know about the appeal of Alan Menken's swingin' score was evident in the Chicago critic who exited the theater bobbing his head to the curtain call refrain.
It was a reprise of the irresistible "King of New York," one of several showstopping anthems in director Jeff Calhoun's production that became a Broadway hit 20 years after it flopped on film.
A stage adaptation of the 1992 Disney film, featuring new songs by Menken and lyricist Jack Feldman, and a book by Harvey Fierstein, premiered at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011. It transferred to Broadway in 2012. The Disney Theatrical Productions' show ran 2½ years, earning Tony Awards for score and choreography, and inspiring legions of "fansies."
A classic David-and-Goliath story, inspired partly by New York City's newsboy strike of 1899, "Newsies" pits the have-nots (poor orphans selling "papes") against the haves (publishing titans who raise prices, sparking a strike).
Leading the rebels is Jack Kelly (played with endearing cockiness by the charismatic Dan DeLuca), an artist who dreams of heading west. If Jack is the heart of the struggle, bookish Davey (an agreeable Jacob Kemp), who recognizes strength comes from unity, is its soul. Davey and younger brother Les (the impish Vincent Crocilla) are newcomers, forced to leave school and get jobs after an injury sidelines their father. They, along with Jack and his disabled best pal Crutchie (a sweet Zachary Sayle), head up the "children's crusade" assisted by burlesque proprietor Medda Larkin (the powerhouse Angela Grovey) and Katherine, an ambitious reporter played with delicious spirit by sweet-voiced Stephanie Styles.
While Katherine catches Jack's eye, her strike coverage attracts the attention of Joseph Pulitzer (Steve Blanchard, as a classic Disney villain), who unleashes strikebreaking thugs on the youngsters.
DeLuca and Styles' chemistry makes credible the opposites attract love story. But Calhoun never lets romance trump the struggle underscoring the action, which unfolds on Tobin Ost's imposing, industrial-age set accented by Sven Ortel's projections.
It's all very impressive, but "Newsies" greatest asset is its fine ensemble. And each member is recognized with a well-deserved solo bow at the curtain call. Stick around for it, you'll be glad you did.
“Newsies”
★ ★ ★ ½
Location: Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago, (800) 775-2000 or
Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 4, 2015. Also 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29; 2 p.m. Dec. 26, 30 and Jan. 2. No shows Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. No 7:30 p.m. show Dec. 24 and 31.
Running time: About two hours, 15 minutes, with intermission
Tickets: $37-$146
Parking: Nearby pay parking garages and metered street parking
Rating: For all ages