Review: Here’s the scoop. ‘Newsies’ is thrilling, moving and soars

Here’s breaking news: N.C. Theatre’s production of Disney’s “Newsies” is a tremendous hit.

The huge cast sings and dances with such energy and warmth that even those who don’t like musicals will be cheering — and maybe even wiping away a tear or two.

The story, about young New York City newspaper hawkers in 1899 striking for better conditions, could have been cutesy and manipulative. But an earnest cast, exhilarating choreography and tight direction make this staging genuinely thrilling and ultimately moving.

Based on the unsuccessful 1992 Disney film, the 2012 Broadway musical includes most of the film’s songs by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Jack Feldman. But Harvey Fierstein’s revised script creates a stronger love story and a more compact plot.

Now street-smart strike organizer Jack Kelly falls for spunky reporter Katherine Plumber, who helps the cause with front-page stories. Meanwhile, hardhearted newspaper publisher, Joseph Pulitzer, orders brutality against the strikers. When dispirited Jack also finds out Katherine is actually Pulitzer’s daughter, he thinks the budding romance has been a sham and he packs up to head out west. (Spoiler alert: Don’t worry, it’s from Disney, so there’s a happy ending.)

Jason Gotay supplies star power as Jack, revealing the character’s compassionate soul under a tough-guy exterior. His ringing voice soars in several big numbers, including his gripping “Santa Fe,” a dream of a better world. When the radiant Shannon O’Boyle joins him for “Something to Believe In,” it’s lump in the throat time. On her own, O’Boyle’s precision dazzles in the clever patter song, “Watch What Happens.”

Among many outstanding performances in the cast of 33 are Steve Raymond’s sweetly winning Crutchie; Yolanda W. Rabun’s saucy chanteuse, Medda Larkin; Merwin Foard’s menacing Pulitzer; Daniel Plimpton’s quietly courageous Davey; and Huck Borden’s Les, Davey’s cheeky little brother.

The dancing here is exceptional. Choreographer Parker Esse fills the stage with vigorous leaps, spins and flips, along with a show-stopping tap dance opening Act II. Director Steve Bebout keeps the action flowing, with cast members changing Bruce Brockman’s cityscape scenery, while sporting Dixon Reynolds’s appropriately dingy or sparkling costume designs. Edward G. Robinson’s musical direction adds toe-tapping bounce.

The show’s first act suffers from too many details about strikes and unions, veering towards a lecture, but all is forgiven with the stunning second act, which has the best numbers and builds to a highly satisfying finale.

Details

What: “Newsies” presented by N.C. Theatre

Where: Memorial Auditorium, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh.

When: 7:30 p.m. July 26-29; 2 p.m. July 28-29

Tickets: $25-$118

Info: 919-831-6941 or nctheatre.com

This story was originally published July 26, 2018 at 4:23 PM.