There are musicals that are constructed to have fabulous singing and dancing with the sole purpose to entertain the audience. Some succeed and some fail miserably. I am very happy to say that Disney's Newsies is masterfully successful on every level as it embodies the finest of musicals past while showcasing the most talented performers of today.
Though I saw last tour that came through Chicago during the winter, this new touring company NEWSIES directed by Tony Award nominee Jeff Calhoun triumphantly exceeds last year's production in many ways.
Newsies is based on a true story during the turn of the century in 1899 where New York newsboys, lead by Jack Kelly, who go on strike against big-time publishers Joseph Pulitzer, Hearst and other big-time publishing moguls. The powerful musical score by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken with lyrics by Jack Feldman and choreography Christopher Gattelli are integral to the success of NEWSIES which bring a dynamic energy to this amazing story and show. This also builds to its excitement. The combined voices and harmonies are sensational and literally give you goose-bumps. The choreography complete with gymnastic flips and synchronization is absolutely outstanding.
