Disney’s Newsies, presented by The Gateway, is the first full-scale professional production at the Patchogue Theatre since the pandemic shut down the theatre industry. This historical musical is based on the 1992 motion picture Newsies, a family-friendly film inspired by the real-life story of the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899. Although a commercial flop, this movie developed a cult following of young viewers called “fansies.” In 2011, Disney premiered the musical stage production of Newsies at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. It then went on to have a Broadway run at the Nederlander Theatre.
This musical delight, about a group of feisty, streetwise urchins known as “Newsies,” takes place on the rough-and-umble streets and tenement rooftops of turn-of-the-century New York City. The Newsies are a motley group of orphans, runaways, homeless boys, and children forced to work to help support their down-and-out families. When the newspaper publisher, Joseph Pulitzer, sinisterly portrayed to perfection by the highly talented David Engel, raises the cost of the newspapers to these hardworking, impoverished delivery boys, they decide to stand up for themselves by staging a protest and going on strike. Much to their amazement, these events become front[1]page news!
This show features an exuberant Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein. Deservedly nominated for 16 theatrical awards during its Broadway run, it’s easy to see why this show won the awards for best choreography and best musical score. Kudos to choreographer Chaz Wolcott for recreating the original acrobatic, tap[1]dancing, pirouetting, and high-stepping, Tony Award-winning choreography by Christopher Gattelli.
Alex Prakken is spectacular as Jack Kelly, the charismatic, brooding leader of the gang of teenage Newsies. Mr. Prakken is a multi-talented performer. Not only does he wow the audience with his dance moves and incredible voice, but he is a polished actor as well. His delivery of the ballad, “Santa Fe,” was heartfelt and moving.
Molly Rushing gave a flawless performance as Katherine, the newbie reporter covering the story about the Newsies’ newly formed union and strike. Ms. Rushing’s solid vocal performance during her solo “Watch What Happens” was an audience favorite. Katherine is also Jack’s love interest, and Mr. Prakken and Ms. Rushing’s onstage chemistry elicited loud hoots and howls from the audience. “Something to Believe in,” Jack and Katherine’s duet, where they profess their love and admiration for each other, created a tender and memorable on-stage moment.
Aurelia Williams brings vibrant energy and spot-on comedic delivery to her role as Medda, the vaudeville performer and theater owner with a heart of gold. Ms. Williams won the audience over with her show-stopping rendition of “That’s Rich.”
Logan Marks, as Davey, the newest and brightest Newsie of the bunch, is a terrific actor, singer, and dancer, and Brendyn J. Molnar gave a dynamite performance as Les, Davey’s precocious little brother.
Steve Brady, a versatile actor, believably played several widely differing parts. Still, his standout performance was his portrayal of Governor Theodore Roosevelt, who steps in to help Jack and the Newsies with their strike against Pulitzer.
Andrew Stevens Purdy gave a most endearing performance as Crutchie and had the audience rooting for him throughout the show. His touching rendition of the song, “Letter from the Refuge,” brought tears to my eyes.
The shows dynamic production numbers, including “Seize the Day,” “Carry the Banner,” and “The World Will Know,” displayed the cast’s superhuman musical talents.
The Newsies, an engaging, energetic group of performers, included Rorey Chavarria, Mike D’Amico, Anthony DaSilva, Maurice Dawkins, Steven Etienne, Joshua Keen, Noah Lentini, Dario Natarelli, Jonathan Reyes, Ryan Rodiño, Matthew Sparks, BB Stone, and Tim Webb.
The ensemble, consisting of Mark Woodard, Timothy Lee, Steve Brady, Maggie Bergman, Brian Veith, and Steven Isaac Rice, gave sparkling performances.
As a playwright, I caught the weaknesses in the book itself, such as the underdeveloped characters and the slow-to-get-started, formulaic plot. However, this high-octane show, strongly directed by Larry Raben, with Musical Direction by Andrew Haile Austin, is, nonetheless, an uplifting show for the entire family. The stellar cast, the electrifying orchestra, the thrilling choreography, the high-caliber lighting effects, and authentic period costumes all came together to make this show an overwhelming success.
The show runs now through September 11. Tickets start at $49. Teen prices are available for select performances. Contact the Box Office at (631) 286-1133 or visit the website at TheGateway.org.
The Gateway requires all guests to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination to attend. The Gateway also requires masks to be worn while inside the theater to ensure the safest environment possible for everyone.
Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatist Guild. She is the author of two self-help books, Grant Me a Higher Love and Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships
