NEWSIES by Carol Kaufman Segal

Disney’s musical Newsies at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, was a smash hit on Broadway in 2012 winning the Tony Award for Best Score and Best Choreography.  It is easy to see why when you see this past-paced and wonderful production featuring the touring company of the production at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.

The winning musical score by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman bring the book by Harvey Fierstein to life.  But what truly makes this production so exciting and so worthwhile seeing is the dancing by a cast of unmatched talented performers who defy any group of dancers I have ever seen.

            The play is based on a true event set in Lower Manhattan in the summer of 1899 when a young newsboy led a group of young “Newsies” on a two week-long strike against powerful newspaper publishers. In the play, the leader of the group is Jack Kelly (Joey Barreiro), a charming young boy.   

            The story is depicted in song, and though the music is beautiful and brings the story to life, the most outstanding and impressive action in the production is the phenomenal choreography by Christopher Gattelli and the performance of the large cast of unbelievable dancers.  Morgan Keene plays Katherine, the love interest to Barreiro’s Kelly.  The orchestra is led by James Dodgson, scenic design by Tobin Ost, and the production is directed by Jeff Calhoun. 

            For news of future exciting events coming to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, visit their official website at www.HollywoodPantages.com.