By Debbie Ditton
The audience was buzzing in anticipation as the first ever performance of Disney’s Newsies The Musical got ready to open at the Ellen Eccles Theatre in downtown Logan, Utah. Having seen the show on Broadway, and the touring company in Salt Lake City, I was nervous – yet hopeful – that Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre’s production would equal my expectations. As soon as I heard the astounding orchestra (conducted by James M. Bankhead), saw the breathtaking set (designed by George Maxwell for Pioneer Theatre Co.), and the boyishly handsome Derek DeRoo (Jack Kelly) started to sing, I knew I was in for a remarkable evening.
The story of Newsies follows a bunch of rough and tumble young friends in New York City who sell newspapers to try and eke out a living. When the newspaper barons decide to raise the newsies’ cost for their papers, they decide to form a union and fight for their rights. It’s a story about courage, dreams, and the power of friendship. Originally a 1992 Disney motion picture written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, the stage version opened at the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway in 2012, with a revamped book by Harvey Feinstein.
From the opening strains of the overture to the final button, the caliber of the Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre orchestra is truly top notch, and nothing makes musical theatre more electric than having excellent musicians in the pit. Once the curtain comes up, the sets and creative lighting design truly set the mood for the rest of the show. The beautifully painted backdrop makes the audience feel like they are looking down over the city and then magically grows as the newsies take to the streets. The moving scaffolding, stairways, small stage proscenium, and other set pieces move seamlessly between the different settings, and are even choreographed through most of the show. There are actually very few blackouts, which makes the show go smoothly and quickly. Kudos to Stage Manager Robyn Monkarsh and the rest of the design and stage crew.
The costumes (Colleen Alexis Metzger) and wigs (Georgianna Eberhard) are beautifully designed, colorfully built, and perfectly fit the period. My favorite dresses are those worn by dance hall queen Medda Larkin (Méami Maszewski). They are truly stunning in their shape, texture, and design. The lighting design (Chris Wood) ties the costumes and scenery together, and along with the sound design (Nathan Schliz), puts the finishing touches on each scene. The directing and choreography for the production are both masterfully done by Michael Jenkinson. The acting is honest and moving, and the choreography, although familiar, is clever and not cliché. I found myself truly enjoying the movement through the entire show. Even after having seen the show a few times, I was surprised and delighted by the fresh movement, and the tap number “King of New York” is practically perfect (a shameless plug for Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre’s production of Mary Poppins). There were spontaneous bursts of applause during almost every number—as the dancers cleanly execute the steps— and the movement, lights, and vocals come together in brilliantly memorable moments. The fight choreography, by Stefan Espinosa, is also well done and convincingly implemented.
The voices in this production, individually and collectively, are remarkable. The Newsies score is difficult to execute and each actor and actress shows us their best. The blend of the ensemble, facilitated by Chorus Master and Principal Pianist Dallas Heaton, is flawless and nicely balanced with the orchestra. Molly Dobbs (Katherine Plumber) effortlessly sails through the tongue twister “Watch What Happens,” and Maszewski (Medda) truly entertains with her sassy, yet silky-smooth rendition of “That’s Rich.” Timothy Stewart (Davey Jacobs) has a warmth to his voice that surpasses his young character, but every time he opens his mouth to sing, the audience is happy to ignore the seeming discrepancy. DeRoo (Jack Kelly) has a high range that is to be reckoned with and his “Santa Fe” is heartbreakingly moving. In fact, his acting throughout is passionate and sincere, his comic timing is excellent, and the chemistry between he and Dobbs is enchanting. The camaraderie, banter, and brotherly love between the newsies is obvious and really spills out into the audience. The relationship between Jack and Crutchie (Stefan Espinosa) is especially heartfelt, and one of most moving moments of the show is the letter Crutchie writes to Jack after being beaten and locked up (“Letter from Refuge”).
Each of the supporting characters in the production is very talented. Although there are too many to mention individually, a few really stand out. Porter R. Harris (Les Jacobs), a local middle school student, looks and sounds absolutely comfortable on the stage with professionals from around the country. W Lee Daily (Roosevelt/Nunzio) is a local crowd favorite and excels at his character parts. Cary J. Youmans is delightfully crabby as Mr. Jacobi, and although I know him well, I almost didn’t recognize him later as the mayor. I was also especially impressed with the dancing, singing, and acting of Cory Betts (Race), a Sacramento native, who is making his Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre debut this season. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for a fabulous performance.
Although Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre productions are seemingly expensive to many local patrons, there is a ticket price for every budget and the show is well worth the cost. The production is stunning from every seat in this historic and exquisitely upgraded Ellen Eccles Theatre – from the front row to the back of the balcony. There are even lyrics projected onto a screen at the top of the stage. The subject matter is appropriate for families of all ages, and whether you have loved the music for years or have never seen Newsies, you will not want to miss this production. If the attendance on opening night is any indication, tickets will sell quickly, so make sure to get yours soon.
Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre presents Disney’s Newsies The Musical. Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Jack Feldman, Book by Harvey Feinstein.
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 South Main Street, Logan, UT 84321
July 5, 10, 13*,18, 20*, 25, 27, 31*, August 2, 2019 (*1 PM matinee) 7:30 PM
Tickets: $8-$79
Contact: 800-262-0074
Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre Facebook Page
Waldron Creative – Photo credit
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