By Mariah Bailey
I had the amazing opportunity to see this SOLD OUT night of Disney’s Newsies The Musical at The Ziegfeld Theater in Ogden, UT. I grew up loving this 1992 film on VHS tape. My siblings and I memorized every line, every song, and even learned the choreography so we could sing and dance around the house. While the stage musical is somewhat different in characters and plot line, it has become a favorite Broadway production winning Tony Awards for best Choreography by Christopher Gattelli and Best Original Score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman. The musical premiered at the Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011 and made its Broadway debut in 2012. Disney’s Newsies The Musical is inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City.
If you have ever seen Newsies on film or onstage, you will want to see this adaptation of the musical. Every single line, lyric, and movement is interpreted in American Sign Language. Assistant director and choreographer Bryan Andrews wants to share his first language ASL and have theater arts be inclusive with the deaf community. Director Caleb Perry states, “We’re doing something no one’s ever tried so yes, we’re terrified, but watch what happens!” Attending the show, watching the audience members, and experiencing this production in person I can attest that these things are truly happening.
There are three deaf or hard of hearing performers: Davey (Boston Gunther), Les (Callie Gunther) and Wiesel/Mayor (Brett Cummens). Their lines and voices on stage are performed by separate actors. Davey’s voice is played by Wyatt Welch, and Les’ voice is played by Hinckley Wright, who are acting and singing independently. While their roles rely and reflect on one another, they complete each other perfectly. I didn’t even notice at first that there are two characters playing Davey and Les. I loved how the interactions onstage include both the ASL performer and the voice performer. It reminded me somewhat of The Lion Kingmusical when Timon is both a puppet and an actor. It was interesting to see the blocking and interactions between everyone on stage. And the best part about it is the authenticity of all involved.
Dylan Brinkman plays the role of Jack Kelly. His voice, character, and emotion are second to none. Each time he sings “Santa Fe,” be prepared for chills as he tells of his dreams for a better life. He is very convincing as a poor, ragged teenager yet he is confident and wants to make a difference at the same time. Crutchie is played by Max Carter. His song “Letter from the Refuge”is nicely controlled and timed perfectly, just as if he is writing a letter. The poise and placement of his voice and acting throughout the show is enjoyable and pleasing. Katherine Plumber, the news reporter is portrayed by Kenzie Stinger. This is one of the different characters from the original film and is vital to the new plot. Stinger has the perfect Disney princess voice and mixes up and down her vocal register with ease and grace. Her song “Watch What Happens” is interpreted both with ASL and with her typing of the typewriter on the wall. This is a splendid idea made by the production team.
The ensemble is so entertaining to watch in the dance numbers “Carrying the Banner”, “The World Will Know”, “Seize the Day”, and “King of New York”to name a few. Choreographer Andrews and dance captain Mejai Perry really know how to lead this dancing ensemble to use their full bodies and facial expressions in each song. Music director Jamie Balaich does a commendable job with the sound and voices of each cast member. The cut-offs are crisp, and the projection of the voices are heard with ease. The costumes by Timery Reis match the time period and the difference between upper-class and lower-class characters. One piece worth mentioning is the printing press made by Kevin Ireland. This totally catches the eye and looks like they are really printing.
I highly recommend seeing this miracle show of Zeigfeld’s Newsies in Ogden. Appropriate for most audiences, (I would give it a PG for mild language), and especially approved for those who want to enjoy inclusive theater.
For a video of the production, click here.
The Ziegfeld Theater presents Disney’s Newsies The Musical based on the film by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White, book
by Harvey Fierstein, Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Jack Feldman.
Ziegfeld Theater Arts, 3934 Washington Blvd.,
Ogden, Utah 84403
February 21- March 14, 2020 7:30 PM Monday,
Friday-Saturday; Matinee, 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 29 & March 7, 2020
Tickets: $15-$19
Contact: 855-944-2787, Ziegfeld
Theatre Website
Ziegfeld Theater Facebook Page
Newsies Facebook Event
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