Review by Jennifer Mustoe, Front Row Reviewers
Showing at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre until June 21 is Newsies, and this is one piece of news worth attending. Typical with the SCERA, you will experience a spectacle of dancing (so much expert dancing,) many wonderous songs (so many songs) that you’ll want to get up and dance and sing at your seats. (see below*)
Newsies, based on the Disney film of the same name, tells the story of Jack Kelly (William Madsen) and his cohorts as they work to make a few pennies every day selling “papes”. Sharing the true story that took place 1899, the Newsboys in New York, dismayed at the possibility of going completely broke, organized a strike when the owners of the papers raised the per paper’s price. Among the players (more than 30!) in Newsies are Gage Gillette as Davey, Brayden Phillips as Crutchie, and many more. The principals of the show carry it well, but everyone does a fabulous job. Love interest to Jack is Katherine, winningly played by Mia Schoebinger, who is lovely, sings like an angel, and quite a powerhouse as she seeks to go from writing a woman’s column to professional reporter. Recognize that women as reporters during that time was unusual (aka unheard of) so it’s a delight that Katherine makes such a difference and Schoebinger is plucky and perfect for the role and the job.
Along with the variety of Newsboys, the story also includes Mike Handy, who plays his role as the dastardly newspaper owner Joseph Pulitzer with believable hate-ability. Many actors play more than one role, and each character is well-defined. The conflict between the haves (those that distribute the papes) and the Newsboys is executed well, and director/ choreographer Ripple has clearly given his actors to create believable characters, the good guys and the bad guys.
Director/Choreography Brodee Ripple‘s choreography fits his players. There are so. many. people onstage, and the dances are well orchestrated for the crew he has. Lots of stomping, so convincing for the angry group. The yells of triumph felt like a personal win for us all. The dancing has jumps and twirls and carries us all with the many actors onstage. *The true test of the actors’ skill as dancers was shown as a little kid ran onto the stage and started doing his own tapping steps. The players kept dancing, which is a huge congratulation for the actors’ inspiration, and their ability to stay in character was noteworthy. (The little boy was pulled from the stage mostly quickly by his caregivers.)
The set decoration by Zippy Hellewell is fantastic, and my 6th grade companion thought the buildings and such were real. I explained to her how a theater set is created and her eyes shone with delight as she said, “Wow!” Costume Designer Deborah Bowman brings such variety to her characters. Even though every Newsboy had the same relative look, they are all individual and it is delightful. The costumes for Pulitzer and Katherine and the other “high society” characters have an upper class look that works well for the show.
Music Director Christian Wawro has their work cut out for them–Newsies has a lot of songs–23 if you count the reprises. Each number is executed with precision and character. The melodies and harmonies are really something to experience. Right on point–each one.
I explained to my friend what a strike is and its possible impact on the strikers, and it was hard for me to convey the fear those young men must have felt. It was a bold choice for all who want things to get better. She was duly impressed with the show and with its story. You will be, too.
Don’t miss this energetic musical with lots of heart, lots of talent and a very important message.
SCERA SHELL OUTDOOR THEATER presents Newsies, Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Jack Feldman and Harvey Fierstein.
Based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White.
SCERA SHELL THEATRE, 600 South 400 East, Orem, Utah 84058
Mon-Tues, Thurs-Saturday 8:00PM
$15 and up. Chairs can be reserved for a small extra cost, but can bring your blankets and sit the grass. There are no bad seats. And bring dinner and snacks, though delicious concessions are also for sale.
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