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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Newsies Also see Gil's reviews of The Comeuppance and Songs for a New World
The plot follows Jack Kelly, the charismatic leader of a ragtag group of newspaper sellers in 1899 New York City. When powerful publisher Joseph Pulitzer and his fellow publishers raise the price the newsies must pay for the papers they sell on the street, Jack rallies his fellow workers to strike. With the support of Davey, his younger brother Les, and ambitious reporter Katherine Plumber, the boys set out to take on the newspaper giants. The score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman is packed with memorable songs, many drawn from the original 1992 film but enhanced and expanded for the stage into showstopping production numbers. Songs like "Seize the Day" and "King of New York" showcase the ensemble, while new songs, such as Katherine's witty "Watch What Happens," "The Bottom Line" for Pulitzer, and "That's Rich" for Medda Larkin, the theater owner and vaudeville performer who is friends with Jack, add depth and humor. The stage adaptation also improves on the live-action movie, which was a flop, due to Harvey Fierstein's impressive book which tightens the storytelling and gives stronger arcs to several characters while also ensuring the supporting characters aren't just two-dimensional. It's also nice to see that, while the main plot of the film is still at the core of the stage version, there are added supporting characters and plot points that make it fresh and fun for fans of the film. As Jack, Matthew Richards Jr. commands the stage with charisma, humor, and heartfelt emotion. While his New York accent is a tad thick, his singing voice shines and his scenes opposite Katherine, played by Elyssa Blonder with wit, confidence, and a stunning singing voice, crackle with chemistry. Davey's transformation from timid outsider to bold leader is played with nuance and realism by Dru Loman, and as Davey's younger brother Les, AJ Riddle brings an abundance of charm and comic timing (he alternates in the role with Greyson McClurg). Crutchie, the physically challenged newsie, is portrayed with warmth and optimism by Matthew Camardo, making his connection to Jack and his dilemma in his solo, "Letter from the Refuge," especially moving. Pulitzer, while the antagonist, is given gravitas and bite by James Rio, and, as Medda Larkin, Charis Vaughn sparkles with sass and soul in her showstopping number "That's Rich," and she exhibits authentic charm and sincerity in the interactions she has with Richards' Jack and the other characters. The large ensemble cast shine as a myriad of newsies, Pulitzer associates, and various other characters. Danny Gorman's direction highlights both the humor and the poignancy of the story, balancing the excitement and uncertainty of the strike with the personal struggles of its characters. The bond among the newsies feels authentic, emphasizing the sense of family they've built together. The romance between Jack and Katherine also shines, their banter and duets filled with spark and tenderness. The choreography by Kurtis Overby is dynamic, filled with athletic leaps, turns, flips, and tap sequences that the ensemble performs with precision and flair. Production elements are equally strong and some of the best I've seen at ABT. Kyle Dixon's towering two-tiered set with three-dimensional buildings, metal walkways, and stairs creates both authenticity and spectacle, while the large projection screen uses media designs by Matthew Herman to transport us swiftly from street corners to the top of tenement buildings. Morgan Andersen's costumes are colorful and distinct, evoking the era while highlighting character personalities, and the lighting by Casey Price and sound design by Joshua Sainz and Collin Stake ensure the show looks and sounds polished throughout. The cast's vocals all soar and deliver lush harmonies under Mark 4Man's music direction. Newsies at Arizona Broadway Theatre combines energy and heart into an exhilarating, well cast, and solid production of this crowd-pleasing musical. Newsies runs through November 1, 2025, at Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 West Paradise Lane, Peoria AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.azbroadway.org or call 623-776-8400. Director: Danny Gorman Cast: |
