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photo by T. Charles Erickson,
courtesy of Paper Mill Playhouse
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Kara Lindsay (Katherine Plumber) and Jeremy Jordan (Jack Kelley) in "Newsies" at Paper Mill Playhouse
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Mining past glory for new takes on classic gems is the rage these days and, at first blush, you might think that your Disney cult classic “Newsies” provides the latest grist for the mill. Paper Mill, that is. Much as the newspapers are black and white, yet leave our hands gray in the reading, you would be right and not right at all. This all new stage production at Paper Mill Playhouse, in Millburn, New Jersey, transcends the film, hitting the favorite marks and making new fresh memories as well.
Alan Menken and Jack Feldman wrote the music and lyrics to the original movie score and, while the show was not designed as a musical, with 12 songs featured, it came to be thought of as one. This brand new musical–oh how rare are THOSE words these days–features new songs and a brand new book by Harvey Fierstein! Kara Lindsay, who played young Laura in last year’s Paper Mill sensation, “Little House on the Prairie,” is Katherine Plumber, the intrepid reporter who makes sure the boys get the headlines they deserve and she gets the respect for her brain she deserves. Matching Katherine is Jack Kelly, played with masculine verve and a delicious combination of boyish bravado and what-have-I-gotten-myself-into by Jeremy Jordan, whom you will be soon seeing everywhere and for good reason. Jordan has been rehearsing “Bonnie and Clyde” for Broadway by day and starring in “Newsies” by night. These two young people lock horns and spar even as we more sage adults recognize where that sparring will lead. Sparks, larks and adventure galore for anyone who is breathing is in store for you in Millburn.
There is nothing like the fire of live theatre. The stage is suffused with the energy of young men who are struggling for their living, but too young and full of vim and vinegar to let the difficulties of their situation lead them into despair. They have one another and, while their lives are hard, they are not—quite—starving. Jack is their leader, and they know that they are part of something bigger than themselves, and this is true in the world of the play and the world of the audience–this show has thrills for singers, for dancers and for everyone who believes that grass roots action can change the world.
Jack has his boys covered, and this is key. He’s the big brother most of them never had. The gang pings around the stage like pinballs–kudos to Christopher Gattelli’s choreography that sings through bodies as much as the songs do through voices. An especial favorite for me was “Seize the Day” where the young men are dancing on newspapers. A highlight of that is the Olympic ice-skater move executed with great aplomb by Ryan Steele. Bravo, Mr. Steele! The exuberant energy throughout the production is such that several of the show-stopping moves were likely dancers’ joyful expression inspired by the choreography and all said “keep it!” Thrills abound when the dancers are scaling the moving city-scenery while it’s moving–WOW! And the opening of Act 2, “King of New York,” is sheer magic.
Opening night featured many luminaries including Harvey Fierstein and Alan Menken—just a few rows away!—and if you’re looking for a night of wicked-good fun with old New York accents, this show is for you. There are so many jaded people who need a kick in the pants reminder that good family fun is what starts youthful theatre patrons on their way to lifelong support of the arts and whether you’re a boy or a girl, or still know where that boy or girl inside you still remains, then you need to get to Paper Mill as quickly as you can. Couldn’t we all use a little joy and a really happy ending?
“Newsies” is playing through October 16. Get your tickets now, or miss truly dazzling theatre. You may purchase them by calling 973/376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, as well as online at www.papermill.org. Remember too there are Lavender Nights–that’s a special party evening for the LGBT community. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive a discount on tickets and should call 973/379-3636, ext. 2438.