Newsies: The Musical is a Disney Theatrical Productions stage musical based on the 1992 film, Newsies, which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. The show has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by Harvey Fierstein. The musical premiered at the Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011 and made its Broadway debut in 2012. In 2013, Disney announced that Newsies would be going on a national tour.
In 2017, a live performance of Newsies was recorded for a limited theatrical release, and was later released digitally. It is now available on Disney+, as well as other streaming platforms.
Productions[]
World Premiere (2011)[]
Newsies The Musical played at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey from September 25, 2011 through October 16. Direction is by Jeff Calhoun, with choreography by Christopher Gattelli. Newsies The Musical contains songs from the movie, as well as several new numbers. The songs "My Lovey Dovey Baby" and "High Times Hard Times" were left out of the stage adaptation. The Paper Mill Playhouse production received many favorable reviews. The Broadway production cost about $5 million to stage.
Broadway (2012-2014)[]
The musical opened on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre for a limited engagement starting in previews on March 15, 2012 and officially on March 29, 2012. The engagement was extended through August 19, 2012 after just the first previews. On May 16, 2012, Disney announced that Newsies is now an open-ended engagement.
The cast of the Broadway production features Jeremy Jordan playing Jack Kelly and John Dossett as newspaper tycoon Joseph Pulitzer. The cast also includes Kara Lindsay as Katherine Plumber, Capathia Jenkins as Medda Larkin, Ben Fankhauser as Davey Jacobs, and Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Crutchie Morris.
The stage adaptation writes out Jack's original love interest Sarah Jacobs and the New York Sun reporter Brian Denton, who writes about the Newsboys. They are replaced by the composite character "Katherine Plumber", a reporter whose pen name is explained later in the musical.
The show was nominated for 8 Tony Awards- including Best Musical. The show won the Tony for Best Choreography (Christopher Gattelli) and Best Original Score (Alan Menken and Jack Feldman).
It was announced on August 14, 2012, due to his commitments with NBC's Smash, leading man Jordan will exit the musical September 4. It was also confirmed that newcomer Corey Cott (who became the alternate earlier in the month due to Jordan's Smash schedule) will be his replacement beginning September 5.
The musical closed on August 24, 2014. By the time the production closed, it played 1,005 performances.
North American Tour (2014)[]
The tour began in October 2014 and is set to last until the Summer of 2016.
Plot[]
- Act I
In the early hours of the morning, in 1899 New York City, newsboy Jack Kelly tells his disabled best friend, Crutchie, of his dream to one day leave New York for Santa Fe ("Santa Fe" (Prologue)). Jack lives with his fellow "newsies," many of whom are orphaned and homeless. As the sun rises, the newsies awaken and prepare for another day on the job ("Carrying the Banner"). While buying their supply of papers to sell, Jack meets Davey Jacobs and his little brother, Les. Unlike the rest of the newsies, Davey and Les have a home and a family. They started work as newsies because their father suffered an accident at work resulting in the termination of his employment. Seeing nine-year-old Les as an opportunity to sell more papers, Jack offers to help the boys. Meanwhile, the publisher of the New York World, Joseph Pulitzer, increases the cost of the newspapers to the paperboys, so as to outsell his competitors ("The Bottom Line").
Later, Jack, Davey, and Les are chased down by warden Snyder of the Refuge, a juvenile detention center. The boys find cover in a vaudeville-style theatre owned by Jack's friend Medda Larkin. Jack refuses to tell Davey why Snyder was after him. After Medda reveals that Jack is an artist who works part-time for her, the boys then watch Medda perform ("That's Rich"). While at the show, Jack spots a young female reporter named Katherine Plumber. He recognizes her powerful feminism and immediately shows his respect for her ("Don’t Come A-Knocking"/"I Never Planned on You"). The next morning, Jack and the newsies discover that the cost of newspapers has raised ten cents per hundred. Outraged, Jack organizes a protest ("The World Will Know"). Katherine sees the newsies' strike as an opportunity to become a more successful reporter and decides to cover the protest ("Watch What Happens"). The next day, Jack fails to properly motivate the newsies, as he isn't always the best with words, but Davey steps in and rallies the newsies for a full scale strike against the New York World ("Seize the Day").
The protest is cut short when the boys are engaged in confrontations with the police and strikebreakers. During the commotion, Crutchie is beaten, apprehended, and taken to the Refuge, as Jack watches, unable to help. Jack, upset at the protest's failure and the capture of Crutchie, laments the situation and promises himself that he'll soon leave New York forever ("Santa Fe").
- Act II
The next morning, Katherine visits the sulking newsies in Jacobi's Deli and cheers them up by showing them that her article about the strike made the front page of the New York Sun. Thrilled, the newsies all rejoice at making the headline and imagine what it would be like to be wealthy ("King of New York"). Meanwhile, Crutchie is still imprisoned in the Refuge ("Letter From The Refuge" [tour-only]).
Davey, Katherine, and Les later find Jack hiding out in the basement of Medda's theatre, doing a painting of Santa Fe. Davey and Katherine attempt to decide their next move, but Jack refuses to put the newsies in danger again. Davey reminds him that they'll have to take risks in order to get Crutchie back. Jack eventually complies ("Watch What Happens" (Reprise)).
Back at the World, Pulitzer converses with the Refuge warden, Snyder, about Jack while Katherine listens. Snyder reveals that Jack is actually an escaped criminal, originally detained for stealing food and clothing. Jack soon arrives and confronts Pulitzer. During the conversation, Pulitzer reveals that Katherine is actually his daughter. Katherine, who was hiding in the room, tries to apologize to Jack for not telling him, but Jack brushes her off as he is led into the cellar. Pulitzer offers Jack a compromise: If the strike is called off, he will be cleared of all charges and given enough money to leave for Santa Fe, but if not, he, Davey, Les, and Crutchie will be condemned to the Refuge ("The Bottom Line" (Reprise)). Meanwhile, Spot Conlon, head of the newsies in Brooklyn, bringing in his ranks in full support of Jack's protest ("Brooklyn's Here"). Jack gathers the newsies in Medda's theatre, and not wanting to put them in any more danger, reluctantly suggests they accept Pulitzer's offer. Davey and the newsies are shocked at Jack's words and the rally breaks up in chaos. Jack later meets with Katherine once more and she tells him that despite her namesake, she was always on Jack's side. She also criticizes Jack for not being honest with her about ending up in the Refuge for stealing. However, after seeing a drawing Jack made depicting the abuse conducted there, she realizes Jack stole the food and clothing for the other boys there. The two share a brief romantic moment and Katherine states that "I have something to believe in, now that I know you believed in me". Jack admits that the feeling is mutual, and they kiss ("Something to Believe In").
Jack and Katherine then join Davey and the newsies in printing their own paper; one that will determine the outcome of the strike ("Once and For All"). The newsies' paper is sent to Governor Theodore Roosevelt, who arrives in full support of the newsies' cause. Defeated, Pulitzer compromises with Jack once more. Jack proposes that Pulitzer buy back every paper the newsies fail to sell every day; if the newsies end up selling the extra papers they take, Pulitzer's circulation will grow. Pulitzer is reluctant at first, but eventually agrees. Crutchie is freed, Snyder is arrested, the Refuge is shut down, and the strike ends. In the excitement of the newsies' victory, Jack prepares to say goodbye to Katherine, as he now plans to leave for Santa Fe, but Katherine says that wherever he goes, she will go with him. The two share a kiss and Jack elects to remain a newsie. Pulitzer offers him a job as a political cartoonist for the World, and all ends well ("Santa Fe/Carrying the Banner/King of New York" (Finale)).
Differences from the Film[]
- The role of the compassionate reporter is changed from male to female (Katherine), and in a plot twist is revealed to be Pulitzer's daughter using a pseudonym.
- Sarah (the older sister of Davy and Les) is cut from the stage play. She is not Jack Kelly's romantic interest, Katherine is.
- Many of the lyrics from the remaining musical numbers are altered or lengthened. There are also multiple reprises in the stage version.
- Gov. Teddy Roosevelt has a personal vendetta against Pulitzer in the stage adaptation.
- In the stage version, the son of William Hearst (another newspaper magnate) helps with the strike and with the printing press.
- The terms of Jack Kelly's deal are different than the movie.
- Medda briefly had a prior relationship with the governor in the stage adaptation. In the film, she becomes a love interest for the male reporter.
Cast[]
| Character | Original Broadway actor | Original Touring Cast |
|---|---|---|
| Dan DeLuca | ||
| Steve Blanchard | ||
| Stephanie Styles | ||
| Angela Grovey | ||
| Jacob Kemp | ||
| Zachary Sayle | ||
Matthew Schechter |
Anthony Rosenthal
Vincent Crocilla | |
| Julian DeGuzman | ||
| Mark Aldrich | ||
| Jeff Heimbrock | ||
| Michael Gorman | ||
| Michael Gorman | ||
| Michael Gorman | ||
| Ben Tyler Cook | ||
| Kevin Carolan | ||
| Kevin Carolan | ||
| DeMarius R. Copes | ||
| Michael Ryan | ||
| Jon Hacker | ||
| Ginna Claire Mason | ||
Capathia Jenkins Laurie Veldheer |
Ginna Clare Mason
Angela Grovey Meredith Inglesby | |
| Sky Flaherty | ||
| Jack Sippel | ||
| Joshua Burrage | ||
| Joshua Burrage | ||
| Jeff Heimbrock | ||
| Chaz Wolcott | ||
| James Judy | ||
| Nico DeJesus | ||
| Jordan Samuels | ||
| Bill Bateman | ||
| Jack Sippel | ||
| Meredith Inglesby |
Broadway Cast Replacement History[]
- Corey Cott served as the alternate for Jack Kelly on August 7-September 4, 2012.
- Corey Cott replaced Jeremy Jordan as Jack Kelly on September 5, 2012.
- LaVon Fisher-Wilson replaced Capathia Jenkins as Medda Larkin on September 11, 2012.
- Nicholas Lampiasi replaced Lewis Grosso in the alternating role of Les on September 25, 2012.
- Jake Lucas replaced Matthew J. Schechter in the alternating role of Les on September 25, 2012.
- Ron Raines temporarily replaced John Dossett as Joseph Pulitzer on October 9, 2012.
- John Dossett returned to the role of Joseph Pulitzer on December 18, 2012.
- Andy Richardson replaced Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Crutchie on March 11, 2013.
- Luca Padovan replaced Nicholas Lampiasi in the alternating role of Les on September 9, 2013.
- Zachary Unger replaced Jake Lucas in the alternating role of Les on February 3, 2014.
- Liana Hunt replaced Kara Lindsay as Katherine on February 4, 2014.
- Jeremy Greenbaum temporarily replaced Ben Fankhauser as Davey on April 1, 2014.
- Ben Fankhauser returned to the role of Davey on May 20, 2014.
Broadway Understudy Replacement History[]
- Liana Hunt replaced Laurie Veldheer as the second understudy for Katherine on February 19, 2013.
- Adam Kaplan replaced Mike Faist as the first understudy for Jack Kelly on February 19, 2013.
- Tommy Martinez replaced Andy Richardson as the understudy for Crutchie on March 11, 2013.
- Daniel Quadrino replaced Garett Hawe as an understudy for Crutchie on September 9, 2013.
- Daniel Quadrino replaced Garett Hawe as an understudy for Davey on September 9, 2013.
- Giuseppe Bausilio temporarily replaced Race Breslin as the understudy for Davey on October 7, 2013.
- Race Breslin returned to the role of an understudy for Davey on October 15, 2013.
- Molly Jobe replaced Liana Hunt as the second understudy for Katherine on February 4.
Musical numbers[]
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Reception[]
The Paper Mill production drew critical acclaim. According to The New York Times, "'Newsies' will open in time to qualify for the Tony Award in a season when the Tony for best musical is seen as up for grabs; 'Newsies' is already considered a likely contender for a nomination even before the show opens..."
In his review of the Broadway production, Ben Brantley of The New York Times wrote: "As choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, they keep coming at us in full-speed-ahead phalanxes, fortified by every step in a Broadway-by-the-numbers dance book... Mr. Jordan...is a natural star who has no trouble holding the stage, even without pirouettes... Mr. Feldman’s lyrics are spot-on, while the melody reminds us just how charming a composer Mr. Menken...can be."
In other media[]
On September 19, 2011 the cast, accompanied by composer Alan Menken, performed "Seize the Day" and "Santa Fe" on The View. The company performed "King of New York" in the Thanksgiving Day Parade in November 2011.
Newsies is talked about extensively through multiple podcasts produced by the Broadway Podcast Network on Broadwaysted.
Recording[]
- Main article: Newsies (cast album)
The Broadway cast recording was released on iTunes April 10, 2012 from Ghostlight Records, the CD was released on May 15. The musical has "six songs added for the stage, including three newly written for Broadway since the Paper Mill production. The three new songs are titled The Bottom Line, That's Rich and Something to Believe In."
Track listing[]
- "Overture" - Alan Menken (1:12)
- "Santa Fe (Prologue)" - Jeremy Jordan, Andrew Keenan-Bolger (3:05)
- "Carrying the Banner" - Newsies Company (5:08)
- "The Bottom Line" - John Dossett, Mark Aldrich, Nick Sullivan, Laurie Veldheer, Kevin Carolan (2:16)
- "That's Rich" - Capathia Jenkins (2:33)
- "I Never Planned on You/Don't Come a-Knocking" - Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay, Laurie Veldheer, Julie Foldesi (1:40)
- "The World Will Know" - Jeremy Jordan, Ben Fankhauser, Lewis Grosso, Matthew Schechter, Newsies Company (4:09)
- "Watch What Happens" - Kara Lindsay (3:06)
- "Seize the Day" - Jeremy Jordan, Ben Fankhauser, Lewis Grosso, Matthew Schechter, Newsies Company (5:23)
- "Santa Fe" - Jeremy Jordan (3:12)
- "King of New York" - Ben Fankhauser, Matthew Schechter, Lewis Grosso, Kara Lindsay, Ryan Breslin, Newsies Company (4:09)
- "Watch What Happens (Reprise)" - Jeremy Jordan, Ben Fankhauser, Kara Lindsay, Lewis Grosso (1:53)
- "The Bottom Line (Reprise)" - John Dossett, Mark Aldrich, John E. Brady (0:58)
- "Brooklyn's Here" - Tommy Bracco, Newsies Company (1:53)
- "Something to Believe In" - Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay (3:31)
- "Once and for All" - Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay, Ben Fankhauser, Ryan Breslin, Newsies Company (4:01)
- "Finale" - Jeremy Jordan, Newsies Company (2:32)
- "Santa Fe (Bonus Track)" - Jeremy Jordan, Alan Menken
- "Seize The Day (Bonus Track)" - Jeremy Jordan, Ben Fankhauser, Lewis Grosso, Matthew Schechter, Newsies Company
- "King of New York (Bonus Track)" - Ben Fankhauser, Matthew Schechter, Lewis Grosso, Kara Lindsay, Ryan Breslin, Newsies Company
Awards and nominations[]
Original Broadway production[]
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Tony Award | Best Musical | Nominated | |
| Best Book of a Musical | Harvey Fierstein | Nominated | ||
| Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical | Jeremy Jordan | Nominated | ||
| Best Direction of a Musical | Jeff Calhoun | Nominated | ||
| Best Choreography | Christopher Gattelli | Won | ||
| Best Original Score | Alan Menken and Jack Feldman | Won | ||
| Best Orchestrations | Danny Troob | Nominated | ||
| Best Scenic Design | Tobin Ost and Sven Ortel | Nominated | ||
| Drama Desk Award | Outstanding Musical | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Actor in a Musical | Jeremy Jordan | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Choreography | Christopher Gattelli | Won | ||
| Outstanding Music | Alan Menken | Won | ||
| Outstanding Lyrics | Jack Feldman | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Orchestrations | Danny Troob | Nominated | ||
| Grammy Award | Best Musical Theater Album | Nominated | ||
Gallery[]
External links[]
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This page uses content from the English Wikipedia page Newsies (musical). The list of authors can be seen in the page history. Text from Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. |