Filmology Rating: 2.5 out of 4
For those who don’t know I’m a huge fan of musical theatre, I would see a show on stage every day if I could afford it. I think it is a genius concept that Fathom Events and Disney Theatrical Group came up with to show the production one last time for fans and newcomers alike. “Newsies” closed on Broadway in mid 2014 and the National Tour ended in late 2016 leaving many Newsies fans saddened that they could no longer carry the banner. The musical is based on the film with the same name that was released in 1992. When the film was released it grossed only $2.8 million with a budget of $15 million, it was considered a huge flop for the Disney company and they tried to ignore the film for years while it amassed a cult following.
Jack Kelly, played by Jeremy Jordan, dreams of a better life than selling newspapers on the streets, saving every penny he can to make his move to Santa Fe. However, Joseph Pulitzer, played by Steve Blanchard, wants to increase his profits so he charges the Newsies an extra ten cents for the same one hundred papers. Jack and the Newsies, consisting of Davey, played by Ben Fankhauser; Les, played by Ethan Steiner; and Crutchie, played by Andrew Keenan-Bolger; decide to go on strike to prove to Pulitzer they will not be asked to do the same amount of work for less pay.
The entire cast has played these characters before for hundreds of performances, so they have had the time to live in their skin and understand what makes them tick. Needless to say not a single performance was bad, but Ethan Steiner was acting to the very back corner of the theatre even when the camera was directly on him. While that might not be a bad thing at the actual theatre, here it is when the camera is directly on his face because it appears he is overacting. With the understanding that Steiner is still young and a stage actor, it seems off-putting while watching it on the silver screen. Normally I would beat my drum for Jeremy Jordan but the true star of the show is Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Crutchie. The character himself is written as the most innocent charming kid ever but Keenan-Bolger brings even more charm to the role that you cannot help but wonder if he has ever gotten into a fight in his life. The acting isn’t the true star of this show, nor is the music; the true star of this show is the choreography by Christopher Gattelli. The choreography is truly inventive and eye catching so you keep wondering how these young men will keep topping themselves and yet every number they always top themselves.
“Newsies” is clearly a story that still has relevance today, even with the actual strike happening in 1899, we are still living in a world where the people at the top continue to take and keep giving less to the people at the bottom. This film will help those people who are pro-union, basically using the film as a talking piece at every meeting, but I would argue that the film is more pro-equality. During the song “Once and For All,” the story elevates from a story about one group to an entire society that is being exploited. In fact, I have attended rallies and protests where “Seize the Day” has become a calling card for change. In an era where progress keeps being rolled back, it’s nice to have a story in which those who are looked at as lower come out on top.
Rating: See It