Quote of the Day: Newsies Stop the World headline from Disney’s Newsies, the Broadway Musical, on stage at The Chanhassen Dinner Theatres through September 29, 2018.
Cast of Newsies at the Chanhassen Dinner theatres, through September 29, 2018. Photo by Rich Ryan
Newsies, the Broadway Musical, is based on the historical strike of 1899 when newsboys went on strike to protest unfair treatment and price hikes that they were forced to absorb. Boys as young as 10-years-old peddled the “papes” and sold them for newspapers like The World and The Journal. Some Newsies were girls, but they had to be at least 16-years-old to sell the papers on the streets. Their famous strike inspired a movement for child labor laws. The musical is fun and energetic. The story is heartfelt, and the dancing is spectacular.
Ruthanne Heyward as Katherine and Aleks Knezevich as Jack Kelly, and company in the basement press room of The World. In Newsies, at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres through September 29, 2018. Photo by Rich Ryan
Aleks Knezevich as Jack Kelly, the leader of the Newsies, is spectacular in the role. He can do it all, sing, dance, act, and charm the socks off of Katherine, and nearly everyone in the audience. He gives Jack heart, courage, compassion, and unfailing energy and devotion to the cause.
Ruthanne Heyward shines as Katherine. I loved her portrayal of Rizzo in CDT’s production of Grease last summer. Her role in Newsies gives her a chance to show us even more of her amazing talents. She does sassy and smart very well! Her voice is beautiful and strong, just like her character. She and Aleks have great chemistry.
Kersten Rodau as Medda Larkin in CDT’s Newsies, through Sept. 29, 2018. Photo by Rich Ryan
What a treat to see Kersten Rodau in the role of Medda Larkin. The stage came alive when she entered and filled the theater with her amazing vocals. Her song, That’s Rich, is terrific, a fun show tune by a saucy showgirl. Oh, and isn’t her costume spectacular? Costume Designer for CDT, Rich Hamson and assistant Susan Fick did a fantastic job costuming all the Newsies, the showgirls, the wealthy newspaper owners, and of course, Katherine.
Crutchie (Lucas Wells) at the Refuge. Newsies at CDT through Sept. 29, 2018. Photo by Rich Ryan.
Lucas Wells is adorable as Crutchie. The entire cast of Newsies is spectacular. The stage is alive with their passion. The choreography, by Tamara Kangas Erickson, rocks. The dancers pop, spin, do cartwheels, leaps, and graceful turns. Certain ones catch your eye, then they change positions, and another one has his moment to shine. The music is great, a wonderful mix of high-energy large group numbers and soulful ballads. The musicians were terrific, lead by Andrew Bourgoin.
Cast of Newsies, on stage at CDT through Sept. 29, 2018. Photo by Rich Ryan
Director Michael Brindisi has staged another stunning musical for CDT. With the terrific music, talented cast, historical story, and heartfelt performance this is a musical the whole family can enjoy. Newsies is playing at The Chanhassen Dinner Theatres through September 29, 2018.
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Journaling Prompt: Have you ever protested something? What happened?
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