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| The newsies declare a strike to protest higher costs. (Photo by Mark Kitaoka) |
Based on an actual situation in New York City in
1899, “Newsies,” as staged by Hillbarn Theatre, is a vehicle for almost
nonstop, terrific dancing.
That’s the strongest, most enjoyable aspect of this
musical directed by Doug Greer and choreographed by Zoe Swenson-Graham. Most of
the singing is good, too, as is the acting.
Featuring music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack
Feldman, the book by Harvey Fierstein focuses on a strike by the boys and young
men who sold the New York World newspaper on the street.
It came after they were told they had to pay 60
cents per 100 rather than 50 cents. This price increase meant less money for
these poverty-stricken newsies, as they were called.
Hence, they went on strike. They were met with resistance
by the authorities, but eventually they prevailed.
In this production, however, the plot line isn’t
always easy to discern because the New York accents are sometimes hard to
understand and because Grant Huberty’s sound design over-amplifies the actors
and the recorded music.
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| Jack Kelly (Kamren Mahaney) meets Katherine Plumber (Melissa Momboisse). (Photo by Tracy Martin) |
The central character and instigator of the strike
is Jack Kelly (Kamren Mahaney), who winds up defying Joseph Pulitzer (Shaun
Leslie Thomas), publisher of the New York World, and falling in love with Katherine
Plumber (Melissa Momboisse), an aspiring reporter for the New York Sun.
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| Medda Larkin (Phaedra Tillery) is Jack's friend. (Photo by Tracy Martin) |
He’s also a talented artist who has done scenic
backdrops for a Bowery theater owned by his friend, Medda Larkin (Phaedra
Tillery). She delights the audience with her saucy “That’s Rich.”
Other principals in this strong cast are Stephen
Kanaski as Crutchie, the disabled newsie who’s Jack’s friend; James Jones as
Davey, the well-spoken newcomer who becomes a newsie to help his parents after
his injured father was fired; and Noah Itzkovitz as Les, Davey’s spunky younger
brother.
Several actors in this 30-member cast play several
characters. Most of the newsies are the highly athletic dancers.
Menken’s songs, several of which are reprised, are
mostly lively. “Watch What Happens,” sung by Katherine and later reprised by
her, Jack, Davey and Les, is highly reminiscent of Stephen Sondheim’s style
with its fast-paced lyrics.
Costumes by Pam Lampkin, along with hair and makeup
by Y. Sharon Peng, help to define class differences. The functional set is by
Paulino Deleal. Jad Bernardo is the music director.
On the other hand, Matt Eisenmann’s lighting design
sometimes projects lights directly at the audience.
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| Athletic dancing is a highlight of the show. (Photo by Tracy Martin) |
But thanks to the outstanding dancing and excellent
cast, “Newsies” is highly enjoyable.
Running about two and a half hours with one
intermission, it will continue through Dec. 22 at Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E.
Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City.
For tickets and information, call (650) 349-6411 or
visit www.hillbarntheatre.org.
