La Comedia delivers energetic local premiere of ‘Newsies’
IF YOU GO
Revolution is in the air at Springboro’s La Comedia Dinner Theatre as the organization presents an energetic, spirited, vocally strong, and heartwarming local premiere of Disney’s 2012 Tony Award-winning feel-good musical “Newsies.”
Set in Lower Manhattan in 1899 and based on the 1992 film of the same name starring Christian Bale, “Newsies” is a rousing tale of friendship, courage and romance inspired by the true story of teen-aged newsboys who took matters into their own hands. When newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer spikes the price for his papers at the newsboys’ expense, Jack Kelly and his scrappy band of brothers start a union and go on strike against the unfair conditions. Along the way, Jack falls in love with Katherine, a budding reporter who helps bring the protest to prominence. In addition to a witty libretto by Tony winner Harvey Fierstein (“Torch Song Trilogy”), the tuneful score is written by Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”) and Tony-winning lyricist Jack Feldman (perhaps best known for writing the lyrics to Barry Manilow’s 1978 hit “Copacabana”).
“This is a great story about the underdogs taking on the big dogs and coming out on top,” said director/choreographer Chris Beiser. “It’s just the way things are in our society even today. Whenever the underdog gets a chance to come out on top, people root for them, especially if it’s a situation in which people are fighting for what they believe in. During rehearsals, we had great conversations about strikes in general, which don’t necessarily seem to be as commonplace these days although Wright State University’s faculty strike (made recent headlines). We certainly hope unions remain strong and continue to do what they’re doing to support their workers. And the fact that this show concerns a strike during such a nostalgic period in American history, the late 1800s, works so well (in a dramatic context).”
Handsome tenor BenDavid Carlson, a memorable Sky in La Comedia’s outstanding 2017 production of “Mamma Mia!,” brings charisma, sensitivity and determination to his terrific portrayal of Jack, particularly rendering a heartfelt version of “Santa Fe,” the show’s signature ballad. Alex Skarmeas, in a striking La Comedia debut, also shines as Katherine, providing an excellent rendition of the breezy patter song “Watch What Happens.” The delightful featured players include Ben Shimkus as Davey, Jonah Kramer as Crutchie, Chris Kramer as Pulitzer, Noah Rutkowski as Les (he shares the role with Blaine Saunders), Michael Guerriere as Race/ Elmer, Mark Reuter as Wiesel/Roosevelt, and El More as theater performer/owner Medda Larkin (her sassy rendition of “That’s Rich” is a standout). The high-kicking male ensemble, bolstering “Seize the Day” with joyful athleticism and filling “King of New York” with gleeful tap dancing, includes Baylor Browning, Corry J. Ethridge, Kyle Fleig, the aforementioned Guerriere, Tanner Neath, Ernesto Olivas, Nelson Riley, Dylan Turner, and Raleigh Tyler.
“We had to find men who could do it all,” Beiser explained regarding casting. “We were fortunate, very blessed, to be able to find What: “Newsies” Where: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro When: Through June 9; Evening performances (arrival times: 5:30-6 p.m.) and matinees (10:30-11 a.m.)
Cost: $61-$74; Tickets for children 11 and under are $30 for every show Tickets: Call (937) 746-4554 or 1-800-6779505 or visit lacomedia. com really good athletic dancers who could really sing. Some are great with turns and others are great in gymnastics so we just put all of their talents together and it has been exciting to watch. But our ladies are wonderful too. El More, who is strong in everything she does, is spectacular, and Alex Skarmeas does a particularly great job in ‘King of New York’ dancing alongside the guys. This cast is so strong overall. This has been such a rewarding experience.”
The artistic team includes scenic designer Ray Zupp, costumer designer A.T. Jones, lighting designer Geoffrey D. Fishburn, audio engineer Anthony Fende, and music director Rebecca Childs. Zupp’s large, wooden, revolving one-unit set, recalling the tiered scaffolding in Tobin Ost’s Tony-nominated design for the original Broadway production, notably keeps the action brisk and fluid.
“This set is wonderful,” Beiser said. “It turns, opens, features staircases that become all different kinds of stage pictures, and more. It’s like a huge jungle gym.”