Fringe review: Disney’s NEWSIES JR, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
Stage Skool Live's production of Disney’s Newsies JR is extraordinary on so many levels. In their third year at the Fringe and claiming just two weeks rehearsal for two shows, they have put on a show to rival so many professional shows here. With children aged 7-16, this talented cast work incredibly well together, nailing the American accents and performing the songs and dances with great skill and finesse .
The musical is the story of the news kids who deliver New York papers for the publishers but have to buy them for 50 cents per hundred on a no returns basis. When circulation falls, Pulitzer (Ollie M) puts the price up to 60 cents and the Newsies decide to go on strike. At that price, they will have to sleep on the streets in a worse area of the city. It is disingenuous to single out individuals amongst such a strong cast but we feel we must!
Jack, played brilliantly by Caleb S, leads the challenge to authority until his best friend Crutchie (Findlay B) is taken away to the refuge and beaten up. It casts doubts on his plan but others take the lead with Davy and Lee (a charming double act from Rosie M and Cian W) and junior reporter Katherine (Jessica M) running the story of their position on the front page of The Sun. Each sung with great clarity and sustained characterisations in most impressive performances.
Medda, played by Lucy K, coped magnificently when her microphone failed during her big number, raising her voice so we could still hear her song. The diminutive Pulitzer, played by Ollie M, also grew in stature and authority as he tried to take on Jack.
The junior ensemble of mini Newsies are also excellent, disciplined and charming. These young performers will hopefully return in future years to grow their skills and build their roles .
The creative team of Zara Lillie Cummings, Hannah Berry, and Stephen Dillon have done a brilliant job throughout in creating this show with some very well chosen costumes. We hope many will go on to perform regularly and share our life long passion for theatre. They, and their parents, should feel very proud and many other producers could learn from their creativity and discipline as they put their shows on at the Fringe .
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Nick Wayne