General Rush: No
Lotto: Yes (and with very nice people running it!)
Student Rush: No
Standing Room: Yes, but subject to availability (if the show is sold out)
Where the seats are located: Lotto tickets are orchestra level, far house left and right. Some seats are partial view but most of the show is played very far downstage so you won't miss much. SRO tickets are back of the orchestra but the house isn't huge so you'll have a pretty good view here, too!
Box office:Nederlander Theatre208 W. 41st StreetMon. through Sat. 10AM to 8PM, and Sun. 10:30AM to 7PM. Times may vary.
Opened: March 29, 2012
Closes: August 19, 2012
I have been a Newsies fan for a VERY long time. I've seen it twice in movie theaters and own two copies of the DVD and one copy on VHS. I don't know if it's Christian Bale's portrayal of the bad boy, "Jack," or the amazing, manly and athletic choreography of Kenny Ortega, but I am IN LOVE.
When the Broadway show was announced, I was both hopeful and skeptical of the staged musical version of Newsies. And because of the poor reviews of the musical from movie fans who are as intense in their fandom as me, I have to admit I was slightly worried about the new adaptation. However, at intermission, the first thing I did was look at my calendar to figure out when I could see the show again. It's THAT good.
True, they have made changes from the original movie script but in my opinion, the changes are mostly for the better. The trade-off of Bill Pullman for the character Katherine Plummer, the chipper, driven young lady who wants to prove herself as a reporter and ends up getting the story and the guy at the end… ? I'm ok with that! And the exchange of Bale for the handsome, emotive Jeremy Jordan, who steals hearts within the first two bars of Santa Fe (which, movie fans, is the first number in the show and seems to drive the plot more instead of slowing it down)? I'm TOTALLY ok with that! I'm also ecstatic that the musical version gives Jack Kelley has a passion other than selling papers and causing trouble, and that at the end of the story he gets more than just his job back anas well as a kiss from a girl. Point being, for those tried and true movie fans, GIVE THE MUSICAL A BREAK! Are there things missing? Well, it's Disney, and a reinvented version… so yes. And to be honest, even for the brilliant choreography that is "King of New York," I miss the boys spinning on ceiling fans. And I miss Jack referring to Davey as "the Mouth". However, these tiny beloved tidbits that weren't including in this staged version are made up for by the magic, athleticism, and musicality of the young men performing their faces off, eight times a week. Live is better than my DVD any day of the week.
It's an ensemble cast with actors playing multiple roles and singing and dancing to jaw dropping proportions. The entire cast should receive accolades and awards. Besides Jordan (who carries the show, but doesn't steal it), every role is done well. Other notable cast members include a thoughtful Davey (Ben Fankhauser), an ADORABLE scene stealing Les, a dizzying Specks (Ryan Steele), and a few So You Think You Can Dance Alums.
Where the movie ended with many loose ends and incomplete story lines the musical wraps things up better. I think the Broadway musical is everything the writers and producers wanted the movie to be. For those of you who didn't enjoy the movie or have never seen it–you will definitely enjoy this high-spirited musical.
Favorite scene: It's a tie between two songs: "Carrying the Banner" and "Seize the Day". Both had equal amounts of the dance and spirit of the original movie, but showed that this Broadway play can be bigger and better.
What is the show about: This show is based on the newsboy strike of 1899. This show is about standing up for what is right, strength in one's self, taking responsibility for one's actions, determination and strength in numbers (some of those with dancing), and beating impossible odds.
Who is this show for: It is a great pick for older kids, families, and fans of the movie who are willing to accept a few changes which allow the story to blossom a bit more than the movie did.
What's good/bad: If you are expecting an exact reproduction of the movie or a poignant and moving commentary on child labor laws, this is not the show for you. However, if you are a fan of strong ensemble casts, large groups of young men who dance so athletically that it seems effortless, or stories about the little guy taking on the fearsome giant–run out and get your tickets!
What happened at the Stage Door? The theater lets out on 41st and the actors have to exit through the the theater. Although it is a bit of a madhouse with fans, the cast was very accommodating and lovely about signing Playbills and taking pictures. It was actually refreshing to see most of them blush or be shy about commentary on their new found stardom.
Show website!
–Tall Theater Gal
