When the newsboys fill the stage singing, dancing and even doing backflips, Northampton Community College Summer Theatre’s production of Disney’s “Newsies” truly soars.
The Lehigh Valley debut of the Broadway musical based on the 1992 Disney movie, is elevated by its very talented ensemble which sizzles in big production numbers like “Seize the Day” and “Carrying the Banner.”
The show tells the story of the real-life newsboy strike of 1899 and the backdrop of projected newspaper stories adds to the atmosphere that this is story right out of the headlines.
Patrick Davis is Jack Kelly, a ruffian and an orphan who bands together the newsboys to form a union when Joseph Pulitzer decides to raise the cost of the papers the newsboys buy to sell. Davis’ Kelly is hardscrabble and yearning.
James Morogiello is winning as Davey, a boy whose father was injured and lost his job. He drops out of school and starts selling papers to help his family survive. The character goes through the biggest changes from angry at his sitatuation to finding his purpose helping the boys organize. Buster Page is the comic relief as Davey’s extremely precocious 10-year-old brother Les.
Daniel Le is earnest as Crutchie, a disabled boy who is one of the most fervent newsboys. His “Letter from the Refuge” is especially touching. And kudos to his makeup design – his injuries looked disturbingly real.
Samantha Prentice is spunky as Katherine Plumber, a young reporter who decides to move herself out of the social page by writing about the newsboy’s strike. She has a sweet voice, shown off in songs like “What What Happens” and her duet with Jack “Something to Believe in.”
Karen Richards knock it out of the park as Medda Richards, a vaudeville performer who befriends Jack. Her huge voice shines on her solo “That’s Rich.”
Brian Rock is intimidating as Joseph Pulitzer, the newspaper publisher who wants to take advantage of the newsboys.
Matthew Tyler also has a memorable turn at Teddy Roosevelt, dressed head to toe in white.
But it is when all the newsies are on stage together that the production really hums.
The scenes are enhanced by the three-story scaffolding set which lets the youthful and enthusiastic cast run and climb up and down.
Director Bill Mutimer has well used the cast of 30, particularly in numbers like “Carrying the Banner” when the newsies run into the audience; “Seize the Day” when they dance with their feet on pages of the newspaper and “King of New York” when they tap dance on chairs and tables. In the numerous ensemble numbers, there is plenty of dancing and spotlight performers do cartwheels, back flips, high kicks and balletic spins. The energy on stage is contagious and the night I was there the audience gave the performers a standing ovation.
The 11-member pit orchestra led by musical director Lucille Kincaid features instruments such as horn, cello, violin and piano that keeps the music interesting and the action moving briskly.
“Newsies,” 8 p.m. June 14-16, 3 p.m. June 17, Lipkin Theatre, Kopecek Hall, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Tickets: $15; $10, 18 and under. 484-484-3412, nccsummertheatare.org.