Based on the strike of New York city newspaper sellers against a newspaper tycoon, Newsies couldn’t be more timely. I managed to catch the very first preview of this musical last year, so was excited to see how the show had evolved.
Morgan Large’s stage design is awe-inspiring, presented in thrust allowing audience members to view from three sides. The vast auditorium has been transformed into New York, with walkways and ladders all around the audience leaving them immersed in the action. The space is used extensively and throughout, with Newsies popping up everywhere! With the set and production being designed specifically for the unique Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, this is one to be caught here rather than on any subsequent tours.
We follow a group of newsboys who revolt against greedy newspaper tycoon Joseph Pulitzer (Cameron Blakely). Led by Jack Kelly (Michael Ahomka-Lindsey) they go on strike when Pulitzer tries to exploit them by minimising their already tight profit margins for his own financial gain. This could have easily been a bit doom and gloom, but this empowering show is anything but!
The choreography is spectacular and is enough to give you goosebumps. You won’t find more incredible dancing anywhere right now, with a truly outstanding ensemble performing it. The choreography is not limited to traditional dancing, with Newsies flipping and even flying around the auditorium. I have never seen anything like the scale of this for a theatre production, and doubt I ever will. The ensemble work tirelessly, giving off an infectious energy that will have you smiling from ear to ear, from beginning to end.
With music by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, Newsies is in very safe and capable hands. The standout musical numbers coincide with the standout dance numbers, proving that they don’t have to exist exclusively from each other. You will be singing Seize The Day, King of New York and Carrying The Banner all the way home.
Whilst admiration for the ensemble has already been given, we cannot ignore Michael Ahomka-Lindsey as protagonist Jack Kelly. Having the unenviable task of taking on the role that Broadway favourite Jeremy Jordan originated, he is an absolute revelation in the role. We instantly fall for his boyish charm and his warm, rich vocals fill every corner of the expansive space with ease. Jack’s romance with Katherine Plummer (Bronte Barbe), from dismissal to something more meaningful is a joy to watch, with Barbe being equally captivating in her performance.
When I first saw this show in previews, I mentally gave it a five star review in my head. It was faultless and I have been thinking about it ever since. The show however has had a number of changed since then and is somehow even better than before. This is musical theatre perfection and is well worth a tube ride out from the West End to Wembley.
Newsies is on at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 30/07/2023. See below for booking information:
Note: My ticket was bought. Irrespective of whether a show is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.