On opening night “Newsies” was greeted with cheers throughout in appreciation for some of the most spectacular dance numbers you will ever see performed on stage. The Tony-Award winning choreography is by Christopher Gattelli with a Tony Award-winning score by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,“ “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”) and lyricist Jack Feldman. The show’s book, inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899 led by newsboy Kid Blink against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers, was written by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (“Kinky Boots”).
The original film “Newsies,” starring Christian Bale as Jack Kelly, leader of the newsboy strike, was not a success at the box office, but when it was released on home video it developed a cult following. Young viewers responded to the grit and daring of these young teens who fought against the unfair practices of the major newspaper publishers who raised distribution prices at their expense. In 1899 these struggling boys had to pay for the papers they sold to the public and the rate hike, even though small, was crushing for them.
The stage version of “Newsies,” now at the Pantages, introduces seven brand-new songs by the original film team of Menken and Feldman and includes a song written specifically for the tour called “Letter from the Refuge” sung by Crutchie (Zachary Sayle). Dan DeLuca, as Jack Kelly, opens the show on a New York rooftop singing “Santa Fe,” a song about a better place where he can live his dreams. When Jack rallies his fellow Newsies to strike he’s befriended by a young newspaper journalist, Kate (Stephanie Styles) who sings and dances with ease. Angela Grovey plays songstress Medda Larkin, a feisty lady who can belt out a song. She, like Kate, is impressed not only by Jack’s spunk and drive, but also by his artistic talents.
The imaginative scenic design by Tobin Ost, with the original Broadway projection design by Sven Ortel, creates the feel of New York skyscrapers and city streets. And there is never a lull in the high-energy action under the direction of Jeff Calhoun.
Everyone on stage is dynamic and the dancers, too numerous to mention, are absolutely amazing as they leap, jump, tap and flip. The dance numbers throughout are show stoppers.
“Disney Newsies” at the Hollywood Pantages, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles through April 19. Individual tickets start at $25, subject to change. For tickets: online at HollywoodPantages.com or Ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-982-2787.
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DreamWorks peppy. perky, playful “Penguins of Madagascar” is now available on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD—just in time for the upcoming holidays. The deluxe package comes with the movie plus two Poppin’ Penguins. The little toys are absolutely adorable. One is popping out of an Egg, the other little wind-up guy has already hatched and is ready to jump about for your pleasure. Hey, you don’t have to be a kid to want these two penguin toys. Kids of any age would enjoy finding this delightful DVD package in their Easter basket.
This new film, from the creators of “Madagascar,” features your favorite super-spies, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private who join forces with the elite North Wind team to save the world. Together they prove that global espionage is truly for the birds. Lots of family fun. The Blu-ray version also includes: Top Secret Guide to Becoming an Elite Agent, “He is Dave” Music Video, Flipper Slap, Shake Waddle and Roll, “Celebrate” Music Video by Pitbull, deleted scenes and more. Rated PG for mild action and some rude humor.
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Celebrate family and tradition with a two-film collection: “The Easter Promise” and “Addie and the King of Hearts.” Each film features the Mills family. Addie Mills (Lisa Lucas) is a spunky young girl who adds fun and variety to the lives of her stern and serious father, James (Jason Robards) and her quirky Grandma (Mildred Natwick). In “Easter Promise” Addie befriends a famous, but down-on- her luck actress (Jean Simmons) and encourages her to give back to the community by hosting the school fashion show and having dinner with one of her old schoolmates–James.
Love is in the air in “Addie and the King of Hearts“ as Addie copes with her father‘s new girlfriend. She also develops a crush of her own. In each of these heart-warming films the Mills family remind us how important kindness, community and family are in our lives.
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Bible stories come to life in “Greatest Heroes of the Bible.” The three DVD series focuses on heroes from the Old Testament. Volume 1 deals with Moses and the Ten Commandments, Samson and Delilah, David and Goliath and the story of Noah. In Volume 2, the stories are about Moses, Joshua and Jericho, Esther and Abraham’s Sacrifice. In Volume 3, learn about The Tower of Babel, Sodom and Gomorrah, Jacob’s challenge and Joseph in Egypt.
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“Peter and the Magic Egg” is an Easter tale about Mama and Papa Doppler who are in danger of losing their farm, but their son Peter and his animal friends save the day. This old fashioned animated film also features Mother Nature, the Easter Bunny and plenty of colorful eggs.
