Guys & Dolls Jr & Newsies Jr

The first part of this evening’s visit was to see a classic show return, and Guys and Dolls, which debuted on Broadway in 1950. Adapted from Damon Runyon's stories, it features memorable music and a humorous plot. This is the first time that I have been invited to attend a youth production, and this certainly did not disappoint.

The chorus and soloists delivered strong vocals with well-executed harmonies. The dancing was impressive, especially in numbers like “Havana” and “The Crapshooters’ Dance”.  Many congratulations to Director Donna Bell, Musical Director Billy Muir & Choreographer Connie Uribe for your creativity and imagination in bringing this classic story to the stage for your younger members. Well done to everyone for such a polished production and a very enjoyable evening.

The second segment of this evening's visit introduced us to Disney Newsies Jr, marking our initial experience with this production.

Newsies Jr. is a stage adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway production Newsies, which itself draws inspiration from the 1992 Disney film based on the historic Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. Renowned for its compelling musical numbers, dynamic choreography, and exploration of justice, resilience, and camaraderie, Newsies continues to resonate with audiences. Given this legacy, the announcement that Thomson Leng Youth Music Theatre would be staging this energetic and complex production with a cast of young performers generated considerable interest and anticipation. Their performance successfully met the challenges of the material, effectively capturing the essence and scale of the original work.

This production demonstrated strong principals and featured numerous roles, each deserving recognition. The outstanding choral performances and original choreography contributed significantly to the show's overall impact, making excellent use of the staging. The commitment, enthusiasm, and collaboration evident in every scene reflect highly on both the cast and the dedication of the production team.

If this is the future of theatre, then the future is in very good hands. I look forward to seeing you all again very soon.

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