Newsies Jr

What a team of four strong and talented women in Parisa Tarjomani, Director, Sophie Spurrier, Choreographer, Kayleigh Stevens-Keatley, Musical Director and Zahra Tarjomani Producer that gave us Thanet’s ‘Newsies’. I never thought I would see this musical performed by such an extraordinarily talented group of young people, these ranging from eleven to seventeen. Regency Productions you have excelled again…!!! 

I have a fondness for Newsies as I first saw it in New York in 2012 with the original cast, it never had a long run on Broadway, only five months, but it has certainly become one of my firm favourites and I had to wait 10 years for it to come to London. Now Thanet!! 13 years later, The boys and girls (young adults) of Regency Productions you brought a lump to my throat in many places. I’m sorry I can’t mention you all, but here are a few that gave us outstanding performances: Sidney Fawsett as Chutchie, Bryson Dekker shone as Jack Kelly, as did Douglas Manclark as Davey, a strong Pulitzer/Wiesel from Oliver Milchard, Katherine played by Sienna Collins certainly had stage presence and singing to match. These leading actors were backed up wonderfully by Asa Faux-Boyer as Les, Kelsie Bisset as Medda Larkin, Hudson Trindall as Race, Lillie Stocker as Pigtails, Sophia Perkins as Muriel, Erin Mackie as Snyder, and Lyara Dos Santos Da Silva as Hanna. 

Sophie Spurrier you certainly pulled out all the stops out with your Choreography recreating some of the original dance. I couldn’t believe I was seeing boys and girls from Thanet doing air splits (I call them that) and ‘lads’ as well as girls of the ‘Technique’ team I saw, I believe? I’m sure the other teams were on stage at some point, I counted about 50? And kept together by dance captain Amelie Dekker. This made a terrific sound, and all the principal solo songs were delivered beautifully as well as chorus numbers, this being due to the Musical Direction of Keyleigh Stevens-Keatley what a talent...!! 

I liked the clever set designed by Cara Sullivan and the lighting, costumes and tech were all spot on. Zahra Tarjomani (Producer) and your team have again given Thanet first class musical theatre, thank you for bringing young talent to the forefront, they are the stars of the future. This performance of Newies certainly did succeed in every way. I would say PERFECTION….!!

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