Newsies JR

Newsies Jr. is a musical adaptation of the beloved Broadway hit Newsies, itself based on the 1992 Disney film inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. With its rousing anthems, dynamic choreography, and themes of justice, resilience, and camaraderie, Newsies has long held a special place in my heart. So, when I heard that Perform Studios was taking on this high-energy, fast-paced production with a cast of young performers, I was both excited and curious. Could they capture the spirit and scale of such a demanding show? The answer is a resounding yes. Perform Studios delivered a vibrant, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining production that honoured the original while showcasing the immense talent and dedication of its young cast and creative team.

From the moment the lights dimmed, and the ambient sounds of a bustling New York street filled the theatre, the audience was transported. The set design was both clever and effective, with multi-level platforms that added visual depth and allowed for dynamic staging. The wooden boxes spelling out “NEWSIES” were not just decorative they were ingeniously integrated into the choreography and scene transitions, serving as props, platforms, and symbolic anchors throughout the show.

This attention to detail extended to the soundscape, which helped immerse the audience in the gritty, fast-paced world of turn-of-the-century Manhattan. The sound design by Dan Crooks was impeccable. In a venue of this size, balancing vocal clarity with backing tracks can be a challenge, but Dan ensured that every lyric and harmony was crisp and audible. The underscore never overpowered the performers, allowing their voices to shine.

Speaking of voices, what a joy it was to hear these young performers sing with such passion and precision. Every cast member gave their all, and the harmonies were beautifully executed. It’s no small feat to fill a large venue with sound, but this cast did so with confidence and heart. From ensemble numbers to solos, the vocal performances were consistently strong and emotionally resonant.

Leading the charge was Toby Gleave as Jack Kelly. This role demands charisma, vocal strength, emotional nuance, and physical stamina and Toby delivered on all fronts. His portrayal was layered and compelling, capturing Jack’s fiery determination as well as his vulnerability. Whether rallying the Newsies with “Seize the Day” or reflecting on his dreams in “Santa Fe,” Toby commanded the stage with maturity beyond his years. He is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of youth theatre.

Megan Wilkinson brought charm and intelligence to the role of Katherine Plumber. Her solo “Watch What Happens” was a highlight, showcasing both her vocal agility and her ability to convey Katherine’s wit and ambition. Megan’s chemistry with Toby added depth to their scenes, making their partnership believable and engaging. Megan has such brilliant stage presence, another performer to watch in coming years.

Eliza Rowland was a delight as Crutchie, bringing warmth and humour to the role. Her rendition of “Letter from the Refuge” was tender and heartfelt, earning genuine emotional connection from the audience. Eliza’s physicality and timing were spot-on, making Crutchie’s optimism all the more inspiring. Toby Perks as Davey was a steady and thoughtful presence. He shone in scenes where Davey steps into leadership, and his duet work was particularly strong. Toby’s portrayal balanced intelligence with empathy, making Davey a relatable and grounded character.

Ophelia Bedford brought youthful exuberance to Les, delivering her lines with impeccable timing and infectious energy. Her stage presence was magnetic, and she added a touch of humour and heart to every scene she was in. Evie Garbutt gave a commanding performance as Medda Larkin. Her powerful vocals and confident stage presence made Medda’s scenes memorable, especially her solo “That’s Rich,” which was delivered with flair and finesse.

Taylor Dakin portrayed Joseph Pulitzer with gravitas and authority. His stage presence was formidable, and he handled the role’s complexity with poise. Taylor’s ability to embody the antagonist without veering into caricature was commendable.

The ensemble was equally impressive. Each named performer brought individuality to their role, and the collective stagecraft was remarkable. Scene transitions were smooth and efficient, with set pieces moved swiftly and silently. The ensemble’s commitment to their characters, even in background moments, added richness to the overall production.

Director Nicola Jay Crooks deserves high praise for guiding this young cast with such clarity and purpose. The pacing was tight, the emotional beats well-placed, and the storytelling coherent and compelling. Nicola’s direction allowed each performer to shine while maintaining a strong ensemble dynamic.

Choreographer Maisie Greaves crafted movement that was both challenging and inclusive. The choreography captured the spirit of Newsies energetic, rebellious, and full of life while being tailored to the abilities of the cast. Numbers like “King of New York,” “Carrying the Banner,” and “Seize the Day” were executed with precision and enthusiasm, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The New York accents were impressively consistent across the cast, adding authenticity without becoming distracting. It’s a tricky dialect to master, but the performers handled it with confidence.

Costume design was another triumph. The period-appropriate outfits newsboy caps, braces, vests, and shirts helped ground the production in its historical setting. Each character’s look was thoughtfully curated, contributing to the visual storytelling.

Newsies Jr. by Perform Studios was a triumph of youthful talent, creative vision, and theatrical passion. It’s rare to see a youth production that feels this polished, this emotionally resonant, and this alive. Every performer, designer, and director involved should be immensely proud of what they’ve achieved.

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

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