Newsies Jr

As usual from the moment we arrived, the experience was off to a wonderful
warm start thanks to Lynda and the front of House team. Thank you for your
very friendly welcome. It’s set exactly the right tone for what turned out to be
an outstanding performance.
I was extremely lucky to have seen Newsies on Broadway around about 20
odd years ago and I must say this production was bursting with energy,
commitment, and sheer talent. The cast delivered the story with real heart,
tackling the choreography, harmonies, and fast paced scenes with impressive
confidence. Every number felt alive, and the ensemble worked together with
a focus and enthusiasm that lifted the whole production.
It was clear how much hard work had gone into bringing this show to life, and
the result was a vibrant, polished performance that kept the audience
engaged from start to finish. A truly impressive achievement and a joy to
watch.
I must say your set and staging for this production was genuinely impressive.
The use of raised levels, stair walkways, and platforms added real depth to
the performance, giving the cast dynamic spaces to work with and keeping
the action visually exciting. The backdrop was particularly striking, instantly
setting the tone and helping to root each scene in the world of the story.
Combined with atmospheric lighting that shifted the mood effortlessly from
moment to moment, the whole design created a vibrant, immersive
environment that elevated the production even further. The casting also was
completely spot-on, with every performer bringing real personality and
commitment to their role. Jack, in particular was an exceptional central lead,
confident, charismatic, and completely in command of the stage. He carried
the story with ease delivering both the emotional moments and the big
musical numbers with impressive maturity and presence.

The ensemble and dancers worked brilliantly throughout also, delivering tight
harmonies and tackling the clever choreography with real precision and
energy. Their team work brought the big numbers to life and added an
exciting pulse to the whole production.
This was a truly impressive production from beginning to end certainly up
there with the best. Congratulations.
COSTUMES
The costumes were outstanding, bringing an authentic feel to the world of the
show. Every outfit looked thoughtfully put together, capturing the grit, charm,
an individuality of each character. From the classic news boy caps and
suspenders, to the period appropriate dresses and workwear, the costumes
didn’t just look the part, they helped to find the personalities on stage. It was
clear how much Care had gone into creating a cohesive, character driven
wardrobe, and the result added real depth of believability to the production.
PROPS
Everything looked quite authentic and appropriate to the time. Well done
team.
HAIR/MAKEUP
This too was another piece of the jigsaw that cleary fitted well. It gave each
performer a clear character look that felt authentic and stage ready. All details
were well considered and added to the overall professionalism of the
production. Good work.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR (Kristina Stone)
What a varied career you’ve already had. I’ve gone from watching you
performing in Portishead youth productions and now you’re instilling in others
your knowledge that you’ve learnt in your own training. Well done you. You
should give yourself a pat on the back for this one. The singing was a joy. I
loved how you had different abilities in this group but that you managed to
bring everyone together. There was such an enthusiasm for the singing. Most
enjoyable to listen to.
Choreographer (Hannah Lewis)
The musical numbers were consistently strong. Songs like “Carrying the
Banner” and “Seize the Day” had the kind of punch that makes Newsies so
beloved. The choreography was ambitious for a junior production, yet the
cast handled it with precision and joy. Their timing, formations, and
storytelling through the movement showed impressive discipline. I really
enjoyed the dancers getting involved and covering the scene changes. This
was a great bit of imagination, and so nice to see the dancers being
stretched and applying their ability giving them their moment.

DIRECTORS ( Caroline Edwards and Ben Salter)
The direction tied everything together beautifully. Pacing was tight, transitions
were smooth, and the emotional beats landed with clarity. The production
balanced humour, heart, and urgency in a way that kept the audience
engaged from start to finish. It was clear that the creative team understood
how to bring out the best in young performers while maintaining a high
artistic standard. I think I can be brave enough to say this was your best work
to date. I hope you felt very proud of your achievements in this productions.
Well done.
JACK (Oliver)
This was quite a standout performance. You gave us a remarkable young
voice and a good stage presence to match. From the moment you stepped
on stage, your portrayal of Jack commanded attention with a confidence well
beyond your years. Jack is a demanding role which equal parts leader,
dreamer, and storyteller, and you rose to the challenge with impressive skill.
Your singing voice was one of the productions strengths clear, expressive,
and surprisingly powerful, you handled Jack’s songs with ease. Whether
delivering the emotional weight of Santa Fe or leading the ensemble through
high energy numbers, you sang with control and heart. Your confidence,
natural charisma, and strong connection to the story made him a compelling
leader for the Newsies.
KATHERINE (Elsa)
This was a confident, charismatic, and captivating performance. Your
portrayal as Katherine delivered a performance that radiated confidence from
start to finish. Katherine‘s a role that demands poise, intelligence, and a
spark of independence, and you brought all of that and more to the stage. I
really felt you understood your character. Your presence was polished and
engaging making it impossible not to pay attention whenever you stepped
into a scene. You balanced Katherine‘s Sharp wit with warmth and charm
creating a portrayal that felt both strong and relatable. Good work.
CRUTCHIE (Bethany)
I felt this was a heartfelt and captivating performance. You delivered a very
touching and memorable performance. Crutchie is a character full of warmth,
optimism and a quiet strength, and you captured all of that with remarkable
authenticity. Your rendition of “Letter from the Refuge” was a true emotional
highlight. You sang with clarity and control and a sincerity that made the
moment feel incredibly real. Your voice carried the vulnerability and hope of
the character, drawing the audience and making the scene resonate long
after it ended. You bought Crutchie to life with expressive acting and a
natural stage presence and kept us as an audience fully engaged.

DAVEY (Alex)
Davey is a role that requires intelligence, heart, and a quiet kind of leadership,
and you brought all of that to the stage with remarkable maturity. Your
performance was thoughtful grounded, and consistently engaging, making
him an essential part of the shows success. A good controlled singing voice
that required precision and control and delivered them with confidence.
Whether you were standing up to Delanceys, supporting Jack, or guiding Les
you always looked grounded and authentic.
LES (Harriett)
One of the most delightful roles in Newsies junior full of humour, heart, and
fearless enthusiasm, and the young actor who played him embraced every bit
of it. Your performance was bursting with personality. Your comedic timing
was sharp, and reactions were expressive, and you had that rare ability to
make the audience smile without even trying. Your voice blended beautifully
with Davey and Jack. Well done.
PULITZER (Max)
From your very first scene, you carried yourself with poise and authority that
Pulitzer demands. You projected a seriousness and strength that made him
instantly believable as the powerful newspaper tycoon. Your posture,
expressions, and timing all contributed to a performance that felt grounded
and mature. Good work.
I couldn’t give everyone a mention, but I must say all parts were impressive
and contributed greatly to this show.
Congratulations to you all on pulling off a very impressive show - one I shall
remember for a very long time.
Thank you so much
Until next time
Mike

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