Is it a coincidence that the Forestburgh Playhouse (FBP) decided to present Disney’s “Newsies: The Musical” in the same year that the River Reporter is celebrating its 50th anniversary of bringing local news, sports and entertainment to the Upper Delaware River region? Without actually asking producer Franklin Trapp, I’m thinking yes. Is it fortuitous? Yes. Is it the musical version of the hit film? Yes, yes it is. 

With that said, I saw the show last week and decided that I should write a review for a variety of reasons—most notably because journalism and newspapers in general are on the minds of many these days. 

Aside from that, musicals that are based on real-life characters and events (think “Miss Saigon,” “Evita” and even OG classics like “South Pacific”) and tell a version of the truth in a compelling and dramatic way, often reaching a sector of the public that might otherwise not be interested in, nor be aware of, the true story. 

Oh, and the FBP production is pretty darn great.

To be sure I was getting it right, I did a bit of research, turning to the Google, which instantly spit out a response from the dreaded Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is constantly lurking in some dark corner of the internet, always waiting to spring up with a pithy response to my queries. The lightning speed with which the answer popped up was unsettling but helpful, though I’m loath to admit it. 

“‘Newsies’ is based on the true story of the 1899 newsboys’ strike and real-life newsie Kid Blink was the inspiration for the musical’s lead, Jack Kelly,” the dreaded AI informed me. “Jack’s right-hand man, Davey, is based on real-life union president David Simmons, while Katherine Plumber is named for Joseph Pulitzer’s daughter. Although Jack Kelly the character did not exist, the rebellion he helped lead was very real, and many characters in the musical bear the names of the true young working-class men and women who stood up to William Randolph Hearst’s Evening Journal and Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World through their strike.” 

I also learned that “Newsies” is a Broadway show first staged in 2012, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Fierstein’s script was adapted from the film’s screenplay, which was written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White.

The FBP presentation of “Newsies” boasts a small army of talented people both on and off stage, and together they have created a beautiful, memorable and dare I say hummable (is that a word?) production that days later, has stayed with me for a variety of reasons. 

Choreographer/director Lauren Haughten Gillis’ theatrical vision, Music Director Alex Arlotta’s keen sense of the score, Kyle Artone’s dead-on costume design and the dynamic duo of Maggie Jackson and Wheeler Moon, whose scenic and lighting design is just plain gorgeous all combine to create a stunning and spectacular show. It exemplifies the FBP motto of presenting “Broadway in the Catskills.” 

Of course all of the sets, costumes and beautiful visual elements of a show would be just that, were it not for the incredibly talented cast—acting, singing and hoofing it up in this high-energy musical version of a gripping story vividly brought to life on stage.

Leading the pack is Matthew Richards Jr., who has the herculean task of  blending the fictional Jack Kelly and the real-life Kid Blink, and he does so incredibly well. Combining serious acting chops with tremendous skills for song and dance, this talented performer’s voice is downright beautiful, and in conjunction with his dancing ability, Richards’ performance soars.

Mason Ballard is equally effective as the teenaged Crutchie, whose trials and tribulations as a handicapped newsie tug at the heartstrings. Ballard’s performance is deeply moving, and as one of the few who doesn’t actually dance, his acting stands out with beautiful vocals to match.

Carl Robinette’s interpretation of newsies’ union leader Les is wonderfully smooth, and David Sitler’s Joseph Pulitzer appropriately mean-spirited, selfish and despicable—just as in real life, from what I understand.

Lest we forget that “Newsies” is a musical, there’s a love interest for our inimitable hero Jack, and Mia McManamy (as Pulitzer’s daughter Katherine) is utterly charming. As one of the few women highlighted in the story, McManamy’s performance is especially noteworthy and her voice is really, really lovely.

I’m unsure (and not asking AI) if the character of bawdy entertainer Medda is based on a real person, but Brandi Chavonne Massey’s star turn as the singer who aids and abets the newsies and their cause is so fantastic that I just don’t care. Massey channels the late, great Nell Carter, (“Ain’t Misbehavin’”) while owning the role, and brings the house down every time she struts her stuff on stage. Brava!

I would be remiss in not mentioning the wildly talented Robert Anthony Jones, who has the unenviable task of playing multiple roles, including Teddy Roosevelt, just because he never fails (IMHO) to elevate any show lucky enough to have him in the cast. Additionally, Steve Davis is also tasked with portraying several characters and never disappoints—and youngsters Grayson Waterton and Lukas Bressler have adorable moments to shine.

As for the dancing—the resident company (far too many to mention by name) are all  deserving of a shout-out for their skills at mastering Gillis’ (and associate choreographer Mack Simmons’) complicated, synchronized, way-cool dance routines is beyond wonderful, and their choral work is part of why this show is so, um, hummable. 

Did I mention that “Newsies” is gorgeous to see and hear? I think I did, but it was striking from the first notes of the overture to the last curtain call bow, in part because of the efforts of Tony Taylor (sound design), Lorelei and Dan Davis (props), and unsung hero/production stage manager Patrick Lee Johnson, who keeps all of the moving parts (and there are many) flowing smoothly. 

This larger-than-life all-singing all-dancing musical extravaganza is live on stage through Sunday, August 10, and as for the River Reporter (RR) connection, we’re thrilled to be sponsoring “Newsies Night” on Thursday (August 7) by offering a special incentive for RR readers. Just call the box office at 845/794-1194 or go to www.fbplayhouse.org to reserve your seats and mention “RiverReporter50” for a special 50th anniversary discount. I’ll be there (along with fellow RR staffers) because I want to see it again, but don’t let that stop you. We’re the River Reporter. We’ve got you covered.