Little did the boys and girls who tipped over a newspaper distribution wagon in 1899, refusing to sell the Evening Journal and the New York World over reduced wages, know that they would become legends of the stage and screen nearly a century later. The newsboys who took on two of the country’s largest media empires launched a rebellion that resonated with working men and women fighting to right an injustice in their community. For Andrew Kuhlman, executive producer at Stages St.
Louis, that theme still reverberates today and is on full display at the theater’s production of the Tony Award-winning (2012) musical “Newsies” through Aug. 25. Packed with nonstop thrills and a timeless message, “Newsies” marks the first Disney production on the main stage theater in 38 years.
Led by the charismatic Jack Kelly (Daniel Marconi), the rousing tale includes several members of the Stages Performing Arts Academy. “This show brings a universality to the stage that will appeal to every member of the family,” Kuhlman said. “The story is about people who understand there are differences within their communities, recognize that some of these differences are wrong and then say, how do I play my part in this? This is about a community coming together and saying we’ll stand up for what we believe is right.
It’s a universal theme. We all want to work toward making something the best it can possibly be.” From the moment the stage lights go on, Kuhlman said, audiences are in for a treat in terms of the global storyline, the incredible choreography and the stunning set.
“There are so many elements in this production that can’t be missed, they just surround the audience,” he said. “The dancing is just spectacular. It’s an homage to the original Disney version but elevates and speaks to dance styles of today.
Lindsay Joy Lancaster (choreographer) just blew this thing up with a freshness and newness that is palpable on stage. It feels like it’s reflective of the people on stage itself. As for the set, which uses every inch of the stage in the best way possible, it is complex and beautiful.
The reactions from the audiences just make this show a producer’s dream come true.” As part of this season’s nod to creating an immersive lobby experience, Stages has partnered with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch to create an authentic connection between real life and what they are about to see on stage, Kuhlman said.
A longtime partner of the theater, the Post has donated historical articles from its archives including an authentic newspaper dispenser (yes, the type that required a coin be inserted), a newspaper distribution cart used at the turn of the century, interactive games with the infamous Weather Bird, and digital re-creations of actual front pages that feature national and international news covered in the last 100 years. “This musical has really struck a chord with people that I didn’t fully anticipate,” Kuhlman said. “That’s what I love about theater.
The ultimate reason we do theater is to create a catharsis, something that we feel together as a community. These actors, designers, the creative team are working to ensure we all feel the same sense of coming together so we can move forward in the right way within our communities. And that’s a very powerful motivator.
” Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the box office or by phone. Use the promo code PAPES45 and receive a ticket for $45. Visit stagesstlouis.
org for more information..
