NEWSIES - Cast Interview

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - February 2015

By Sophie Devincenti, Katrina Horsey, Ellie Jenkins, Elise Lamarre, Sari Wisoff, Skye Schoenhoeft, from Branson, Marin Horizon, Marin School of the Arts, Mill Valley Middle and Ross Schools

Underneath the high vaulted ceiling of the San Francisco Orpheum theater, a cast of ragtag boys leap to an entertaining score dressed in 1890's garb. The show exerts a tangible zealous energy that is reflected in everything from the actors, to the orchestra, to the audience. A perfect combination of heartfelt plot intertwined with dynamic characters, Newsies offers something for everyone. It takes place in New York during the tumultuous struggle between big-name newspapers, and their sellers—otherwise known as "Newsies." When the flippant main character, Jack Kelly, is faced with the inflation of newspaper prices, he bands together with David Jacobs and the other "Newsies" of Manhattan to form a union. Together they find strength in brotherhood and tell their story of their fight for what is right in song and dance.

However, this hit musical did not evolve out of nothing, it was first adapted from the 1992 Newsies film to many amateur productions. In 2011, Disney took the movie and adapted this dynamic story, bringing it to the stage. Newsies has an infectious score and catchy lyrics that inevitably thrive in a theater setting. We met up with cast member Kevin Carolan who plays Roosevelt in the production. The comical exchange between cast and audience is what makes it so special. Carolan notes that the best part was tech rehearsals and the premiere audience.