The mist on the river filters the morning sun, mystic bright. Friday’s Press Opening for Paramount’s Newsies, takes on a glow as I remember the curtain rising on Jack Kelly (Alex Prakken) and Crutchie (Michael Kurowski) as they stir from a night’s sleep on a roof top lit by the moon (by Lighting Designer Victoria Bain and Scenic Designer William Boles). All of it’s enhanced lushly by Music Director Tom Vendafreddo and our orchestra, 12 pieces strong. New York City hovers and towers above in Projection Designer Joe Burke’s stunning predawn image. The eloquence of this stillness and the two orphans’ dreams take flight and in an instant homeless newsboys, sleeping on the street below, awake and rock the joint choreographed by Joshua Blake Carter! I promise you, you won’t find a more skilled and thrilling cast of actors, singers, and dancers anywhere! What a night!
All through this preview period, (which has been extended and has moved Press Opening to the second Friday from First Preview which is now on Wednesday evening) members of our audience are moved to approach me with their enthusiasm and praise indeed right from that first preview! It means everything to have a young couple comment on the powerful story and performance, impressed how it differs from other productions they have seen. Or to have a trio of lawyers comment on the timeliness of the newsies’ struggle resonating with current events. And the senior couple who have such warm regards excited to say how this was their new favorite musical! Our patrons of all backgrounds are remarkable for the gratitude they have for the consistent excellence of our Broadway Series. I reply with how extraordinarily our crews and teams of personnel, from the box office to the production office, work tirelessly dedicated bringing you the best we can do to serve our community. These additional previews give the creative and tech staff the opportunity to get more audience response and input which we take to heart and influences our work in rehearsals during the additional week prior to Press Night.
So many of those who attend for the first time become subscribers. It’s so affordable, it just makes sense. We’re making beautiful memories here.
Over the weekend the glowing reviews have been coming in. Now everyone can “Read all about it!” Come see for yourself. So many of those who attend for the first time become subscribers. It’s so affordable, it just makes sense. We’re making beautiful memories here. Newsies runs until Oct. 20th. Hope to see you here!
Love and thanks,
Jim