A spring that invoked a hearty shot of creativity and an even heavier dose of collaboration will unveil the fruits of its labors tonight.
Marquette Performing Arts releases its first of six streamings of “Newsies” via its online platform beginning at 7 pm. Subsequent streams will run Saturday, April 17th (7 pm), Sunday, April 18th (6 pm), Friday, April 23rd-Sunday, April 25th (same times).
“Newsies” transports its audience to New York City as it approaches the 20th century. It’s a story of power. How power can corrupt. The power of the written word. The power of love. (No Huey Lewis & The News pun intended.)
Paolo Castillo, who mastered the intricacies of the Brooklyn accent, plays the role of newsboy, Jack Kelly. Fed up with unsavory work conditions and an unannounced hike in the price of “papes”, Kelly decides to stick it to the man, publisher Joseph Pulitzer, played by Bob Johnson. A looming strike draws the ire of Pulitzer, who doesn’t accept dissent from the footer of the organizational chart.
And what would a production be without a love story? Insert Katherine Plumber played by the uber-talented Kenzie Losinski. Plumber plays a tantalizing bridge between two defining forces. The climax of the story rests on where Plumber pins her allegiance.
A fascinating historical perspective into both the man whose name is attached to the most prestigious journalistic prize and the formation of labor unions, “Newsies” is an absolute delight.
It features a soundtrack that will have viewers humming their favorite song into the summer. It includes vibrant, well-choreographed dance numbers that permit Zoe Kolosci, Molly Neary, and company to steal the stage. It stars a storyline that speaks to the worker in all of us.
Along the way, several individuals swivel the spotlight their direction. Mary Cate Neary delivers an elite, emotional solo as Crutchie. In his 13th production at Marquette, junior Wil Crane defines the very crucial role of supporting actor as Davey. 2020 graduate Aaron White returns to seize the role of Race. Amongst her dual roles as Snyder and Nunzio, Madalyn Weiler was angelic in keeping a star-struck public relations director on task with timing and props. Principal Casey Martin dons a mustache that makes him a carbon copy of former New York governor, and eventual president, Teddy Roosevelt.
“Newsies” highlights a cast of youth from Marquette’s partner schools involved in all aspects of the production. It was truly a community effort that facilitated a score of theatre students to at last perform one year after COVID-19 pulled the rug out from underneath them.
“Newsies” is a gift to those with an appreciation of the arts. Friends of Marquette Performing Arts know the pool of talent within runs deep. After the release of this brilliant spring production, the world will know.
