The Firehouse Theatre presents Newsies

Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Jack Feldman

Book by Harvey Fierstein

Based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White

Directed by Kris Allen

Music Directed by Kristal Seid

Choreographed by Bethany Lorentzen

Assistant Choreographer Isaiah Christopher Lord Harris

Scenic Design and Build Logan Uhtenwoldt and Maggie Sproul

Costume Design Dayna Dutton

Sound Design Michael Mabry

Lighting Design Garret Deutsch

Stage Manager Hannah Tolle

Assistant Stage Manager Pamela Anglero

Dance Captain Abbey Copeland

Cast

Max Morgan

Emily Frerich

Tyler Halbrooks

Galileo Segura

Lola Chabot

Beau Dameron

Taylor D. Williams

Andrew Cave

Chloe Munson

Lily Hogge

Maxton Rhys Sims

Ruby Chabot

Dakota Britvich

Devin Johnson

Caitlin Martelle

Danielle Smith

Larry Macklin

Abbey Copeland

Preston Isham

Tyler “T” Lang

Doug Fowler

Lucas Haupert

Grant Hollowell

Bill Lewis

Bridget L. Hopewell

My thoughts on Newsies or the third time is the charm

I have never been a Newsies fan and was far from thrilled at the thought of sitting through it for a third time. However, this high energy, high stepping glorious production helmed by Kris Allen is a blueprint for what musical theater should be, and this Newsies made me a fan within the first five minutes.

It’s thrilling indeed when all the elements of a musical come together perfectly, and everything here is about as close to perfect as a musical can get. Much of the success of this production comes from the dazzling, breathtaking choreography of Bethany Lorentzen and assistant choreographer Isaiah Christopher Lord Harris. Prepare to be wowed. And this crew, under the music direction of Kristal Seid, sing just as wonderfully as they dance.

Director Allen has assembled a remarkable cast that will keep you constantly enthralled by the story of the strike by newsboys against Joseph Pulitzer in 1899. Leading the cast are Max Morgan as Jack Kelly and Emily Frerich as Katherine Pulitzer. Max Morgan is a marvel as the passionate, charismatic leader of the Newsies, Jack Kelly. Morgan, with his terrific vocals and magnetic stage personality, moves into the realm of DFW’s most desirable leading men here and matching him in allure and vocal prowess is Emily Frerich. Frerich brings strength, tenderness, and humor to Katherine and makes her a most appealing character. Morgan and Frerich are a match made in musical theater heaven. Sign me up for all future performances, please!

The supporting cast is also filled with excellent performances. Tyler Halbrooks, with eyes that seem to look right into your soul, sweet vocals, and engaging stage charisma, is sensational as the lame Crutchie. It’s an authentic, heartfelt performance.

Beau Dameron, with a formidable baritone, is a commanding Joseph Pulitzer bringing out Pulitzer’s arrogance and impatience expertly. Medda, played by Taylor D. Williams, is the owner of a vaudeville theater and an ally of the newsies. Williams, blessed with a powerful voice and stage presence galore, gets roars of approval from the audience for her solo “That’s Rich.” Galileo Segura makes a very auspicious Firehouse debut as Davey, who along with his little brother Les, is trying to make money to help support his family. Segura brings the assuredness of a stage pro to his character, and I kept thinking what a great Bernardo in West Side Story he would be. I hope to see him do much more DFW theater. And Lola Chabot as Les is a charmer. Chabot, playing a character younger and another gender, knows how to work her way into an audience’s heart.

Another of the great strengths of Newsies is the ensemble. There are so many incredible actor/singer/dancers in this ensemble that I have seen as leads or featured players in other productions. They include Dakota Britvich, Maxton Rhys Sims, Devin Johnson, Tyler “T” Lang, Doug Fowler, Grant Hollowell, Caitlin Martelle, Preston Isham, Lucas Haupert, and Bill Lewis. When you have this kind of talent in the ensemble or playing small roles, you know you have a winner. There are also many talented others in this large cast who bring this production to life.

Although set in 1899, Newsies with its themes of oppression and social justice, still feel relevant today and this Newsies is one heck of an entertaining history lesson. Bravo to Director Allen and the cast, crew, and creatives of Newsies. You may not be the “King of New York,” but you are definitely royalty in Farmer’s Branch.