Review: Northwestern High brings ‘Newsies’ to vibrant, enthusiastic life
The musical “Newsies,” based on the real Newsboys Strike of 1899, tells the story of Jack Kelly, a newsboy who longs to live as an artist in the American west, away from the grime of New York City. After publishing titan Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly decides to stay and take a stand with his fellow workers.
Northwestern High School told this story spectacularly under the direction of Tamara Altman. Although the sets were bare and simple, with two rising platforms and few moving parts, the versatile cast utilized the space to create dynamic scenes. Costumes were another uncomplicated but effective affair. Period attire such as newsboy caps and button-up vests let the audience know right away when and where “Newsies” takes place.
Northwestern chose to use a live student orchestra, which played solidly and confidently throughout, eliminating reservations about students executing the complicated score. However, they sat at the same level as the stage, not in an orchestra pit, and overpowered the singers at certain points. Nevertheless, neither the orchestra nor the actors faltered, and the songs came across brilliantly when everything was in balance.
The finest aspect of the performance was the enthusiasm of the actors, a passion one could feel from the contagious zeal of “Carry the Banner” through to the rousing final song. There was never a lull in this energy, an impressive achievement for an ensemble that sometimes took up half of an already sizable stage.
In particular, Landon McAteer’s Jack was vibrant with life. While his dancing couldn’t compare to the lively movements of Christopher Gravel’s Race, McAteer’s voice and acting were first-rate. This cocky character has to capture the essence of New York City in 1899, yet McAteer was also able to have tender, vulnerable moments. You could feel the intimate connections between McAteer and the rest of the cast, which helped you understand the history of young people with hard lives who banded together against a despot.
Watching this passionate protest against oppression reminds us of all the times young people haven’t been listened to, though they’re often the ones most affected by social problems. It’s not difficult to make comparisons between the protest organized by New York’s newsies and our generation’s protests across the globe. From fighting to increase gun control laws to demanding action on climate change, young people now provide some of the loudest voices against injustice.
Northwestern’s production of “Newsies” reminds us of our country’s past and current struggles. It’s an invigorating call to action, and one leaves the theater reminded that we’re moving into an uncertain future. We need to fight with passion, love and friendship to preserve it in the best way
Kaelin is a student at Mallard Creek High School. This was the winning review for 2019 for the Student Critic Award of the Blumey Awards program.