Newsies Returning to Theaters/A New Revenue Stream for Long Runners

Guess we now know why they didn't make it available on dvd and blu ray.

It should definitely get Broadway producers thinking.

I think Newsies really took them by surprise. For example, about I month before I was at the local theater for the Fantom screening of the restored 1956 20th Century Fox Carousel, and I was the only person in the theater. Newsies, on the other hand, sold out for some performances and was very full at the screening I attended.

However, before we get carried away, Newsies has a rabid fan base that not only supported the show on Broadway, but sold out regularly on tour as well. And they are not just passionate, they are young and internet connected and easy to reach via social media. The live Rent performance about 10 years ago also did well for the same reason.

This approach may work for some shows, but not for others - even if the production is great. I think Falsettos will not do anywhere near the same business. But probably Wicked, Hamilton, or Dear Evan Hansen would do well.

But anything that captures these shows is a big plus in my book. I would much rather have a good live capture of the stage show than put my hope in a movie version that will more than likely butcher the material and resort to unfortunate star casting.

Updated On: 6/15/17 at 11:50 AM

I'm thrilled that ''Newsies'' is returning to movie theaters again. But what's the deal with the start time for the Saturday matinee? Why 12:55 p.m.? Why not simply 1 p.m.? They did this earlier this year, too.

Back Row said: "...Virtually everything Disney has done with this show has been a marketing masterclass. "

Yeah, but I would also add the perspective that Disney Marketing thought that Newsies as a stage musical was a terrible idea and only got behind it after they saw what happened at Paper Mill. Their idea of a sure-fire hit musical at the time was Tarzan. Also the the Keenan-Bolger backstage vids was his idea which really stoked the fire for the fan response. Sure, once they smelled a hit, nobody knows how to play the game like Disney. But unlike most of their stage ventures, this one they didn't really see until it was handed to them on a plate.

Theatre Fan3 said: "Guess we now know why they didn't make it available on dvd and blu ray."

That makes no sense. They released it digitally, so what does the lack of dvd release matter? People enjoyed it on the big screen, and it is a different experience, so they're putting it back for two more days for those that want to see it that way again. If i had missed the first time like I almost did, despite owning it on iTunes, i'd go this second time around just to see it on the big screen with a stellar sound system.

trpguyy said: "That doesn't change the economics of the situation. Investing in a dying format is bad business, regardless of comments on a Facebook page or BWW message board. "

That's premature at best. While DVD/Blu-Ray sales are down with online streaming surpassing hard disc sales,overall physical sales of music, TV shows, films and computer games are still worth over $2 billion annually.

CallMeAl2 said: "Back Row said: "...Virtually everything Disney has done with this show has been a marketing masterclass. "

Yeah, but I would also add the perspective that Disney Marketing thought that Newsies as a stage musical was a terrible idea and only got behind it after they saw what happened at Paper Mill. Their idea of a sure-fire hit musical at the time was Tarzan. Also the the Keenan-Bolger backstage vids was his idea which really stoked the fire for the fan response. Sure, once they smelled a hit, nobody knows how to play the game like Disney. But unlike most of their stage ventures, this one they didn't really see until it was handed to them on a plate."



I don't see why it matters what they thought before. What matters is that when they realized Newsies could be a smash hit, they pushed their attention and resources on that to help it be the whopping success with its fans that it is today. Surprise hits happen all the time.

Updated On: 6/16/17 at 04:29 PM

Ohh, maybe I misunderstood. I saw the "but" and thought they were arguing against the idea, not for it. My apologies!