Newsies Reunion Last Night

[steven carter]

Newsies Reunion Last Night#1

Posted: 10/3/11 at 3:23pm

Last night there was a reunion party, at the theatre, where former "newsies" gathered to relive the past, and mingle with the young newsies now taking their place....sounds a little like "Follies", huh?

But seriously, last night was an extra-special night at the Paper Mill. The theatre invited many cast members of the original 1992 film musical to meet the current stage cast. And to meet fans of the property, past and/or present. It was a party and I had a wicked time! Some of the original film cast members who attended included David Moscow, Luke Edwards, Gabriel Damon, Shonn Greenblatt, Kevin Stea, Arvie Lowe, David Sidoni, David Sheinkoph....and I'm probably forgetting others.

All the Paper Mill cast showed up at the fan party too, so you could have a conversation with, for example, TWO "Spot Conlon"'s at the same time. Movie director/choreographer Kenny Ortega was comparing notes with stage director Jeff Calhoun. Sweet screenwriter Noni White was there, as were several of the creative staff from last weekend's opening night.

Though I missed the presence of some of the former "newsies" who we get to see around here when they're working (Aaron Lohr, Max Casella), and a few who I know would have reallly appreciated it ("Kid Blink" Trey Parker-diff Trey than BOM's), it was still a wonderful night. Jeremy Jordan, Andrew Keenan-Bolger and some of the new cast spoke about how seeing the original film (a rare live-action film musical in the 90s) inspired them, and the "old" newsies told stories about the filming.

Possibly because of the presence of the "originals", the onstage performance was even more supercharged than the official opening night show. There was plenty of excitement on BOTH sides of the footlights, and it's a night I won't soon forget. Whether or not this production goes on to Broadway, a night like last night was deeply fulfilling for those of us who have been "carrying the banner" for this unloved musical from the start. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!