Roar Academy's production of Newsies Jr. at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre was filled with energy, heart, and an inspiring message of unity. Directed by Madeleine Johns, this junior version of the beloved film and Broadway musical had me hooked right from the first note of "Santa Fe" to the uplifting finale "Carrying the Banner." These young performers learned the entire show in a such short period and still delivered a highly professional and polished performance.
Newsies is based on the true story of the 1899 Newsboys' Strike in New York City. The newsboys, many of them orphans or homeless children, fought against powerful newspaper publishers like Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst after they raised the price of newspapers, cutting into the boys' already meagre earnings. Led by the charismatic Jack Kelly, these boys banded together to strike, demanding fair treatment. Their successful strike became one of the first victories for child labour reform in the United States, a heartwarming reminder of the power of unity in the face of adversity.
Miguel Gambley truly shone as Jack Kelly (understudy to Anthony Van Stam). His spot-on New York accent and charismatic stage presence really pulled the audience into the vibrant world of 1900s New York City. His rendition of "Santa Fe" was brief but oh-so-beautifully done, showcasing Miguel's impressive vocal and emotional range. Miguel’s performance was particularly impressive in the way he used his whole body to act, so you could really see his yearning for a better life, and it made his leadership of the strike even more compelling. Likewise, Zoe Hitchcock, playing Katherine Plumber (shared with Abbie Gommers and Tessa Parrish), demonstrated a natural talent for the stage and delivered an impressive performance during her solo of the challenging piece "Watch What Happens.
This was my first time seeing Newsies on stage (can you believe it?!) The cast, a hundred voices strong indeed, brought life to the score with powerful vocal harmonies, curtesy of Rhonda Davidson-Irwin and Josie Ross. This production had no dull spots, as every scene was packed with energy and purpose, a testament to the talented choreographers Meredith Johns and Kayla Pehi.
The ensemble cast really brought the house down, with Leo Chick as the endearing Crutchie (shared with Miguel Gambley) and Toby Bailey as Davey (shared with Lucas Van Stam). Alongside Miguel, they led the high-energy and tight harmonies of the rousing group numbers. "Carrying the Banner" set the tone with its superb vocal blend and dynamic choreography. And the dancers really had their moment to shine during the tap break in “King of New York." A special shoutout to Tylah-Jay Foster for busting out the worm on stage—what a fun moment!
Zahlee Brackstone as Medda Larkin (shared with Tylah-Jay Foster) was a joy to watch in "Just a Pretty Face." Her backup dancers did a fantastic job too; although a friendly little nudge to add some smiles would have really elevated that number, adding that extra polish to an already strong song. Nevertheless, Zahlee’s confidence and charm shone through, lighting up the whole scene! Jonny Sweeper’s portrayal of the villainous Mr. Pulitzer was haughty and menacing, providing the perfect contrast to the hopeful and determined newsies. The bond between Davey and his little brother Les, portrayed by Daya Sudhi (shared with Kirill Yaremchenko), was such a heartwarming aspect of the show.
What truly stood out to me was how the cast captured the hardworking spirit of their characters; it’s clear that they embody those qualities in their own lives. I think Roar Academy made a brilliant decision to cast multiple actors in key roles; it really highlights the sheer amount of talent at their academy and keeps each performance fresh and exciting! One of my personal highlights was “Seize the Day,” where Davey leads the vocals, and the dancers take centre stage in a stunning display of choreography. The energy in the theatre was electric as the newsies prepared for their strike, making the end of Act 1 feel like a rallying cry for justice. By the time we reached "The World Will Know," I was certain that this would be my favourite junior production of the year. The cast's passion and determination, especially in that number, really stood out and definitely left a lasting impression!
Jonathan Johns' industrial set design and Madeleine Johns' period costumes transported us into the Disney-fied world of the newsboys! Despite a few technical issues with microphones, the cast powered through and it was clear that they were giving it their all. One of the most powerful moments was the staging of "Once and For All." The cast truly came together here, creating a sense of urgency and purpose that could rally an audience just as Jack Kelly rallies the newsies.
This production of Newsies Jr. that had all the spirit, energy, and professionalism of a full-scale production. They not only entertained us but also reminded the audience of the power of unity and resilience. It’s a heartwarming tale about ordinary kids banding together to make their voices heard—fighting for a job that might not exist anymore, but sending a message that still resonates today just as much as it did in the past.
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