Yes, folks, you heard it here first. Starstruck has once again struck musical gold.
Opening night for theater is always exciting, and this Saturday, July 25, was no exception. Smith Center at Ohlone College was abuzz with parents, family friends, tech crew, musicians and actors, all bursting with anticipation for StarStruck’s latest production—Newsies: The Musical, based on the 1992 Disney film of the same name.
With Tony Award-winning music by Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, etc.), lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein, you already know you’re in for a treat. The story was inspired by the newsboys strike of 1899 in New York City, during which hundreds of newspaper delivery youth banded together to strike against the two corporate giants, Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, forcing an increase in wages citywide.
And with that, on with the show…
Oh, and what a show. Did I mention it’s a smash hit?
The opening scene introduces two of the main characters, Jack Kelly (Ezra Raskin) and Crutchie (Aarush Munaga), as they wake up in the streets of New York amongst a group of their peers, all orphans and homeless. It is their friendship that is at the heart of the story, and the song “Santa Fe” sums up Jack’s optimistic personality, showing us that no matter what life throws at him, he will always dream of a better life out west.
Raskin shines as the main character Jack, a tough but likable street kid with a chip on his shoulder and a witty, sly sense of humor. Jack’s role as informal leader of his burrow’s newsies is totally believable thanks to Raskin’s charismatic performance, complete with “Brooklynese” accent, and he carries all the scenes he appears in with ease, as if he’s been slinging “papes” all his life.
Munaga’s performance as Crutchie is also top notch, giving us a character who we are compelled to cheer for. His physical portrayal aside, which is perfection, eliciting pity in a lightly unforced way, he is simply a super likable kid with a goofy soul. And like Raskin, he too can carry a scene and move an audience to tears, as he does when he sings “Letter from the Refuge.”
The other leads are all solid as well. Jonathan Kranz delivers a stellar performance as Davey, the newbie newsie who still has a home to return to. Initially keeping his distance, he and younger brother Les, played by the cute, over-the-top Bradley Hoang, are eventually drawn into the drama. Kranz portrays Davey as the perfect complement to Jack and does so with subtlety and grace, like a Charlie Bucket who finds himself suddenly starring in West Side Story.
In a show with an abundance of male leads, it’s important that the few females stand strong, and this is exactly what Lily Grace Davis does as writer Katherine Plumber. In “Watch What Happens,” she solos with humor and skill. It’s a tongue twister of a song that could easily leave the audience confused if not done right. But she does everything right, enunciating, projecting and gesturing her way through a thoroughly enjoyable scene.
Priyanka Chitlu is divine as Medda Larkin, entertainer and owner of the theatre where Jack hides out. She really has fun in “That’s Rich” and leaves the audience wanting for more. Also a shout out to the wonderfully cute Ali Allarde who plays Hannah. Her humorous one-liners hit every time.
StarStruck performances are known for their huge casts, and I imagine that is often a challenge, creating enough alternate roles to give everyone “stage time,” and blocking/choreographing scenes with over 40 actors all moving and dancing at the same time. Founder and director Lori Stokes and choreographer Francesca Roma are truly geniuses in this regard.
Their expertise at taking a show written for a cast of 15 to 20 (most of the shows out there) and expanding it to 40 is impressive, but can honestly feel a little stretched at times. In this case, however, it is the perfect match. A musical about a gang of kids, primarily, played by a gang of kids, all singing and dancing their hearts out.
I think that’s why the group numbers (“The World World Will Know,” “Seize the Day”) came across as so very powerful, evoking the spirit of Matilda or School of Rock. Truly there is nothing more moving than a stage full of angry children, all singing with passion, in perfect harmony.
Newsies is known for its dance numbers, and StarStruck’s rendition delivers on that front as well. An amazingly talented core of dancers fly across the stage. Act two opens with a surprise which had some in the audience gasping in awe (myself included). Let’s just say they tap into some real talent.
With so many bodies on stage, it’s important that the scenery be durable but also beautiful, and Wathen has done that here, creating simple and powerful sets, enhanced by creative lighting and visual treats that are quite delightful. Just a very talented tech crew all around. And music, of course, excellent as well, lead by veteran music director Nancy Godfrey, who co-conducts with George March.
Stokes and Roma kicked off the evening by thanking all those involved, including the talented cast and supportive parents. Of special note was a tribute to scenic designer and artist Stephen C. Wathen, who is stepping down after this season.
“Our heartfelt thanks goes out to someone who has helped make the magic of StarStruck come to life for so many years,” said Stokes. “His incredible scenic designs have transported our audiences, inspired our performers and brought our stories to life in unforgettable ways.”
StarStruck’s ‘Newsies: The Broadway Musical’ delivers a thoroughly entertaining show that is the perfect, feel-good, end-of-summer amusement. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to some newsworthy talent! Now playing through Aug. 9.
Newsies
Through Aug. 9
Fri / Sat: 7:30pm, Sun: 2:30pm
Smith Center at Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
starstrucktheatre.org
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 children
