Extra Extra! Newsies "Seize the Day" at TBTS!

Matunuck—Theatre by the Sea welcomes New York City to the barn theatre's stage in its newest production, Disney's Newsies!

This Sunday marks the 120th anniversary of the real 1899 newspaper boy strike, which Disney's Newsies is based on. This production's curtain shows the front page of The World newspaper, which explains how during the Spanish-American War, publishers raised what they charged the newsboys for 100 papers from 50 cents to 60 cents, lowering it again after the war ended, except for the Evening World and the New York Evening Journal which refused to lower their prices, causing the boys to strike.

The curtain raises to reveal that scenic designer Kyle Dixon has truly outdone himself. Dixon's set is elegantly transformed from the streets of New York City (complete with lines of drying laundry and fire escapes) to the inside of Medda's Theatre to Pulitzer's office. Most impressive, though, is the set's appearance during the finale, when Jose Santiago's lighting creates the effect of sunrise in the back alleys of New York which is truly breathtaking.

The Set of Newsies

Charlie Sutton's choreography is also impressive, creating dance routines that are inclusive of Crutchie, the crutch-using side-kick to the musical's lead Jack Kelly. Joseph Allen, who plays Crutchie, manages to keep up with his fellow Newsies in the group dance numbers by using his crutch instead of resorting to suddenly and inexplicably being able to dance on two legs, thanks to Allen's skills and Sutton's careful planning.

 Clay Roberts as Jack Kelly and Joseph Allen as Crutchie

Clay Roberts plays the charming Jack Kelly, the leader of the newsies who starts the strike. Roberts has his Kelly's hard exterior softened by Katherine Plumber, a young female journalist trying to make it in a man's world. McGrath portrays Plumber as strong and sure of herself, makng her a true ally to the newsies.

Katie Claire McGrath as Katherine Plumber and Clay Roberts as Jack Kelly

Medda Larkin, another strong female ally of the newsies, is played by Ebony Deloney. Although she only performs one number, "That's Rich," Deloney's Larkin is sure to be remembered by audiences for her charm.

Ebony Deloney as Medda Larkin

If opening night is any indication, audiences are sure to love the cast numbers "King of New York" and "Seize the Day," as well as McGrath's "Watch What Happens."

At opening night, owner and producer Bill Hanney announced the 2020 season lineup, which boasts not the typical four shows but five: Mamma Mia! returns to Theatre By the Sea in May, followed by the jukebox musical Million Dollar Quartet, the classic Funny Girl, family-friendly Cinderella, and ending with the fabulous Kinky Boots.

And for those who missed 2014's sensational production of Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack you are in luck—the show is returning to the old barn theatre for one night and one night only: July 29th.

Newsies will be playing at Theatre By the Sea Tuesdays through Sundays through August 10th; show times vary. Tickets are $54 to $77 and can be purchased in person or by phone at the box office (401-782-8587) or by visiting their website www.theatrebythesea.com.

Photos by Steven Richard Photography