Disney's Newsies: The Broadway Musical! (2017) User Reviews

Great Performances & Singing / Bad Dance Photography

[Bob DiMu · 8/10 · 8 August 2017]

Fortunately, the great performances, singing, and the opportunity for close-ups of the actors make this recording of the stage production of NEWSIES well worth seeing. I feared, however, that they would not know how to film the dance numbers, and I was correct. Too many quick cuts, too many close-ups of only a few of the dancers, detract greatly from the dance numbers. While the camera adds some good rear and overhead shots of the dancers that you can't get in a live performance, these too go by in a flash. The dancers have great technique and energy all on their own. The camera doesn't need to add any movement or energy to the proceedings, like it does when you are trying to cover for poor dancers. These folks are great, but the camera-work doesn't allow us to see them for more than a fraction of a second at a time. If the director wanted to see how Broadway dances should be photographed, all he need do is look at any Tony Awards broadcast--mainly longer shots, with a few angle shots thrown in, and close-ups only when a particular step or piece of business needs to be highlighted. But directors and editors would rather show off than respect the dance.

Almost Excellent - Spoiled by the Editing of Dance Numbers

[d3193 · 8/10 · 6 July 2020]

Beautifully performed LA version of the Broadway musical. The actors, singers, dancers all on the top of their form. And the translating of the show to TV was excellent - until it came to the dance numbers. In short, these were ruined in the editing room. Just because you can cut to another shot, doesn't mean that you should. Fred Astaire had control over how his dances were filmed and insisted in full head-to-toe shots, with little or no cutting to different angles. This might seem like an austere approach, but it worked brilliantly. Gene Kelly went a step further and also produced brilliant results. It is difficult as a director to reign in the impulse to be flashy and put your mark on what you are shooting, but with dance this has to be resisted. Rob Marshall almost ruined Bob Fosse's brilliant choreography in the movie version of "Chicago". Here we have some of the world's best stage dancers giving it their all, and the director and editor got in their way. What a shame.

To many changes

[hdutsky · 8/10 · 24 March 2018]

I have been a Newsies fan since the beginning. I know the songs word for word. I also am a fan of the broadway musical, and I know they have to adapt it to the stage but there are to many deviations for me. Like the family story line and the change of Denton's character to Katherine's. Then still singing King of New York. Song in different spots in the plot, songs having a slower temple then the movie, and the end result of the strike all together. I am generally a person who says if it isn't broken don't fix it. But I am still impressed with the musical. I will still watch both and complain about the difference and annoy my husband the whole time. Lol.

Sensational Filming of the Broadway Musical

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 18 February 2017]

Having seen Newsies on stage and in the movies, when I heard it would be shown at our local theater (at an exorbitant price), I couldn't wait. Often these things don't work out. This one did. First of all, the young men and women cast for this are at the top of their game. They have fresh faces and individual character. There are great songs, but they are overshadowed by some of the best dancing ever seen on a screen. The physicality and skill of these guys is beyond the pale. There is a well drawn plot that exceeds the depth of most musicals. We care about Jack and Crutchie and how the other guys respond to each other. Joe Pulitzer is well cast and has frightening power over them. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I would prefer this film over the live performances. The reason is the close-ups where we get to see their emotional responses to each other. Crutchie's character is so kind and so fragile, and the young actor who portrays him captures it beautifully.

Absolutely Amazing

[nheoa · 10/10 · 20 February 2017]

I am one that enjoys Broadway shows and to combine both the Broadway & North American Tour together to make this show was Amazing. I hope they make this into a DVD like they did with CATS. The stage show personal touch versus a cinematic approach makes the show 1000x times better and easier to relate to the characters.

I've been converted, This show is PURE MAGIC!

[ScottG1969 · 10/10 · 24 February 2017]

Having been a serious fan of the original 1992 film with Christian Bale, I was excited to learn they made a stage production of the show. But then I heard they made some changes to the story for the stage adaption and then I became very skeptical.

Once I finally got to see the show LIVE in person, I was blown away by the entire production and loved the small changes they made. It actually fits better as a live production and the changes were PERFECT.

Once the show and road tour ended, I was so sad to know we'll never get to see this again, but once it was announced that they are bringing the Broadway production to the BIG SCREEN, I was more than excited.

Seeing the cinematic version of the Broadway production gave a whole new perspective on the experience. The drama seems heightened since we now get to see close ups of the characters and every emotional reaction and response. We also get to HEAR every line and word, where on stage, sometimes the lines are run together rather quickly and it's easy to miss certain elements. The lighting, the sound, the editing was BRILLIANT!

Also, the actors were full of extra life and energy and you could see their love and passion for each other and this show. This theatrical experience was OVERFLOWING with Disney magic and I confess, I teared up several times, just because it was SO AMAZING!

If you never saw a Broadway show, or can't get to New York, and if you never saw the Broadway version of Newsies...this is a MUST-SEE! The Music, the Dancing, the Acting, the Performances, the Costumes and Set....everything was SHEER MAGIC and absolutely PERFECT!

I'll never get tired of seeing NEWSIES!

Time just flies by

[smithzach-41104 · 10/10 · 24 November 2017]

this is a solid musical- really well done across the board, and full of high octane energy. The close ups are great- really makes you connect to the characters. Kara Lindsay and Jeremy Jordan are some of the most talented people to ever grace Broadway, and hearing them rock the rafters is quite an experience!!

Also, the person who gave this 2 stars without watching the whole thing is really unfair (movie junkies that hate the stage adaptation. They exist.) In no way did Newsies fail- this 2017 live version made over 3 million dollars in just 3 days at movie theaters, and ran for 1,000 performances on Broadway. The changes made totally make sense as a whole- adding a strong female arc was a great move as it was desperately missing in the movie,,, and you ask why did they open with Santa Fe- because it's more realistic. It's refreshing to see opening scenes like this. Just two people having a conversation. A lot of Tarantino films are like this as well!

Broadway Musical without paying the Broadway price

[bettycjung · 6 October 2017]

10/6/17. A good production for the silver screen. As much as I would have loved to have seen this on Broadway, watching it this way actually was pretty good. You could never get the close-ups like you do with this film in the theater, not to mention the prohibitive pricing of Broadway shows.

Best musical proshot ever!

[andreacardenas-61060 · 10/10 · 14 August 2020]

I have watched this recording more than 20 times and I never get bored. Newsies is one of my favorite musicals and these cast is my favorite ever. Jeremy Jordan and Kara Lindsay have amazing chemistry and are incredible actors! I definitely recommend you watch this if you haven't.

Must see

[bp1991 · 10/10 · 6 August 2017]

One of the best movies i've seen in a long time- never boring or slow it kept my attention the entire time and it felt like you were sitting on stage- everything from the cast, plot, acting, singing, the best dancing ever filmed on screen and the smallest details of set design and lighting was the best. Seize the Day and King of New York really brought down the house. All of the Newsies had individual personalities that shone through, especially Ben Cook (Racer), Jeremy Jordan nailed down the protagonist role and I could listen to him sing the phone book, and Kara Lindsay slayed her solo, Andrew Keenan's solo had everyone crying, Steve Blanchard was perfect for the role of the "villain" ,,, I didn't mind paying twice the amount for an Imax ticket because it was so good, From the opening scene in Jack's penthouse, I knew we were in for a treat

Hope this will be put on Blu ray someday

Disney's Newsies: The Broadway Musical

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 22 October 2023]

I'm not usually a fan of filmed theatrical performances - especially musical theatre. The television so often fails to capture the vitality of the performances and often we are left with something rather lacking. Well, to be fair to Disney, they have managed to capture loads of the energy and dynamism of this adaptation of Harvey Fierstein's book about the strike by the newspaper delivery boys in New York in 1899. The strike itself is fairly legendary - as were the almost Oliver Twist-ian conditions under which these kids were exploited, rather than employed. Jeremy Jordan tops the bill and positively glows as the ring leader "Jack Kelly" who finally has enough of the poverty-stricken existence of his colleagues and who organises a protest that initially invites disdain, but eventually recognition from the city's great and good who all of a sudden realise that these tiny cogs are actually pretty crucial to their entire enterprise thriving or failing. He is well supported by Kara Lindsay, an enthusiastic Ben Fankhauser and Steve Blanchard as the original, if not terribly generous of spirit, "Pulitzer". Alan Menken and Jack Feldman have combined to churn out a remarkable number of memorable songs here, too - "The Bottom Line", "That's Rich" "Seize the Day" and "Kings of New York" are all amongst the toe-tappers that help get this sprightly song and dance musical up and running. The sparing set lends itself well to the television coverage, as does the careful use of lighting and the frequently ensemble approach to the presentation of the story. Stage is certainly best, but this is a close second that skips along well for 2½ hours effortlessly and enjoyably - even if you might be a bit vicariously out of breath at the end!

Newsies stop the world

[bp29 · 10/10 · 6 September 2017]

Uplifting and inspirational, Newsies has a plot with depth (based on a historical event) character development (we care about the newsboys, especially the actor who played Crutchie, as he perfectly captured the innocence of that character), outstanding musical score, iconic dancing, and most of all keeping the audience engaged with entertainment,,, the way it's filmed gives you the illusion of having front row seats- every facial expression and reaction is seen- the movie also has very high production value with the staging, lighting, etc. makes this the gold standard for filmed staged production- and the sound mixing was stunning as well- the orchestra blends flawlessly with the actors By the end, you'll be singing along and wishing you could dance like these boys

Disney's Newsies: The Broadway Musical

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 7 December 2021]

Essentially this is the filmed version of the Broadway musical of Newsies.

The newsboys strikes in New York in 1899 over their pay and work conditions.

This production has several alumni from the Broadway production reprising their roles. In that sense it marks it out more than the 1992 filmed version of Newsies that starred Christian Bale.

Having watched the filmed Broadway version of Hamilton in 2020. I felt less invested in Newsies. It might be because I saw Hamilton live at the London West End.

I liked the story how these little guys who are basically kids stand up to the press barons like Hearst and Pulitzer.

There are highlights with a few energetic dance sequences. I just felt that as with many musicals, it had too many songs and dances that were fillers.

Fans of the musical will enjoy it more than others.

too much camera movement

[sarahandartemis · 4/10 · 17 February 2017]

It is a good musical but the filming seemed to have too many cameras. The film shots were constantly moving from one camera angle to another. Unlike a play where the audience chooses where they want to focus on the stage, the film dictates the focus. It moved too quickly and too many angles so that the flow of the musical was disrupted. The choreography was lost. Most of the dance numbers where cut away or too narrowly focused. Seldom was the dance number shown to fill the stage and build on the energy.

One word💕

[ydelle-95674 · 16 February 2021]

In just one word fantastic. As a Broadway fan I was so happy that Disney put this on.

Brilliant

[silviarrsilvia · 10/10 · 14 March 2020]

Awesome dancing, singing and acting!! Some of my favorite Broadway actors like Andrew, Jeremy Jordan, Ben,

I Love it!

[ybrandona · 10/10 · 17 October 2017]

When people think of a movie, a filmed Broadway musical is typically not something they would think of. However, in February of 2017, Newsies became one of the first musicals to be professionally filmed on stage, which ignited a flame for filming Broadway musicals on stage with other musicals such as Falsettos and Holiday Inn being filmed earlier this year before they closed on Broadway. Using a talented cast, advanced stage work, and intricate sets and costumes, Newsies creates a production that would appeal not only to a theatre buff but also any regular theatre goer.

Based on the newsboy strike in New York 1899, Newsies first premiered as a movie in 1992; being turned into a Broadway musical twenty years later. The script of the show was written by Harvey Fierstein, the music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Jack Feldman. The original Broadway production ran for about two years, and closed on August 23, 2014, having performed just over one thousand performances. This past year, celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the release of the original movie, Newsies returns to the stage at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles to be filmed and shown in movie theaters.

With a star-studded cast, featuring many of the original Broadway cast members such as Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, and Ben Fankhauser, Newsies returns to the stage with more energy and talent than ever before. By bringing back the most talented members of any company of Newsies, the high energy dance numbers and emotional scenes create a deep and empowered impact on its audiences. Creating strong characters and mysterious relationships, the two leads, Jack Kelly(Jordan) and Katherine Plumber/Katherine Pulitzer(Lindsay) hold a relationship of tension and risk. While Crutchie, portrayed by Keenan-Bolger, is a crippled newsboy, who is like a brother to Jack Kelly, was written a new song for this film in order to deepen his character. In his new song, "Crutchie at the Refuge," Crutchie elaborates further on the terror of his life as a cripple and strengthens his ties to Jack.

Moreover, while the lead roles of the show are incredible in every way, the impact of the show would not be made whole without the astounding support of the ensemble. By taking the most skilled and experienced dancers from the previous productions of the show, the high energy dance numbers are elevated to new heights that were not during earlier productions. Increasing the number of turns from three to four, adding a whole new segment of choreography, or just speeding up certain parts of a dance, each number was intensified in one way or another, which added to the intensity and the severity of the matter of the show. In large dance numbers, such as "Seize the Day" and "The World Will Know" the ensemble creates a mob-like feeling of newsboys uniting for a common goal. Rounding out the company with a completely synchronized ensemble, the cast of the filmed stage version of Newsies is one that will always blow audiences away. Most the story-line was no mystery to much of its audience, with it being preceded by the original movie and original Broadway musical. There were new choices made by both the performers and the creators that held the audiences at the edges of their seats.

In addition to the incredible company of the show, the people offstage are just as remarkable. With Brett Sullivan as the director, the film is nothing short of amazing. Having the characters constantly finding new motives and wants of different characters allows the show to continuously progress even more from its time on Broadway. High energy dance numbers, choreographed by Christopher Gatteli, combined the most talented dancers from each cast of Newsies and was able to intensify the original choreography to a new level that challenged even the most experienced dancers. Furthermore, with costuming done by Jess Goldstein, many costumes from the original Broadway production return the the show, with some being revamped to show deeper differences between characters. With the set and projections of the show designed by Tobin Ost and Daniel Brodie, inspired heavily by the original Broadway production, Ost and Brodie are able to use elements from the original production, as well as more advanced imagery, to create an atmosphere onstage that cohesively blends the reality and severity of the show with the constraints of a single stage.

Although this review may appeal more to people who know more about musical theatre, the film is remarkable nonetheless. Given that there are high risks for turning Broadway musicals into films, Newsies took the risks, and it payed off immensely. After watching the film in the theatre on the first night that it was showing, I was desperate to watch it again and bought it off of iTunes the day it was available. By turning these Broadway musicals into films, the musical theatre business is able to reach new audiences that would otherwise have no interest in musicals, or theatre fans that are unable to make the journey out to New York each time they want to see a new show. Whatever the reason is that one would want to see a musical, the film of Newsies combines all the aspects of a Broadway musical, elevated to the precision of cinematography.

Turning an Edsel into a Limousine with an unbelievable energy.

[mark.waltz · 8/10 · 18 July 2017]

Back in 1992, Disney had an embarrassing flop with the movie version of "Newsies" which somehow managed to gain a cult following with an audience of a certain age who used their influence to cajole Disney into turning this ugly duckling into a golden goose. Not a fan of the original movie, I did not expect much from a fully staged Broadway version, and after hearing that it was transferring from a regional run at the Paper Mill Playhouse onto the great white way, cringed. Ten attempts at winning a lottery ticket went by, and on one frigid winter evening, I finally won a single ticket. I must say, the wait was worth it, the delight at being proved wrong overwhelming, and now with a filmed version of the touring company with most of the original cast out there, it is time to call what was once the little urchin who could barely crawl off of the video shelves the real king of New York. The character of Joseph Pulitzer is made the scapegoat villain and yet reportedly was not even in New York when the real strike happened. I wonder how his descendents and historians felt about this understandable but somewhat eye rolling change in facts.

Still, this is a fascinating, energetic look at one of the toughest times in New York history, when violence, corruption, greed and poverty were everywhere, and just to make a few pennies, teen boys paid up front to get newspapers to sell on the streets. But taking on powerful Joseph Pulitzer is a challenge in itself as they strike and protest for fair treatment, and through song and dance, an extreme energy erupts, and the most unlikely heroes of a Broadway musical steal their way into the hearts of audiences who had never even heard of the original movie. With a book by Harvey Fierstein ("La Cage Aux Folles", "Kinky Boots") and a score by Alan Menken ("Beauty & the Beast"/"Little Shop of Horrors") and Jack Feldman, this show became a limited run that opened itself up to a longer run, and if the number of people begging for lottery ticket entries outside the Nederlender Theater in New York is any indication, this is a show that will continue to be revived and performed in community theaters and high schools, the main reason that this made it onto professional stages in the first place.

Practically all of the original cast is back, including Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan and a young and charismatic ensemble, who are excellent. Actually, all of the cast is excellent. The entire team of young performers are enthusiastic without being cloying, doing difficult dance moves and this production, beautifully filmed in HD and with terrific sound, shows every passionate movement of the Broadway show and its subsequent tour. The set looks better than any other set design I saw in my time in L.A. seeing practically every touring production at the Pantages, and you really feel either like you're actually at a live production, and seeing Broadway as it ought to be done. More shows like this need to be made available to those who can't get to New York, because it will encourage the dreamers to start saving up and those with theatrical ambitions to find the courage to pursue their dreams. The last 20 minutes of the book is rushed and weak, but the rest of the show is unforgettable if slightly flawed.

better than the actual movie

[ryancortero · 8/10 · 14 September 2020]

Newsies: The Musical is based on the film Newsies, which was based on real events in history. The story looks at the newsboys strike that took place in New York City in 1899. In this reflection, I'll be focusing more on the musical recording rather than the movie itself.

The music is done by Alan Menken, notable for many iconic Disney songs, and lyrics done by Jack Feldman. Once the musical began, I was getting goosebumps. I may not love all the songs, but that doesn't mean they aren't good. I enjoy them all on different levels, especially the ones that have most of the cast featured on them. Those songs motivate me and get me really excited.

It doesn't take long for the choreography to really stand out with the cast and ensemble jumping all over the stage, while still giving it their all when they sing. I was already awestruck watching this at home through a screen, so I can't imagine what this would be like in person. I can't talk about this musical without bringing up Jeremy Jordan, who plays the main character of the story. From the first song, he won me over. His voice is powerful and really makes you feel the emotions that his character goes through. I wasn't seeing him as an actor, but as the character. This musical is funny, empowering, entertaining, and will put a smile on your face by the end (if you haven't been smiling the whole time). I highly recommend checking it out if you're a fan of musicals and/or Disney.

Excellent Musical

[romeoandjulliet · 10/10 · 22 February 2022]

My family and I decided to watch this movie and to our surprise it was absolutely incredible. The acting was spectacular and a truly enthralling experience. I couldn't complain or identify one bad moment throughout the play, it was just overall delightful. I 100% recommend this movie.

Family fun for every age

[dickspaz · 9/10 · 17 September 2018]

A magical and powerful showing as everyone in this cast ensemble was marvelous. The acting was killer and the songs were fantastic with everyone singing in harmony. Simple but effective sets allowed for imaginative storytelling bringing a slice of American history to life for all ages. We'll worth a watch.

YAAAAS

[brookesterposey1 · 9/10 · 19 April 2018]

It's so much better on stage than in the original movie. My cousins will probably never speak to me again. ¯\_()_/¯

I think I can tell why this failed

[jmummey · 2/10 · 19 November 2017]

I have been in LOVE with the original movie since I first watched it in 1993....story is amazing, songs are wonderful, characters are interesting.

I just started watching this because I found it on Netflix....and then 10 minutes later turned it off. I could not take it anymore! There is a line here and there of the lyrics that is the same but they changed SO much that I could not take it. Why take out the opening explanation of what was going on? Why change the story of Jacks parents.....his ENTIRE character is based on his family being in Santa Fe and he is doing anything to get back to his family.....Jack says in this that his family is not around anymore- meaning dead. That's not how he portrays himself to his fellow newsies. It is also rather irritating that Jack is dressed in blue.....the original costume director put David in blue and Jack was the ONLY one with red to set them apart from the other newsies who were rather bland. It just bothers me that they threw out these things. And who really thought it was a good idea to start the show off with the song Santa Fe?!? Are you kidding me....

And don't get me started on the fact that they changed Denton into a woman.....

This movie would have been perfect if left just how it was, yes I know some things would have needed to change but not the entire story line!

Newsies on a Mission

[imlong54 · 10/10 · 26 February 2018]

I just watched this magnificently filmed production on Netflix and couldn't have been more impressed. The show is relevant to our time with the students in Parkland Florida speaking truth to power. Great music, great performances, great story, great message and the best dancing I have ever seen on a stage. I highly recommend this production.

A feel good watch

[gemmagargette · 9/10 · 28 December 2022]

I am a massive fan of a stage show that is filmed live instead of a film adaption and this does not disappoint. The choreography is amazing and the cast as excellent dancers as well as singers and actors. The stage set is also brilliant in the way that that it moves and commands the whole stage and the way the cast interact with it means that you always see something new each time you watch it. A sure fire way I knew that it was gripping was the fact that my 6 year old daughter sat still the whole way through and now has a new soundtrack to listen to. If you love musicals then this is a must!!