ST. GEORGE — Extra! Extra! Tuacahn’s Newsies delivers a headline-worthy performance, with powerhouse vocals, jaw-dropping choreography, and a fireworks-filled finale that lights up the red rocks of St. George. Disney’s Newsies: The Musical, is an adaptation of the 1992 film with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein. Inspired by the real-life Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, often called the Children’s Crusade, Newsies tells the story of Jack Kelly and a band of street-smart kids who take on New York’s most powerful publishers. When Pulitzer and others hike up newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, the kids organize a strike in a bold stand for fairness and dignity. The show is a tribute to the voices of the young who dared to demand change.
Director Sarah Hartmann strikes a thoughtful balance between big spectacle and intimate storytelling, allowing both the ensemble and individual characters to shine. She brings a fresh perspective to the show, making bold and unique choices that give this production its own identity while still honoring what fans love about Newsies.
Choreography by Mara Newbery Greer is a total treat for Newsies fans. She stays true to the show’s iconic style, delivering all the classic moves we love – but with fresh twists that keep things exciting. Greer does a phenomenal job balancing tradition with innovation, and as always, the stunts and tap numbers are standout crowd-pleasers.
The music direction under Christopher Babbage is truly a success. The live orchestra adds a level of authenticity, allowing the music to better support the acting choices unfolding on stage. It feels as though the acting and music were working hand in hand. The vocals are also top-notch, with incredibly clear, well-blended harmonies. The music is one of Newsies’ greatest strengths, and Babbage does a wonderful job at bringing it to life and doing it justice.
The costume design by Ricky Lurie successfully reflects the characters’ distinct social statuses. From Pulitzer’s dapper suit to Medda Larkin’s glamorous, show-stopping dresses, each outfit adds depth and personality to the characters. These costumes create a striking contrast with the Newsies’ streetwear, highlighting the divide between their social classes. That said, aside from some dirt rubbed on the Newsies’ pants, their costumes appear a bit too polished to convincingly portray kids living a rough street life. Incorporating holes or patches would have made their costumes feel more authentic and gritty, further enhancing the storytelling.
The lighting design by Rob Siler and scenic design by Clayton Dombach is immaculate. The lighting consistently makes the set glow like golden hour, which was absolutely stunning – especially against the beautiful rocky backdrop of the canyon. Fireworks are always a fun detail in Tuacahn productions, and I was excited to see how they’d be used. While used sparingly, the fireworks are placed effectively throughout the show, even acting as a shooting star in an especially romantic moment.
Compared to the 2017 production of Newsies at Tuacahn, this year’s set felt much more elaborate and better aligned with Tuacahn’s remarkable ability to deliver spectacle. That said, one thing I missed was the movement of the scaffolding, especially during “Once and For All.” It’s such a classic moment that when theaters skip it, the audience can feel a bit let down – which is what I heard from several patrons leaving the theater. Instead, the Newsies flooded the aisles and handed out newspapers for the audience to wave at the end of the song. I appreciated the creative touch of giving every audience member a newspaper, so it partially made up for the missing set movement.
Sometimes it’s hard when iconic moments in beloved musicals are reimagined, but I respect a theater’s choice to try something new and make the production their own. That said, the absence of a desk or typewriter in “Watch What Happens,” an element that usually grounds the scene, made the number feel a bit aimless. Without a clear physical setting, the actor was left to wander the stage, which lessened the urgency and motivation behind the song. As a result, the scene felt somewhat disconnected from the audience until the very end, when Abby Linderman as Katherine brought it home with an incredible belt that reignited the energy and brought the crowd back.
James Everts was the perfect casting choice for Jack Kelly. As someone who dreams of seeing Jeremy Jordan perform the role live, watching Everets on stage felt like the next best thing. He brings all the charm and swagger fans love, yet still makes the character entirely his own. His vocals on “Santa Fe” are immaculate and gut wrenching. Everets plays seamlessly off the rest of the cast, displaying especially strong chemistry with Jackson Hurt as Davey. Hurt’s vocals in “Seize the Day” carry a quiet fire, layered with vulnerability and strength, which makes the anthem feel deeply personal. Hurts comes alive in act two, bringing a surprising and delightful burst of goofy dad energy that adds warmth to the role. Andy Richardson is a wonderfully endearing Crutchie and I appreciated his ability to highlight the show’s humor without losing the character’s heart. He was in the original Broadway cast of Newsies as Crutchie and Romeo so it was truly a treat to be able to watch him perform.
Davey Burton Midkiff as Race delivers a major standout performance. Midkiff is a consistently strong presence on stage, with a clear understanding of beats in both choreography and acting. Midkiff is someone I found myself always watching during big ensemble numbers, showing a magnetic quality that draws the eye. Anthony Savino as Albert is another standout. He brings great sass and a distinct character that pops, even within a large ensemble. He is confident, expressive, and incredibly consistent across vocals, dancing, and acting. I also loved the choice to reimagine Spot Conlon as a female. Bella Depaola brings serious girl boss energy and has a fantastic singing belt.
Linderman as Katherine brings a stunning vocal performance to “Watch What Happens,” adding unique phrasing and flair that breathed new life into a frequently overdone number. She is also a phenomenal dancer, which she showcases in her lively performance in “King of New York.”
Ameena McKenzie is perhaps one of my favorite Medda Larkins I’ve ever seen. She fully leaned into the sexiness of the role in a way that was refreshingly bold, especially for a Utah audience. Medda is often toned down for younger crowds, which can make the scene feel like a filler, but McKenzie’s performance turns it into one of the standout musical numbers of the night. She performs on a platform at the front of the stage, pulling the audience into the moment and making us feel like part of the show. McKenzie is a natural performer with a magnetic presence, able to interact with the audience in a way that genuinely draws people in.
Randal Keith, a Tuacahn regular, delivers a powerhouse performance as Pulitzer, combining crisp vocals with just the right touch of villainy. He has the audience absolutely captivated, winning them over by making them love to hate him.
I first saw Newsies when Tuacahn produced it in 2017 and absolutely fell in love with the show. Seeing it again this season felt like revisiting a story I’ve always loved – familiar, yet full of fresh moments that made me fall in love all over again. There’s something undeniably magical about watching this show under the stars, surrounded by towering red rocks. Whether you’re a longtime fan or seeing it for the first time, this production is a must-see for anyone in the St. George area!
