Newsies
at Hayfield Secondary School

Reviewed on May 4, 2019

Bethany Gledhill
St. Paul VI Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

In a world where there was no Internet and no 24-hour news cycle, people waited with baited breath for the daily newspaper to reach them every morning. Set against the backdrop of the Gilded Age, you could almost hear the newsboys proclaiming "Extra, extra, read all about it!" during Hayfield Secondary School's performance of Newsies Saturday night.

This is the world of Newsies, a 1992 musical film starring Christian Bale, Robert Duvall, and Bill Pullman. The 2012 Broadway production, based on the film, was written by Harvey Fierstein with music by Alan Menken. Th Broadway version garnered Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Choreography and ran for 1,004 performances.

The musical was inspired by the 1899 Newsboy Strike in New York City. The story focuses on fictitious paper boys, Jack, Davey, and Crutchie, and their ally, Katherine. Real historical figure Joseph Pulitzer acts as the primary antagonist. The impoverished newsboys find themselves buckling under the burden of increased newspaper fees, while Pulitzer, owner of the New York World newspaper, turns a blind eye to everything but his own "Bottom Line." The Newsies fight back by forming a labor union and find that it exacts a personal price on many of them.

Leading the cast (and the strike) as Jack Kelly, Max Von Kolnitz decisively established his character's leadership of the newsies with commanding vocals in "Carrying the Banner." Von Kolnitz's versatility was on display at the beginning of the show when he sang about Jack's dream to move west in "Santa Fe." Brooke Smith as Katherine Plumber, a reporter who takes a liking to the newsboys and beings to cover their strike, showed off her impressive singing voice and hope for the Newsies to triumph in "Watch What Happens." The gorgeous blending of Smith and Von Kolnitz's voices in "Something to Believe In" gave the audience the impression that they truly were a team.

As new paperboy Davey Jacobs, Corbin Cheng Farrell convincingly portrayed the transformation from passive paper seller to radical agent for change. The enthusiasm inherent in his vocals in "Seize the Day" made the audience want to pick up a picket sign and join his cause.

Patrica Villaroel Narvaez as Jack's longtime friend Crutchie gave the audience the impression that despite her infirmity, she had enough spunk to handle police and strikebreakers alongside the other Newsies.

As the greedy newspaper tycoon Joseph Pulitzer, Brynn Spradlin clearly relished his role as the man we all love to hate. His haughty air made his superiority palpable, but his performance was versatile enough to soften during his compromise with the Newsies.

The actors were aided in their endeavor to bring these characters to life by the efforts of the technical crews. The rose-colored lighting on Max Von Kolnitz's Jack and Brooke Smith's Katherine during "Something to Believe In" signified the love between their characters.

The quiet desperation of late 1890's unskilled labor was expertly illustrated by the purposeful shabbiness of the costumes. In contrast, Pulitzer's finery marked the chasm between the social classes.

The orchestra's laser focus and commitment to the music allowed them to both enhance the show and be part of the show, even as newspaper confetti rained down upon them. As further testament to their ability, they struck the perfect volume balance between performance and accompaniment.

The Hayfield Dramahawks transported the audience to a simpler time when newspaper carrier was a career and captains of industry made the rules. This charming story about the triumph of the human spirit and quest for a better life was a delight to experience.

Rachel Kulp
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

As the sun rises over the rooftops of New York City, a young boy stands on a rooftop, dreaming of faraway skies. He is unaware of how, in just a few days, his life will be transformed into one of daring rebellion. His inspiring fight, alongside acrobatic dancing and terrific music, made Hayfield Secondary School's production of Newsies stop the presses.

Based on the 1992 film of the same title and inspired by the newsboy strike of 1899, Newsies tells the classic tale of the underprivileged taking control of their futures and resisting their oppressors. In this case, the newsboys of New York City, led by the effervescent Jack Kelley are revolting against Joseph Pulitzer, the owner of the newspaper they work for. Jack stands up to not only the terrifying power of New York's richest but also the fear of letting down those who look up to him and the frightening freefall of love. This inspiring tale's 2012 Broadway production was nominated for eight Tonys and won two, Best Choreography and Best Original Score.

Max Von Kolnitz (Jack Kelley) delivered a performance that highlighted the courage of his character, especially in his confrontations with Pulitzer. His extensive vocal range and incredible technique were best displayed in "Santa Fe" and "Something to Believe In." While Von Kolnitz's charisma was endlessly endearing, his depiction was enhanced through his interactions with Brooke Smith (Katherine Plumber), particularly in the number "Something to Believe In." Smith's emotional and vocal dexterity delighted theatergoers. Her solo numbers, like "Watch What Happens" quickly became the most memorable.

The sizable production was not without a superb supporting cast, which included Corbin Cheng Farrell as Davey Jacobs and Patricia Villaroel Narvaez as Crutchie. Farell's impeccable comedic timing made even the most morose scenes, like the scene of Jack's betrayal, into scenes of full mirth. His textured voice glossily floated through challenging numbers, such as "The World Will Know" and "Once and For All." Narvaez, on the other hand, perfectly characterized quiet strength, especially in "Letter from the Refuge."

Other standouts include polar opposites, Brynn Spradlin (Joseph Pulitzer) and Elle White (Medda Larkin). Where Spradlin was evil and cunning, White embodied kindness and amusement. The powerful vocal talents of each were prominently displayed in "The Bottom Line" and "That's Rich."

Within the Newsies ensemble, three talents rose above the throng; Zack Collison as Race, Joran Rockhill as Spot Conlin/Jojo, and Naja Bates as a dancer. The remarkable talents of this trio were most noticeable in "King of New York," but the personality they brought to their roles made each of their characters unforgettable.

From a technical standpoint, this show was also particularly impressive. For instance, the dynamic sets enhanced each number, yet also accommodated the expansive cast. The three-story set and working fountain, fused with bold lighting choices drew the audience to 1800s New York City and held them there. The orchestra was also exceptional, handling a difficult score with ease. They did not falter, even when doused in ripped up newspapers, thrown from the newsboys onstage.

Hayfield Secondary School's portrayal of Newsies enthralled its audience from the opening curtain to the final bow and reminded those watching that even the littlest person can make a huge difference. When leaving the auditorium, one could not help but feel like The King of New York.

Maddy Rubin
Langley High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Hayfield Secondary School's production of Newsies stops the World! Inspired by the historical New York Newsboys' Strike of 1899, and based on the 1992 film of the same name, Newsies features a score written by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. The show boasts eight Tony award nominations, as well as a filmed stage production which was released in movie theaters in 2017.

When Joseph Pulitzer raised the circulation price of the papers by 10 cents per hundred, the children he relied on to peddle their papers revolted. Led by the charismatic Jack Kelly, (Max Von Kolnitz), a jaded young man whose righteous anger and raw emotion inspired both the Newsies and the audience. Von Kolnitz's consistent accent and strong vocals were on full display during both group numbers and his emotional ballad, "Santa Fe." Jack Kelly's right-hand man, the intelligent and insecure Davey Jacobs, was played by Corbin Cheng Farrell, whose comedic timing had the audience in stitches.

As the newsies fight for the rights of the working children of New York, an intrepid young reporter by the name of Katherine Plumber (Brooke Smith) uses the power of the press to bring attention to the newsies' cause. The quick-witted and energetic reporter dazzled the audience with her clear and melodic voice. As the strike progresses, Katherine and Jack's relationship develops from reluctant allies to star-crossed lovers.

Other notable performances include Elle White as Medda Larkin, the brassy vaudeville singer with a soft spot for the newsboys. White's rich, powerhouse vocals and confident attitude entertained the audience in her solo number "That's Rich."

Just as talented and enticing as the principal character was the massive ensemble, whose vocal prowess was on full display through strong harmonies and passionate group numbers. This ragtag group of street urchins displayed charming camaraderie and amused the audience with their witty one-liners. The impressive dance ensemble tapped, pirouetted, and leaped through the streets of New York. The student choreographers showcased everyone's ability through impressive stunts and equally impressive cohesion.

Towering above the actors was the massive three-story set (designed by Claire Hackney). The warm brick buildings and clotheslines strung between rooftops brought New York City to life, complete with a working fountain. The Newsies climbed up ladders and through windows as they hawked the headlines for a penny a pape. The properties team (led by Sydni Spradlin) went above and beyond in creating custom newspapers for the newsies to sell. Additionally, the student orchestra played perfectly and passionately, even as newspapers rained down upon their heads.

Powerful and profound, Hayfield Secondary School's production of Newsies didn't just hawk headlines, it made them.

Kathryn Webb
St. Paul VI Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Extra! Extra! "Newsies Stop the World!" The 1899 Newsboys Strike was a pivotal moment, child labor laws were changed forever and the lives of American children improved dramatically. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein, Newsies tells the story of the boys who took on The World and changed history. Hayfield Secondary School embraced the spirit of the original Newsies and put on a performance that'll make the front page.

Leading the cast, and the strike, was Max Von Kolnitz as Jack Kelly. From beginning to end, Von Kolnitz filled his performance with a clear passion and drive to protect his fellow Newsies and everything they hold dearly. Von Kolnitz demonstrated powerful vocals especially in "Santa Fe," where his high tenor voice shined. Opposite Von Kolnitz was Brooke Smith as Katherine Plumber, the sassy aspiring reporter. In her solo number "Watch What Happens," Smith showed the audience the sincere, hopeful, and insecure sides of her character while at the same time executing the song perfectly vocally, with her impressive high chest voice. Smith and Von Kolnitz worked off each other to create a fun and flirty relationship, and their vocals melted together in "Something to Believe In," where the two characters finally come together.

The supporting cast of Newsies, both principal and background, was clearly each their own individual character with relationships to each other and a strong shared belief in their core purpose. New to the group but a leader nonetheless was Davey Jacobs, played by Corbin Cheng Farrell, who played his character with an adorable uprightness that created a fun juxtaposition to his less classy fellow newsies. Farrell really shined in "Seize the Day," where he mixed with Von Kolnitz to create a very moving piece.

Patricia Villaroel Narvaez also tugged at the heartstrings of the audience as Crutchie, Jack's crippled best friend with a big heart. Her strongest moments came in her song "Letter from the Refuge" where her clear voice rang with emotion. Supporting the Newsies as Medda Larkin was Elle White, who stunned audiences with her powerful voice in her number "That's Rich." Besides being powerful vocally, White had real acting ability, shown through her nurturing relationship with Von Kolnitz's Jack and hilarious one-liners.

Opposing the newsies was Brynn Spradlin as Joseph Pulitzer, the tyrannical newspaper tycoon. Spradlin brought real maturity to his role, which was needed to create a distinction between the adult and child characters. Spradlin's evil side was well presented in a realistic, business man manner which was fun to watch. Backing Spradlin was Lauren Graf as Hannah, Pulitzer's secretary, and a real addition to the show. Graf embraced her character and made her into something really memorable with the addition of a hilarious shrill voice and constant reactions.

The orchestra, complete with newsboy hats, really brought the performance up a notch, especially the trumpet section which stepped up to the plate and played a difficult score beautifully. The orchestra combined with the student choreography to create real spectacles, especially in numbers like "King of New York," where featured dancers like Naja Bates and Zack Collison as Race blew the audience away with their precision and energy.

Despite some technical issues, Hayfield Secondary School did a great job of handling a large cast through adjustments of set design and choreography, which was worth the effort because each individual Newsie added immense energy that really got the audience excited. Hayfield Secondary School's production of Newsies seized not only the day, but the attention and love of the audience from the overture to the bows.

Maggie Landis
Thomas A. Edison High School
Submitted for publication to Alexandria Times

Picture this: a handsome, heroically charismatic, plainspoken, know-nothing, skirt-chasing, cocky young man leading a ragtag group of 50-odd children on a labor strike against one of the world's most powerful businessmen. Now, add in enthusiastic tap numbers, a sassy up-and-coming reporter, and budding romance, and you've got Hayfield Secondary School's headliner-worthy production of Disney's Newsies: The Musical.

Starting as a Disney film in 1992, "Newsies" opened on Broadway in 2012, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, a book by Harvey Fierstein, and big names like Jeremy Jordan and Kara Lindsay as the leads. The musical is based on the Newsboy Strike of 1899, during which newspapers hiked up buying prices for newspaper boys ("newsies"). To make their thoughts known, the children went on strike, grinding newspaper presses across the city to a standstill. In the musical, Jack Kelly leads the bunch of misfits, joined by brothers Davey and Les, on a strike against newspaper behemoth Joseph Pulitzer, while up-and-coming reporter Katherine Plumber bolsters their cause through her investigative writing.

The massive ensemble filled the stage with life, and the mastery of dances was particularly notable during numbers like "King of New York" and "Carrying the Banner." Each member was fully engaged in the scene and added to the outraged ambiance.

Max Von Kolnitz as the rebellious Jack Kelly led the production with remarkable energy and characterization. From starting a union to pining for Santa Fe, Von Kolnitz's facial expressions expertly conveyed Jack's inner turmoil. His relationships with Katherine and Davey were strong, and his bond with Les, especially, showcased Jack's softer side. His stunning vocals brought depth to the character.

Meanwhile, Brooke Smith (Katherine Plumber) countered Von Kolnitz's performance with a smooth vitality of her own. She shone during her song "Watch What Happens" with expert comedic timing and amusing inflections. Corbin Cheng Farrell as Davey Jacobs was also notable for his humorous moments, and his chemistry with Carter Eliff (Les Jacobs) was entertaining. Eliff, despite his youth, gave a performance rivaling that of his seasoned peers. His charisma and hilarious delivery produced a delightful portrayal.

Other standout performers include Brynn Spradlin (Joseph Pulitzer) and Zack Collison (Race). As the intimidating capitalist Pulitzer, Spradlin excellently captured the press giant's manipulative nature. Collison's colorful portrayal of Race provided moments of fun through his distinct movements and impressive dancing. Lauren Graf as Hannah, Pulitzer's secretary, employed exemplary physicality to create a memorable character.

Claire Hackney's set, a three-story, full-stage structure, with a functioning fountain at its base, allowed plenty of much-needed space for the actors, while still creating a city atmosphere. The talent of the pit, the trumpets and percussion, in particular, made up for any mic issues.

The lighting (Vinny Pilone and crew) complemented the set and changed on a dime to suit the music. The brilliant choreography (Samantha Haughton, Ally NewRingeisen) paid homage to the original Broadway production while adding elements of originality.

Through its vivacious ensemble, fun songs, and interesting technical elements, Hayfield Secondary's Newsies: The Musical was truly a front-page production.

Elena Auclair
Teen Theatre Company
Submitted for publication to Connection

Extra, extra, read all about it! A ragtag group of actors team up with tech! In Hayfield Secondary School's production of Newsies, the cast sang and danced their way into a triumphant, historical happy ending.

"Newsies" tells the story of Jack Kelly and his band of newsboys who team up to take down the powerful Joseph Pulitzer when he raises the price of papers. With the help of reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon realizes that giving some ink to life's little guys will allow them all to seize the day.

The musical "Newsies" was based on the 1992 Disney film, which in turn was based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899. "Newsies" features music and lyrics by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, and choreography by Christopher Gattelli, which won the musical two Tony Awards in 2012 for Best Original Score and Best Choreography.

Hayfield Secondary School both hawked and made headlines with a high-energy performance from the cast, which combined with The Newsies Orchestra to create a fast-paced show driven by percussionists Sophanit Yohannes, Andrew Biddlecomb, and drummer Andrew Hamilton. Choreography by Samantha Haughton and Ally NewRingeisen included fresh takes on routines from the Broadway production, while still including classic moves like split jumps in "Carrying the Banner," and spinning on newspapers in "King of New York."

Jack Kelly (Max Von Kolnitz) and Katherine Plumber (Brooke Smith) showed what "stop the presses" really meant with powerful vocals, charming chemistry, and true emotion. "Santa Fe" showcased Von Kolnitz's tenor voice, with a sustained final note that was right in his sweet spot. Smith's solo song "Watch What Happens" featured fast-paced lyrics and swings of emotion, which she handled with ease. The chemistry between Von Kolnitz and Smith, with small smirks and comfortable physicality, was evident from their first scene together all the way to the peak of their arc, the song "Something to Believe In." The emotions expressed by both leads were believable and natural, as if they were reliving the events of 1899.

There were both girl and boy newsies in 1899, and in Hayfield's production, they all sang and danced their way into being the kings of New York, with a dedication to reacting to events on stage in character. New to the newsies' way of life, Davey (Corbin Cheng Farrell) and his younger brother Les (Carter Eliff) were subtly intense and comedic actors who played well off Von Kolnitz and Smith. Joseph Pulitzer (Brynn Spradlin) was a true villain, with an understated manner that rose to bursts of emotion against Von Kolnitz in a truly threatening way.

Flashpots were shootin' as bright as a sun, with lighting designed by Vinny Pilone conveying the appropriate emotions for each scene. Warm lights worked with the choreography during the song "The World Will Know," and cool lights set the cellar scene in "Once and For All." Set design by Claire Hackney and the Dramahawk Tech class was intricate, with two buildings on opposite sides of the stage that rotated smoothly to create different scenes like a New York City street, or the inside of a newspaper office.

A ragtag group of newsies really can seize the day and change it for the better. Hayfield's production of Newsies hit both the emotional, and the high-energy moments, creating a show that presented the events of 1899 in a way that truly showed that "what we do today will be tomorrow's news!"

Neeka Samimi
Washington Lee High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

What if the undermined and underprivileged spoke out? Well, they just might "stop the world." Hayfield Secondary School's production of Newsies was well-executed, packed with vocal talent, and energetic.

Newsies is a musical based on the 1992 Disney movie of the same name. The show, which premiered on Broadway in 2012, follows boys from the New York Newsboys' strike of 1899 as they take a stand against the injustice of the cost of the newspapers they buy. Led by outspoken newsie Jack Kelly, the newsboys (or "newsies") go on strike. Their actions are covered by ambitious reporter Katherine Plumber. The musical has been widely successful, garnering two Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award and spawning a 2014 national tour.

Hayfield's production featured a large cast, which is why it was so impressive to see that they all worked in harmony. Singing and dancing were precise, movements were motivated, and transitions were tight. This cohesiveness naturally also came about thanks to the crew and the pit orchestra.

Max Von Kolnitz anchored the show in his leading role as Jack Kelly. His voice was stunning, his dancing was well-executed, and his energy made how he inspired the other newsies believable. As plucky journalist Katherine Plumber, Brooke Smith had palpable chemistry with Jack. Numbers like "Watch What Happens" were show-stoppers because they featured the full range of her warm, strong voice.

The entire Newsies ensemble worked together confidently to produce a rousing show. This was most evident in action-packed numbers like "King of New York." Every member of the cast had a distinct personality, including Lauren Graf, whose role as Hannah was truly memorable because of her comic additions to the character. In the role of Race, Zack Collison was able to shine in every dance. As a dancer, Naja Bates commanded attention with adept movements. Featured actress Elle White was poised and fully immersed in her role as Medda Larkin.

Technical elements only added to the show's message. Quick transitions for each member of the cast showed the payoff of the effort of stage management (Sydni Spradlin, Claire Hackney, Elliot Force, Miranda Asbury). The Newsies Orchestra was lyrical and complemented the vocalists. Makeup (Sarah Sherrill and the Dramahawk Make-up Team) added a gritty element to the show, with dirt on the faces of some newsies. With eye-catching makeup looks, more leading roles were distinguished from the ensemble. Costumes (Abby Heffner and the Dramahawk Costume Team) generally adhered to the time period. Conscious decisions, like shifting Joseph Pulitzer's costumes to red to indicate his sinister behavior, were great touches to the show.

Hayfield Secondary School's production of Newsies was entertaining, but it also succeeded in highlighting the way a group of determined young people can change the world. The show was heartfelt and inspiring, reminding the audience that "now is the time to seize the day!"

Grace Wood
Teen Theatre Company
Submitted for publication to Lorton Valley Star

"Papers! We got papers here!" is the cry of every newsie in New York City. With rising prices and cruel injustices, the young newsies must fight back or be crushed by the system. To find out how the story unfolds, see Hayfield Secondary School's production of Newsies.

Inspired by the Newsboys Strike of 1899, the musical Newsies reveals the hardships the young newspaper boys endured. Jack Kelly dreams of leaving the claustrophobic town of New York City to ride away to the open plains of Santa Fe. When the boss of the paper ramps up prices, his dream seems unattainable. With the support of his fellow newsies and a young reporter, they strike to make their voices known. But when words turn to blows, Jack must decide. Will he sacrifice the lives of his friends for the cause or will he compromise and return to a life of drudgery and abuse?

Max Von Kolnitz brought laughter in the guise of the sarcastic and witty Jack Kelly. Von Kolnitz portrayed the streetwise, unruly yet lovable Jack with utter brilliance. His uncouth mannerisms and well-developed New York accent drew laughter at every turn. The character of Jack Kelly demanded strong vocals which Von Kolnitz met with surprising accuracy. In the number "Santa Fe," his vocals on the last note shocked the audience. Though Jack is often portrayed with a lower register, Von Kolnitz's higher chest voice stunned many and added an original accent to the character.

Katherine Plumber (portrayed by Brooke Smith) played opposite to Von Kolnitz with a matching wit and manner. Plumber was fighting a war to prove that any woman can survive in the cutthroat world of journalism. Smith illustrates this with perfection. Her sassy quick wit let everyone know that she was not a woman to be reckoned with. Smith's vocals, like Von Kolnitz's, met the challenge of the character. Her sweet and delicate tone, mixed with passion and spirit, made the audience feel exhilarated in her number "Watch What Happens." Both Von Kolnitz and Smith developed smooth chemistry throughout the show and played off each other nicely.

Corbin Cheng Farrell, as the inexperienced newsie Davey, takes charge when Jack loses faith. His superb vocal skills and forceful personality made him memorable. Farrell's call to action in "Seize the Day" heartened the audience. What's a good story without a villain? Pulitzer (Brynn Spradlin), one of two adult characters in the show, is the Goliath to Jack's David. Spradlin's calm and demeaning manner imparted maturity and wisdom as well as ruthlessness that can come with age. No one can forget the wonderful Medda Larkin. Elle White amazed the audience with her powerful vocals in "That's Rich." White displayed the other side of adulthood. Rather than being strict and callous, White was kind and endearing to the young Jack and became a lovable addition to the showcase.

The ensemble deserves its own separate paragraph. The constant enthusiasm and energy radiated from beginning to end. With extraordinary dancing skills, the ensemble of Newsies brought the show to new heights.

The set (Claire Hackney) transported the audience to 1899, New York City. With masterful construction, the set allowed transitions to run smoothly as well as brought life and feeling to the show. Lighting effects (Vinny Pilone) highlighted the mood during specific scenes. Choreography (Samantha Haughton and Ally NewRingeisen) teemed with life and energy.

Hayfield's production of Newsies is a classic David and Goliath story that reminds society that "Courage cannot erase our fear. Courage is when we face our fear." Everyone has a Goliath. All one must do is stand up to it.