By Ahryel Tinker
Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory’s Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical took audience members right to the streets of 1899 New York City. When a group of orphaned boys who sell “papes” unite to be heard by Mr. Pulitzer, sparking a child labor revolution throughout the city.
Director Caroline Scarborough’s innovative use of projected media harkens to the movie adaptation with opening credits that roll during the overture and other images and videos that provide an underlying commentary that runs parallel to the story. Set designer and master carpenter Reilly Cooper uses the Gregory Theatre space effectively with multi-use pieces that work in tandem with the lighting design by Dariyn Fergus and Sarah Wolfe’s time-period-faithful properties. The working time-period printer was especially impressive to see, and if you sit on the aisle seat you may go home with a souvenir.
The show opens with the crisp harmonies of Evan Zimmerman (Jack) and Joel Jurack (Crutchie) that settle us in for the wonderfully polished vocal direction by Matthew Scarborough. Audience members were awed by especially strong vocal performances by Katie Rowe (Katherine) in “Watch What Happens,” Joel Jurack (Crutchie) in “Letter from The Refuge,” and, of course, the ever memorable “Santa Fe” performed by Evan Zimmerman (Jack). Even with microphone issues throughout Act One, Zimmerman’s vocal ability shone through in his big solo numbers. Each ensemble number roared with passion, maintaining consistently tight harmonies and impressive dynamics throughout the production. Both the Newsies-loving and newbie audience members were bobbing their heads along with the impressive live orchestration, conducted by Scarborough as well.
Just as expected from a production of Disney’s Newsies, costume designer Christina Brooks pulls off the classic Newsie-boy look, while also exhibiting elegance in pieces such as Medda Larkin’s blush skirt and hat, Pulitzer’s coat and vest, and Katherine’s Act Two vest. The Bowery Beauties’ outfits were especially fun with their complementary colors and intricate styling.
It was evident that the audience enjoyed Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory’s production, as they were both surprised and delighted by the production’s use of the space and the talent of the cast. Notable moments include the impressive tricks and flips executed by the Newsies dancers, like the handstand that never seemed to end — and then held through applause by Patrick Lamoureux (Race). The choreography by Caroline Scarborough, with additional choreography by Patrick Lamoureux and Jordan McEachin, made good use of the stage and highlighted the many acrobatic talents of the cast. Crowd favorites included “Sieze the Day” with a rousing underlying passion, and “King of New York,” a showstopping display of tight choreography, including a tap section with impressive solos and tricks as well.
Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory’s production of Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical was a joy and delight to watch and fun for the whole family. The production’s creative use of the space, tight vocals, strong acting, and impressive acrobatics all provide audience members with a visually striking night of fun at the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Gregory Family Theatre.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 15 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical plays through June 21, 2026 (Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2 pm), presented by Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory performing at Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Gregory Family Theatre, 910960 George Mason Cir, Manassas, VA. Purchase tickets — $35 adult; $30 senior (55+), student, and youth (2-18) — online or at the door.
The cast and production credits are here.
