As previously tipped, the smash-hit Broadway musical Disney’s Newsies is on its way to London.
Produced by 2:22 A Ghost Story producers Runaway Entertainment, the show will open at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on 29 November 2022.
The award-winning Broadway musical boasts music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, and is based on the much-loved Disney live-action film.
Set in New York City at the turn of the 19th century, the story is based on real events: the tale of a ragged band of teenage newspaper sellers, who dream of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. After newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer hikes up the prices for his papers charged to the newsies, Jack Kelly rallies his fellow newsboys in an attempt to protest the change, falling in love with young reporter Katherine along the way. These young newsies from across the city come together and rise up against the exploitation of wealthy publishing tycoons and fight for justice using the only power they have – solidarity.
The Broadway production opened in 2012 and played over 1,000 performances, winning two Tony Awards.
The new production in London will be staged as an immersive ‘in the round’ production, directed and choreographed by Olivier nominee Matt Cole (Fiddler on the Roof). His creative team includes Set Design by Morgan Large, Musical Supervision, Dance Arrangements & Musical Direction by Nigel Lilley, Costumes by Natalie Pryce, Lighting by Mark Henderson, Sound by Tony Gayle, Performer Flying by John Maddox for Suspended Illusions Ltd, Casting by Lucy Casson, Children’s Casting by Jo Hawes, Fight Directors Rachel Bown-Williams & Ruth Cooper-Brown for RC Annie, Associate Choreographer Jane McMurtrie, Associate Musical Director Chris Ma and Production Management by Lee Batty and Andy Fox for Setting Line.
Alan Menken told the press today that: “I am OVER THE MOON about Newsies opening in London!! I’ve been wishing and waiting for this for soooo long. I truly cannot wait!”
Matt Cole, Director & Choreographer, said: “As a huge fan of the original Disney film and the Broadway production, I am extremely honoured and thrilled to be reimagining this brand new version for London and the UK. With an incredible score by the legendary Alan Menken and book by Harvey Fierstein we will bring this all-singing, all-dancing show to Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. This site-specific version of the show provides an exciting opportunity to present the piece in a non-traditional format. Set in the round, the audience will be thrust into turn-of-the-century New York, where the action and choreography will weave its way in and out of the audience. I cannot wait to work with this talented creative team on delivering this wonderful and exciting show to the UK.”
The show is produced by Runaway Entertainment and Disney Theatrical productions (Disney’s The Lion King, Frozen The Musical, Mary Poppins). Runaway Entertainment produce 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Criterion Theatre, and previously produced Conor McPherson/ Bob Dylan musical Girl From the North Country on Broadway and in the West End, Lin- Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, the Olivier Award-winning production of The Railway Children at King’s Cross Theatre, Guys & Dolls in the West End and on tour, Footloose in the West End and on tour, and Flashdance on tour.
Casting will be announced soon, and tickets go on sale in May 2022.
Book Disney’s Newsies tickets at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in London
