In September 2011, Disney Theatrical’s most-requested title “Newsies” will make its long-awaited stage premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Milburn NJ. “We’re delighted to finally be bringing Newsies to life on stage for the first time at Paper Mill,” said Steve Fickinger, VP Creative Development and Licensing for Disney Theatrical Productions. “We know there is significant interest in this title, and look forward to making decisions about its availability for local productions in the fall.”
Featuring music by eight time Academy Award®-winning composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, The Little Mermaid), lyrics by Jack Feldman and a new book by four-time Tony® Award winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy), Newsies is adapted for the stage from the live-action Disney feature film musical. The production will be directed at Paper Mill by Tony® nominee Jeff Calhoun (The Will Rogers Follies, Grey Gardens). This new stage version introduces several brand-new songs by the original team of Menken and Feldman while keeping many of the beloved songs from the film, which featured a screenplay by Bob Tzudiker & Noni White (Tarzan, 102 Dalmatians).
“It’s been thrilling to return to my beloved Newsies and to revisit, revamp and expand upon the score Jack Feldman and I wrote; especially with the exciting addition of a new book by the brilliant Harvey Fierstein,” says legendary composer Alan Menken. “This collaboration has been a total joy. And I can’t wait to see our new baby come to life.”
Newsies begins at Paper Mill Playhouse on Thursday, September 15 and will be performed eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday through Sunday, October 16. Three, four and five show subscription packages are available beginning February 17, starting at $84. If you want to ensure that you will get a ticket to see Newsies, become a Paper Mill Playhouse subscriber. Single tickets will go on sale this summer and range in price from $25-$96. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org.