Although “Newsies” hasn’t been on Broadway since 2014, a three-day filmed presentation by Fathom Events recently became its highest-grossing Great White Way production. The event, carried in Pittsburgh by Cinemark Theaters, sold 210,250 tickets nationally, worth $3.37 million in box office sales.
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I actually went and saw Newsies in theaters with a few other drama students and was so surprised at how packed it was. We actually went to one theater where it was sold out before going across town to still see it. As the article sort of mentioned, the televised musicals which dance between being theatre and being TV have been really popular lately, and I've found they never really hit the mark for me. Part of the joy of theatre it the wonder of how it's done, but it's hard to feel that through a screen. That being said I thought Newsies did a great job engaging the audience and feeling like a show. I saw the show on stage nearly 5 years ago, but I still felt focused on the story and impressed by the design and technical elements. The combination between full stage shots and close ups was near perfect, and I hope this trend, rather than blown out NBC attempts at theatre, grows.
I am one of the drama students that went with Katherine to see Newsies in theatres as stated above! Although I had seen Newsies twice before, this new take on the production left me seeing and experiencing things I never had in the live traveling tour. However, I believe that both versions of the amazing show brought something to the table I could respect. The stage production helped me to be caught up in the drama and the technical elements of the show, while the film version allowed me to get in close with the emotion of the actors and truly feel their pain and happiness in ways I could not on stage. The two also had elements I disliked. For example, the stage production was distant and not as emotionally gripping. Also, the film version left me without the impressive quality that I so often feel during and after live performance as it is happening real time. That being said I thoroughly enjoyed both productions of Newsies and I can definitely understand why ticket sales for the movie were out of the roof!
I so wish I had been able to go and see it in theaters, hopefully when they do the second run I will! I remember first seeing Newsies on Broadway and really enjoying it, it has high energy, fun music, and a heart warming story. Then a few years ago when it went on tour they first came to Waterbury and I was working on it there. That was one of my favorite theater experiences because the cast was incredible, they had such an amazing bond with each other and it showed on stage so much. I know that seeing the movie version wont be the same, but if half of the passion is translated, I'd be happy to see it again. I am so glad that tickets sold and did so well over the three days. I understand why the article is comparing it to the live action TV musicals, but honestly I really don't see much similarity. Hopefully other productions catch on and show films of the shows more, but not enough that it changes into the normal instead of seeing the actual show.
Yes I am so glad I get to comment on this article. Newsies is my ultimate guilty pleasure show and while I was in tech for the first Newsies weekend, I can see the extra showing that was added. When I read that Newsies had set a box office record for cinematic presentation, I was not surprised at all. Anyone that is even somewhat familiar with the wild Newsies fanbase would know that they were for sure all flocking to their local movie theaters a week or so ago. I would have been there with them if I were available. I am so so excited to see it this Saturday instead. I honestly find it surprising that more shows don't do this. Just film one performance, and you can fairly easily make a good amount of money from either screening the performance in theaters or on television/online. I guess it wouldn't be worth it for all shows, since not all shows are quite as popular or have such a broad fan base as that of Newsies, but in many cases it would be worthwhile.
I have not yet seen this film version of the musical, but I am planning on attending it sometime this weekend. I have seen Newsies once before, and was blown away by the talent and production value that it held. I think it is wonderful that they did this for many different reasons. One of them being that people who could not make it to the theatre to see it now have the opportunity, but something that is more easily accessible. It is very difficult to see shows on Broadway, with cost and scheduling, and to bring back the original cast to capture this show is wonderful. I do want to mention the fact that shows on stage can never be 100% replicated to the screen, because there is something about theatre that makes it more magical live and seeing the full stage. I also think this is good because it raises more awareness of live theatre to audiences who typically would not see live theatre. It is a great way to get people more curious into live shows. It also helps raise money for future shows to be put on, which always helps in this business. I am so incredibly excited to see this show and will hopefully enjoy it.
So reading about the audience integration in “Newsies” gave me a good idea of what to expect since I haven’t seen it. I commend the theater community for making theater more accessible, but I also think filming theater and playing it back to an audience disqualifies it as theater. Stage shows are not designed to be flattened onto a screen because film and live entertainment are two completely different art forms. When you take out the ability for an audience member to pick their focus on stage and you zoom in on a certain character’s face making that choice for them, you’re taking away a part of the experience. When you watch a musical from the comfort of your couch and pause it in the middle to go make a snack, you’re taking away a part. I think that videoing is a great way to document theater, but I think theater is meant to be witnessed live. My aversion could also stem from the fact that I think NBC has done a poor job with every live musical they’ve put on.
I have been very fortunate and I have been able to see Newises on Broadway a couple of times. There is nothing like sitting in the Nederlander and watching Seize the day. The dancing is incredible. I was one of the students who saw Newises in the movies with Katherine and Delaney. The journey to get there involved two ubers missing 20 minutes of the show and ending up in the opposite side of town. But it was worth it. Just like in the article people were dressed as Newsies and singing along. I am not sure how but Newises was able to capture what it feels like to be in the audience. I saw Memphis in the movies and it was good but I still felt like I was watching a movie. The live tv broadcasts do not feel at all like live musicals. I hope they can learn something from newsies since they were able to do this so well.
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