On Theater: Airborne dancers propel ‘Newsies’

Ensemble excellence, the backbone of a quality musical, surges to the foreground in “Newsies,” the revitalized and dynamically invigorated rendition of a once-failed show about young newspaper hawkers and their battle for fair treatment, now on stage at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

It’s the high-voltage choreography of Christopher Gattelli, featuring moves usually visible only at the Olympics, that propels this production, although director Jeff Calhoun has bolstered it with his treatment of an engaging story line based loosely on a New York paper carriers’ revolt in 1899.

It seems that a greedy publisher increased the price that newsies paid for their “papes” from 50 cents per 100 to 60 cents, thereby igniting a revolution reminiscent of “Les Miserables.” In fact, the phrase “at the end of the day” does creep innocuously into the dialogue.

The newsies band together and strike, led by the street-tough Jack Kelly, here nobly interpreted by Joey Barriero. While he may seem somewhat mature for a newsboy, Barriero’s moral strength and unbridled enthusiasm propel this key character into believability and, crucial for the audience, likeability.

He’s matched with the young firebrand of a journalist, beautifully enacted by Morgan Keene, who helps bring New Yorkers’ attention to the newsies’ raw deal. Keene demonstrates her vocal prowess in the stirring solo “Watch What Happens,” and her roughshod romance with Barriero is a kick to watch.

Their common enemy is the powerful publisher Joseph Pulitzer — and he’s no prize. This dastardly melodramatic figure is given strong validation by Steve Blanchard in a style reminiscent of the late Alan Rickman.

“Crutchie,” Kelly’s crippled young ally, is engagingly interpreted by Andy Richardson, while their more erudite pal Davey is nicely enacted by Stephen Michael Langton. Meredith Inglesby swipes a few scenes as Pulitzer’s secretary, who secretly sides with the kids.

There’s a soul singer/nightclub operator whose value to the show is questionable but whose vocal stylings are paramount in her raucous “That’s Rich” solo. Aisha de Haas should have an amplified assignment.

Gattelli has created more than enough choreographic diversions, sending his young dancers through eye-popping tumbles and flips. Alan Menken’s music enlivens the proceedings.

Technically, “Newsies” soars on the creative wings of set designer Tobin Ost, whose backdrops flawlessly glide on and off the stage. The centerpiece, a tri-level building skeleton, is in itself a work of art.

“Newsies” is a Disney-produced show, but it’s no Mickey Mouse musical. Strength and gusto enhance the production, along with some world-class choreography at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

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IF YOU GO

What: “Newsies”

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays until May 29

Cost: Tickets start at $54

Information: (714) 556-2787