Newsies

By Alan Menken, Jack Feldman and Harvey Fierstein. Trinity College, East Perth. Directed by Paula Nicolette, Robert Brahim and Abi Acton. Gibney Hall, Trinity College, WA. May 1-3, 2025

Trinity College’s Gibney Hall was transformed for their production of Newsies, not only by the installation of raked seating, allowing everyone a great view, but with Newsies decorations drawing the audience in on their way to their seats. A polished and joyful production that spilled off the stage, the audience were clearly delighted.

Gibney Hall’s stage was extended with a promenade encasing the orchestra (think The Tony Awards in recent years), with the production also using the mezzanine area left of the seating to create additional performance space. The singing in this production was particularly strong (perhaps unsurprising given the stellar reputation of Trinity’s Choirs and skills od director/musical director Robert Brahim), with the borrowed female cast members matching the boys for strength and clarity of tone. A live orchestra of students and community members supported the show beautifully.

Simply set, with central raised section and projections adding interest, the show relied on its large cast to fill the stage. Perhaps less dancing than we have come to expect, with three cast members picking up most of the male dancing - albeit impressively, the remainder of the cast moved well executing simpler choreography from Paula Nicoletto.

In many ways this is a star vehicle, and triple threat Zach McLean as Jack Kelly does not disappoint, singing and dancing up a storm. He created a beautiful relationship with Katherine, played with strength by Abigail Woodhouse. Patrick Carroll was a sympathetic Crutchie, while brothers Davey and Les were expertly played by Lucky Farrell (another outstanding dancer) and Liam Fitzpatrick.

Finn Stenning Alexander brought maturity and authority to Joseph Pulitzer; Kassie Flexman was a delightful Media Larkin while Oli Nicoletto as Walter danced superbly. Every member of the 38 strong cast attacked their roles with vigour, in a show that teemed with energy.

A wonderful sense of school and community spirit, Newsies was a vibrant production that entertained throughout.

Kimberley Shaw