Carrying The Banner

Last week the fam packed up and headed to NYC for an Easter extravaganza, and on Friday night, I went to the much anticipated Broadway debut of Newsies. Or, as I like to call it--"every 12 year old's dream come true".

I can't even tell you how giddy excited I was. Legit crazytown.

I saw Once the night before, which floored me--unlike anything I've ever seen and I loved every second of it. I want to live in that musical.

So, after that, I was a little nervous that Newsies wasn't going to live up to the 20 years in the making fantasies that all girls my age can appreciate.

We took my favorite grad student and my Madrid cohort, Christy to the show and she and I got to sit third row. WORD.
However, I'm here to tell you, the Newsies crew? NAILED IT.

I can't say enough wonderful things about the show. I've been following them on Twitter and YouTube and knew it would be fantastic, but, it blew me away. The set was super unique, the dancing was OUT OF CONTROL and the entire ensemble worked so well together.

It wasn't the same as the movie of course (a few new songs, not as much Spot Conlin action, a different reporter--but, still), either way, I just loved it. Everyone was so into their show and the singing? Oh the singing! It really renewed my faith in why I do theater.

The crowd was singing along, clapping, toe tapping, hoopin' and hollerin'--was just so much fun.
After the show, I forced everyone to wait at the stage door to meet the cast. The stage door was rammed y'all! My dad goes "these people aren't famous!", to which Christy and I responded "they are now!". That's what I love so much about this show--it's creating GREAT careers for all these kids. Seriously, kids.

Look at how happy they are?!
Christy and Jess LaPort who plays in the ensemble.
Andrew Keenan Bolger who plays Crutchie--darling!
Christy, myself and Capathia Jenkins who plays a fabulous Meda!
Ryan Steele who plays Specs--we love him!

The adorable Ryan Breslin who plays Races
And the man of the hour--Jack Kelly himself, Jeremy M. Jordan
Y'all, he is darling. I've followed his career for a bit and was excited to see him in Newsies. He knocked it out of the park y'all!! Loved his voice on those iconic songs.

A bunch of Texans! Yep, he's a Texas boy.
After the show, the fam, Christy and I went for dessert--wherein Christy and I literally shut down the restaurant. Nothing like long late night chats with a friend who really "gets" you.
It really was just the perfect evening and I love that I finally got to see a Broadway show with Christy! Next time I see her will be in Madrid!

If you get the chance, please, get yourselves to the Nederlander theater in NYC and see Newsies!!