Musical Moodboards / Newsies

Hello!Lover of theater that I am, one of the ten items on my summer list this year is seeing a show. Although I haven’t even reached the halfway mark of my much-loved vacation, I have already checked off this item not once, but twice! Last week, I spent my nights assisting backstage in a local production of Carrie {that musical, based on Stephen King’s horror novel, is a story for another day}, and just weeks earlier, I attended a performance of Newsies on its national tour.

The talent of the enthusiastic Newsies cast and the first-rate choreography of each musical number made it easy to create a new musical moodboard for the show, a task that is usually easier said than done. The feature took a short break last month, but previous editions can be found HERE if you’re in the mood to browse!

Sources: Newsies Cast Illustration / Newsboys Smoking Photo / Newsies Photo / Santa Fe Train Postcard / Newspaper Print / Newsboy Illustration / {FYI: I tried my best to provide you with the most accurate and updated sources, but please let me know of any problems or mistakes!}

Newsies, a story about the Newsboy Strike of 1899, originated as a box-office flop in the spring of 1992. Over the years, however, the film has grown into a cult classic, and it’s one I’m eager to see; Christian Bale is quoted as saying, “You say something bad about Newsies and you have an awful lot of people to answer to.” The story transitioned to the stage in late 2011, and it’s been a Broadway success story ever since.

True to the show’s style, I looked for images that reflected the life of a young city newsboy when working on the moodboard, whether it be a photograph of them smoking on the street, a wood print of the traditional newsie, or simply a print of newspaper advertisements. I also looked to different numbers for inspiration; the popularity of the musical’s song “Santa Fe,” for example, called for a vintage postcard picture of the city and the train that Jack Kelly sings of. Finally, I only needed to acknowledge the growing fandom behind the show with an illustration from a “fansie” and include a photo that captures the essence of the show before I wrapped this moodboard up.

Let’s discuss! Have you seen Newsies on stage or on film? Do you know or have you read anything on the Newsboy Strike of 1899? {I’m want to find a good book on it!} Finally, if you have seen a performance, did you love “Seize the Day,” or did you love “Seize the Day”?! :)

Have a terrific rest of your day!