Porthouse’s ‘Newsies’ performs above the fold Bob Abelman Cleveland Jewish News, The News Herald, The Morning Journal Member, International Association of Theatre Critics Disney’s “Newsies” is ever-so loosely based on a true story, which was first turned into a popular 1992 Disney live-action film and, later, a stage production with revised music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein. The show premiered on Broadway in 2012, where it won Tony Awards for Best Choreography and Best Original Score. Those awards – and the lack of others – speak volumes, for the show’s explosive dancing, dynamic anthems like “Seize the Day,” “The World Will Know” and “Carrying the Banner,” and hummable numbers like “King of New York” are its most defining and entertaining features. This reality has been recognized by Porthouse director Terri Kent and fully realized by musical director Jonathan Swoboda’s wonderful 11-piece orchestra and MaryAnn Black’s athletic, ballet-based choreography, which pays homage to Christopher Gattelli's original staging. The show’s production numbers are outstanding. For more of this article, go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/.