Earlier today, Disney Theatrical Productions announced they will be mounting a limited run of Newsies the Musical on Broadway this spring. For a company that traditionally plans productions several years in advance and spends millions of dollars on those shows, Disney appears to be starting small this time around.
For Newsies, the budget is only $5 million and will run at the Nederlander Theater from March 15, 2012 to June 10. Sources say the reason for the limited run and budget stems from the fact that two of Disney’s most recent Broadway adaptations – Tarzan and The Little Mermaid– were both critical and commercial flops.
The hope is that Newsies can become a critically acclaimed hit just like Mary Poppins, a musical that not only turned a profit but continues to run. While Newsies opened to critical acclaim at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, N.J. this fall, it remains to be seen if the Broadway adaptation will receive such a warm welcome. We will keep you updated with further developments as they happen.
