Newsies

Walt Disney Productions' hit 2012 Broadway adaptation of the studio's 1992 cult film musical, "Newsies," is making its L.A. debut in a classy national tour edition. The vintage film, directed by Kenny Ortega, which followed the adventures of exploited Manhattan newspaper boys who carried out a successful strike against unscrupulous publishing mogul Joseph Pulitzer in 1899, was never quite a critics' favorite. Yet it gradually cultivated a rabid fan base over the years, which made an eventual stage adaptation inevitable.

This handsome and lively production, which far surpasses typical run-of-the-mill tour versions of Broadway hits, is nonetheless unlikely to be everyone's cup of tea. The material is not exactly a model of literacy and originality. The show remains less about telling a unique or gripping story than providing the opportunity for a large group of talented young actor-singer-dancers to revel in exuberant production numbers.

The joy of the many musical sequences comes courtesy of choreographer Christopher Gattelli's athletic and awe-inspiring Tony-winning dance routines, while the spirited performers warble the catchy if somewhat redundant Tony-winning songs by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Jack Feldman. Harvey Fierstein's book expands the narrative from the screenplay somewhat, but the story essentially remains a hook on which to hang the songs, dances, and high-energy performances.

Another huge asset is dynamic newcomer Dan DeLuca in the lead role of Jack Kelly, a born ringleader who easily earns the trust and allegiance of his newsboy colleagues, especially his closest pal Davey (the captivating Jacob Kemp). While yearning for an artistic life in what he imagines is a Western mecca (faraway Santa Fe, the subject of one of the best songs), the rebellious Jack joins forces with a newspaper reporter, Katharine (ebullient Stephanie Styles), to form a union for the newsboys and plot a strike against the greedy publisher (Steve Blanchard).

There are assorted challenges and complications to the youngsters' plans along the way, but the feel-good spirit of this enterprise never leaves a doubt that a happy ending is in store. Among other notable characters is a brassy burlesque performer (played with gusto by Angela Grovey).

The near-capacity weeknight audience at the reviewed performance was dominated by exuberantly cheering youngsters, who had arrived in busloads. Many seemed jubilant to be seeing the stage incarnation of a favored film musical, and to see what all the buzz was about.

There was no doubt that the kids (and their parents, for those who brought them along) were not disappointed. Gattelli's astonishing dance sequences, Tobin Ost's majestic and mindboggling scenic design (an urban wonderland, which suggests a modern-day "West Side Story"), and Jess Goldstein's glittering period costumes, add to the magic spell.

"Newsies" might not boast the most absorbing or original story premise of all time, and its musical score isn't quite one for the ages. But there are plenty of reasons why this L.A. premiere is a blockbuster attraction.

"Newsies" continues through April 19 at the Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. For tickets or information, call 800-982-2787 or visit http://www.hollywoodpantages.com.