The Facts:
- Writers: Alan Menken (music), Jack Feldman (lyrics)
- Year: 1992
- Key: B Major
Heard In:
Newsies
Background:
The movie Newsies is about a group of newspaper boys in turn-of-the-century NYC who go on strike against their employer, Joseph Pulitzer. Despite the backing of Disney and some relatively big names including Robert Duvall, Bill Pullman, Ann-Margret, the movie bombed at the box-office (the movie also starred a young Christian Bale and Max Casella, recognizable to me as Doogie Howser's buddy Vinnie).
Somewhat surprisingly, the one-time flop has struck Broadway gold as a musical with eight Tony Award nominations including one for Best Musical in 2012. Here's an interesting article from lyricist Jack Feldman where he talks about how why Newsies was brought back to the stage and its unexpected success.
Musically Speaking:
The song comes at a time in the movie when the boys are rallying themselves to take on Big Newspaper. It's a great song with strong lyrics and high energy. Here's a newer version of the song from the stage play.
Personal Connection:
The movie Newsies is about a group of newspaper boys in turn-of-the-century NYC who go on strike against their employer, Joseph Pulitzer. Despite the backing of Disney and some relatively big names including Robert Duvall, Bill Pullman, Ann-Margret, the movie bombed at the box-office (the movie also starred a young Christian Bale and Max Casella, recognizable to me as Doogie Howser's buddy Vinnie).
Somewhat surprisingly, the one-time flop has struck Broadway gold as a musical with eight Tony Award nominations including one for Best Musical in 2012. Here's an interesting article from lyricist Jack Feldman where he talks about how why Newsies was brought back to the stage and its unexpected success.
Musically Speaking:
The song comes at a time in the movie when the boys are rallying themselves to take on Big Newspaper. It's a great song with strong lyrics and high energy. Here's a newer version of the song from the stage play.
Personal Connection:
I saw the movie once when it came out and again for a second time about 5 years ago. It's a decent movie but not one that I'd rush back to rewatch. The music is the best part which is probably why it has done well as a musical. As for the song itself, I can remember singing it in high school chorus.
Here's one I actually remember. I didn't care for the movie (we watched it in school on the day before Christmas break in my freshman year) but I definitely remember that "Seize the Day" song and that it stuck in my head for months after watching the film.
ReplyDeleteCool, thanks for the comment! I'll have some more from 80's/90's movies so will be interested to see if you remember any others.
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