Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • October 5, 2011 ‘Newsies’ (continued from page 20) unafraid to stand up to social convention, tradition, and a formidable father. In the mold of a young Julie Andrews, Lindsay conveys spunk, intelligence, and courage as her Katherine takes up the cause of a bunch of ragamuffins. The set by Tobin Ost consists of a series of multi-level, barred, metal platforms that, with the help of images projected onto screens, serve as tenements, rooftops, the office of Joseph Pulitzer, assorted New York City streets, a basement of a newspaper building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. These prison-like structures move forward, turn, or recede to accommodate on-stage action and offer suggestions of locale rather than specifics. Many of Menken’s songs are of the rousing “We will succeed” variety and are enhanced by spirited lyrics by Jack Feldman and enthusiastic interpretations by the cast. Stories of the little guy bucking the ruthless mogul are always engaging, and in light of recent stories about the threats to workers and unions across the United States, “Newsies” has a particular resonance. It may be the perfect show for our time, even though the story is set over 100 years ago. It makes a political statement while never preaching its message. Performances of “Newsies” are Wednesday through Sunday through Oct. 16. Evening performances are at 7 p.m. Matinees on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday are at 1:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25 to $96 and may be ordered by phone at (973) 376-4343, online at www. papermill.org, or at the Paper Mill Playhouse box office on Brookside Drive in Millburn. isms and hear familiar catchphrases. The sole bonus is a commentary track by Reubens and cast. “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” (Warner Home Video) combines the talents of Reubens and director Tim Burton. The plot is simple: Pee-Wee heads cross-country to search for his stolen bicycle. He encounters bikers, cowboys, crooks, and a phantom trucker. He passes through the Alamo and Warner Bros. Studios. The primary source of laughs is watching Pee-Wee act and speak like a child, have the occasional hissy fit, and register wide-eyed enthusiasm. Blu-ray extras include commentary by Reubens and Burton, additional scenes, production storyboards, and a music-only track. DVDs (continued from Restaurant page) presents most of Pee-Wee’s pals: Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne, Jambi, Chairry, and the King of Cartoons. Essentially an extended episode of the TV show, the stage version offers bright, colorful sets, amusing puppetry, and enthusiastic performances from the live actors. Reubens looks almost exactly the same as he did on the TV show back in the 1980s, with his tight grey suit, bow tie, and white loafers. It’s fun to revisit those trademark manner-