Capathia Jenkins to Return as Medda Larkin in Newsies

Original cast member Capathia Jenkins will return to the cast of Newsies at the Nederlander Theatre from 15 July 2014, remaining with the show until it closes on 24 Aug 2014.

Jenkins originally left the Disney Theatrical Production on 9 Sep 2012. The role is currently being played by LaVon Fisher-Wilson, who will play her final performance on 13 Jul 2014. Newsies recently announced that it will close on Broadway on 24 Aug 2014, when it will have played 16 previews and 989 regular performances, ahead of a nationwide US tour.

Capathia Jenkins's Broadway credits include 'Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me', 'Caroline, or Change', 'The Look of Love' and 'The Civil War'. Her television work includes '30 Rock', 'The Practice', 'Law & Order', 'The Sopranos', 'Third Watch', and 'Law & Order SVU'.

The musical's principal cast currently features Corey Cott (Jack Kelly), John Dossett (Joseph Pulitze), Kara Lindsay (Katherine Plumber), Ben Fankhauser (Davey), Andy Richardson (Crutchie), and Luca Padovan and Zachary Unger (alternating the role of Les).

Newsies opened on 29 Mar 2012, following previews from 15 Mar 2012. The show was originally playing a limited engagement ending on 3 Jun 2012.

The musical opened to mostly excellent reviews: It's good, old-fashioned family entertainment (NYDN); This family-friendly production makes it clear that fighting for your rights is a worthy cause (NYP); Corker of a family musical (Variety); Seize the day and make a beeline for this Disney winner (Back Stage).

Newsies has a score by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Sister Act), lyrics by Jack Feldman and a new book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy), adapted for the stage from the 1992 live-action Disney feature film musical of the same name.

Newsies is inspired by the real-life 'Newsboy Strike of 1899,' when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers.

Following a pilot production at Paper Mill Playhouse last fall, the show unexpectedly came to Broadway for a 12 week run. Opening with ticket sales from all 50 states, the limited run proved so successful that it was extended another 10 weeks, through 19 Aug 2012. Another round of critical praise following its Broadway opening and 23 major theatrical nominations - including eight Tony Award nods - followed. On the 19 May Disney Theatrical production announced the show would play an open ended run.

The musical is adapted from the 1992 movie which also features a score by Alan Menken ad lyrics by Jack Feldman. The stage play for the movie was written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White.