Alen Menken and Kenny Ortega Rewrite Disney’s “Newsies” Hit Songs to Encourage Voting. The Non-Partisan Broadway Votes has released a new short film trying to get voters to “Seize the Day!” and “Carry The Banner” to the voting booth. Not just this Nov 5th, but during any opportunity to do your civic duty and vote!
“Think of tomorrow, seize today; voting protects us as it connects us to our history of hard-won liberty,” go the new lyrics of “Seize the Day”.
Directed by Kenny Ortega, the music video includes excerpts from the original script and updated renditions of “Carrying the Banner” and “Seize the Day.” The revisions were made by the film’s composer, Alan Menken, lyricist Jack Feldman, and Harvey Fierstein, the author of the Broadway musical adaptation that debuted in 2012.
Broadway Votes is a nonpartisan effort dedicated to harnessing the influence and community of Broadway to empower civic engagement across America. Our mission is to promote voter participation and ensure that every voice is heard. By collaborating with industry professionals, we provide clear, accessible information on voting and civic involvement, strengthening democracy through the arts.
You can watch Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical on Disney+
From La-Times Entertainment: The “Newsies” video came to be after Broadway Votes co-founders Catherine Markowitz and Nelini Stamp wrapped up an informational call with Menken with an open call to work together on something, someday.
Weeks later, “An email showed up in our inbox, and attached was a demo, with the lyrics completely rewritten and even a little script,” recalled Markowitz. “He had gotten together with Jack Feldman and Harvey Fierstein, and the three of them wrote an entire medley just about voting. It was such a gift.”
The two then reached out to Ortega about directing a potential short film, which was cast, rehearsed, and recorded within the span of a month (with Disney’s approval).
Related: “An Almost Christmas Story” Will Premier Nov 15 on Disney+
Broadway Votes co-founder Nelini Stamp: “As a ‘Newsies’ fan myself, I used to imagine myself as a newsboy, singing and dancing as my own character,” said Stamp.
“I’m part of that fandom, and fandoms are organized communities that can use their love of something to do a lot of good in the world. We want ‘Newsies’ fans to carry the banner and get out and vote on Nov. 5. It’s part of a long-term model that we need to continue to meet people where they’re at.”
