Disabled Actor To Play The Role Of Crutchie In Disney's NEWSIES

For the first time, an disabled actor will take on the role of Crutchie in Disney's NEWSIES musical, as the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in NJ breaks boundaries with its casting.

From an early age, Patrick Tombs knew he wanted to be an actor.

"I look back at my boldness now and marvel," notes Tombs. "I don't think there were any disabled actors I could look to for inspiration; I just wanted to do it."

Tombs, who was born with Arthrogryposis, a birth disorder that causes an infant to have atrophied muscles and stiff limbs, believes Crutchie is the perfect role because he lives with a mobility challenge too.

"I did some research, and I believe that I am the first actor with a disability to play the part. It is my hope that we see more disabled people represented in the arts, but that only starts by us reclaiming those roles that fit our body features."

Tombs has undergone several corrective surgeries and, with the help of physical therapy and leg braces, is able to walk without assistance.

Tombs credits his father for instilling in him a love of theater and acting: "My dad started a family tradition where we would watch the eight-hour-long Royal Shakespeare production of Nicholas Nickleby on VHS over the course of a few nights. That was the spark that lit my passion for acting."

Tombs' mother is a singer that encouraged him to sing in church and study voice. This allowed him to think seriously about pursuing a career as a classical or opera singer.

The role of Crutchie in NEWSIES has always been on his bucket list of roles to play. The musical tells the true story of a newly-formed union of newsboys that defied the publisher of a prominent New York newspaper in 1899 to strike for fair wages and treatment. The charismatic leader of the newsboys is Jack Kelly (played by Jim Schubin in the Axelrod PAC production), and Crutchie is his trusty sidekick and the heart of the resistance.

"Crutchie is a fighter, but he's kind," says Tombs. "He cares deeply for the other newsies, especially Jack."

Tombs explains that he tries to find himself in every character he plays but admits some are a more natural fit than others. "Crutchie and I share the perseverance and fearlessness that result from challenges. He always finds a way to slip in a joke and so do I."

According to Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco, "Patrick stole our hearts the moment he came into the audition room. He burst in with his jagged gait, smiled and said, 'Guess you figured I have a special connection to the role of Crutchie!' I laughed and then sat awestruck as Patrick sang the character's main song. We knew we had to have him in the cast immediately. He's been a joy to work with, and we are confident he will steal the audience's hearts."

Tombs is grateful that Director and Choreographer Marcos Santana (Broadway: On Your Feet, In the Heights) includes him in the dance numbers, saying, "I learn the moves with everyone else, and then, if I need to adapt, I do. I truly appreciate it when a director gives me room to play with physicality, instead of keeping me still because they aren't sure of what I can or can't do."

Tombs advice for people with disabilities is the same advice that he would give anyone, "If you have the urge to go do something, then do it. Life is too short to wonder what might have been. I hope that disabled people feel empowered to walk a path that makes them happy, makes others happy, and makes a difference."

Tombs hopes audiences leave the theater full of hope, one of the major themes in the play, because the show allows people to relate to their own struggles in a tangible way.

"One of my favorite things about this industry is that I'm not limited by my own imagination. With so many creative people working to conceive new roles and stories, I'm excited to see what roles may potentially come my way," says the actor who hopes to one day play the role of Smike in a revival of Nicholas Nickleby.

NEWSIES plays at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center from June 1 through June 17. Tickets are available online at axelordartscenter.com. Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Avenue, Ocean Township. The theater offers senior and student discounts, as well as ample, free on-site parking and is completely accessible.

About the Axelrod Performing Arts Center

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is New Jersey's newest professional theater, offering main-stage musicals with casts and production teams from New York City and beyond as well as original concerts throughout the year. The Axelrod fosters artistic excellence by showcasing varied and distinct cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual, and creative soul, while cultivating an appreciation of diverse communities through the pursuit of the arts. For more information, please visit www.axelrodartscenter.com.