Koray
Tarhan
ACTOR/MUSICIAN
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Press
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"Newsies -An EXTRA Good Time at the Paramount Theatre," Splash Magazines, October 2, 2019
"Don’t let a bad experience with the film (despite the really good performance by Christian Bale as Jack Kelly) dissuade you from seeing the current stage version at The Paramount, it’s splendid, keeping everything good from the original and dumping the rest in favor of a streamlined plot laser-focused on the boys and their fight for fair treatment from their employer. The show is now good, and this production at the Paramount is top-notch, entertaining and political. It is well worth seeing...The Newsboys get their papers, and sing and we meet Davey (the very strong, Koray Tarhan)"
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"Disney's Newsies 'wowing' audiences at Aurora's Paramount Theater," WGN Radio, September 26, 2019
Radio interview with Alex Prakken, Koray Tarhan, and Justine Cameron
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"Paramount stages rousing ‘Newsies’," Daily Chronicle, September 19, 2019
"The production of 'Newsies' features many actors making their Paramount debut, including Koray Tarhan in the role of Davey, Kelly’s right-hand man in the labor strike. The role requires him to be just as commanding on stage as Prakken, and he easily is up to the challenge. His vocal prowess also is a highlight of the production, including superb duets with Prakken.
The newsboys show they are a powerful force when they are united, best exemplified in the fist-pumping number 'The World Will Know.' The production’s message that all workers have certain rights – no matter how old they are – should resonate with the audience...The Paramount Theatre once again demonstrates that a theatrical production can entertain while providing audiences with something to think about."
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"If, like me, you’ve heard “I’m the king of New York” sung a time or six before, there are more visual treats awaiting you in a downtown cultural district that has been brought back to life by a theater that has well and truly proved it can do a better job on its own than by booking cheap, non-Equity tours. And it has done that mostly by drawing on the Chicago talent pool, many young members of which can be seen here, in director Jim Corti’s lively and enjoyable production of the Disney stage musical."
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"Dean’s Reviews: ‘Newsies’ at Paramount Theatre" - Video from WGN
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"The Disney film on which the musical Newsies is based was originally released in 1992, when Disney was simply a large, successful studio, as opposed to 2019, where Disney is fast becoming a Hollywood juggernaut, absorbing lucrative properties and competitors at an alarming pace. As a result, it’s more than a little weird to see a show fictionalizing the New York City Newsboys Strike of 1899 when just last summer the company whose name is above the title on the program was itself fighting a PR battle against its own striking theme park workers. Despite this inherent tension, however, Paramount Theatre’s production does manage to breathe soul into the strange beast that is Disney’s Newsies."
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"'Newsies' Review," Chicago Theatre and Arts, September 17, 2019
"Additional standouts are Michael Kurowski as Crutchie, the newsie determined to avoid the brutal orphanage despite his disability, Koray Tarhan as Davey who flexes his leadership talents and Bret Tuomi as the pompous newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer."
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"It isn’t just the poor’s struggle for equal rights that is hitting all the right notes in this performance. From the stellar ensemble, to the electrifying orchestra, to the breathtaking production, Paramount Theatre’s NEWSIES is right on key...While NEWSIES takes place in New York City, it’s a story for Chicagoans too. The struggle of the working class to overcome adversity is a tale as old as time. The performers remind and inspire us to work together in the face of our systemic foes, and that we are all stronger when we work together."
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"With the opening scene, “Newsies” works to steer clear of the “Little Rascals”-style cuteness. Director Jim Corti goes for realism as much as he can and succeeds much of the time...Choreographer Joshua Blake Carter stays true to the show’s signature acrobatics but there’s a purpose to it beyond crowd-pleasing backflips. The cast powers “Seize the Day” with defiant autonomy. “Carrying the Banner” swells with pride. “The World Will Know” is a fist, punching up through oppression, demanding to be recognized."
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"Paramount Once Again Seizes the Day," Chicago Theatre Review, September 16, 2019
"Koray Tarhan is wonderful as Davey. Another excellent singer and dancer, Mr. Tarhan brings an earnest, intellectual quality to a character that makes Davey a likable fighter for rights and a perfect second-in-command for his new friend, Jack Kelly."
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"Major-league talent makes for Paramount's winning 'Newsies'," Daily Herald, September 16, 2019
"Tarhan's Davy is the movement's brains...That's what makes this underdog tale so appealing. The enthusiasm, the grit and in the case of Paramount's winning revival, the authenticity of that never-ending struggle."
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"Extra, Extra: A Review of Newsies at Paramount Theatre," New City Stage, September 16, 2019
"If there is one surprise in this production of “Newsies” it’s the raw emotional intensity present whenever the ensemble chooses to fight."
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"BBW Review: 'Newsies' at Paramount Theatre," Broadway World Review, September 15, 2019
"Koray Tarhan adds solid vocals as newest newsie Davey, who joins the workforce with little brother Les (played by Nathaniel Buescher on press night) when their father is injured on the job"
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"News Flash: Paramount 'Newsies' is a Hit!" ChicagoNow Review, September 14, 2019
"great performances came from Michael Kurowski ( Crutchie), Koray Tarhan (Davey) and Nathaniel Buescher (Les)"
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"'Newsies' The Musical Review," Around the Town Chicago, September 15, 2019
"This is a strong ensemble piece as the Newsies are of so much importance. Yes, they are led by Jack Kelly ( deftly handled by Alex Prakken) and his “best buddy” Crutchie ( a great job by Michael Kurowski) and of course, the two brothers, Davey (an incredible Koray Tarham) and his little brother Les (Nathieniel Buescher is adorable and on alternate performances this role is played by Daniel Font-Wilets)"
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"Paramount's Gutsy 'Newsies' Seize the Day," PicksInSix Review, September 15, 2019"
"the heart of Corti’s big stage musical treatment is the vibrant energy–and extraordinary precision–of the gutsy newsboys who, individually and collectively, have a charm all their own. Machine-like in their execution of the lighter-than-air choreography of Joshua Blake Carter, flawless featured performances abound"
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"'Pippin' takes on new dimensions in Mercury Theater's cabaret setting," Chicago Sun Times, 10/16/18
"There's a purity and an earnestness to Tarhan's voice that suits the role, especially when he unleashes the gorgeously soaring money notes in 'Corner of the Sky.'"
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"The boyish good looks and resonant voice of Koray Tarhan allow him to take on Pippin‘s title role with tenderness and strength. His rendition of the soaring, well-known ballad, 'Corner of the Sky,' is lovely."
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"Magic to Do," Chicago Theatre Review, 10/15/18
"Good-looking, boy-next-door actor and Chicago newcomer, Koray Tarhan plays the title role with a dramatic confidence that builds nicely with each scene. He holds the audience in the palm of his hand with his beautiful, soulful 'Corner of the Sky.'"
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"A Small Stage Makes Mercury Theater's Pippin Great," Chicago Reader, 10/17/18
"Koray Tarhan easily wins us over as Pippin. From the moment the story begins we are on his side; his pain is our pain."
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"Theater Review: PIPPIN (Mercury Theater Chicago)," Stage and Cinema, 10/14/18
"Athletic and exuberant, Koray Tarhan makes a pleasantly Candide-like Pippin, equally ardent and confused about his fate and future."
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"BWW Review: PIPPIN at Mercury Theater's Venus Cabaret," Broadway World Chicago, 10/17/18
"As the title character, Koray Tarhan finds the balance between naïve and mischievous...Tarhan's take on "Extraordinary" shows us exactly how Pippin's innocence isn't really so innocent after all. Tarhan succeeds because he plays into Pippin's youthfulness and lack of experience, while also demonstrating that this is a character who knows when he's making bad choices."
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"Koray Tarhan is a very promising new talent in the leading role, and he comes with the right messy blend of humility and chutzpah."
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