Set in New York City at the turn of the century, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of "newsies," who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right.
What Is the Story of Newsies?
Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this new Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of “the little man.”
"Stop the presses! Disney has produced a winning, high-energy musical for family audiences that doesn't include a single flying witch, talking animal, or dancing teacup. The standouts remain ensemble numbers from the film, such as ‘Carrying the Banner’ and '’King of New York' — the latter is a tap-tastic showstopper that opens the second act — and they pop thanks to Christopher Gattelli's aggressively acrobatic choreography and a high-flying male chorus who will likely drive future ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ contestants to belly up to the barre."
Entertainment Weekly
Thom Geier
"You can see why [Jeremy Jordan is] being hailed as Broadway’s new star hunk. Jordan may want to unclench his manly jaws once in a while, but his charming Jack hits a good balance of sexiness and humor, and he has a velvety singing voice. Still, there’s a reason the show’s title is plural: The story is about strength in numbers, and the best songs all deploy the big ensemble."
The New York Post
Elisabeth Vincentelli
"Jeff Calhoun's excellent production benefits from a three-story set design of scaffolds, complimented by cinematic projections, and Christopher Gattelli's spectacular choreography. The absolutely incredible young males in the cast do back-flips and audacious balletic spins, tap-dance on bar tables and shuffle with sheets of newspaper under their feet. Jordan, who starred in the flop "Bonnie and Clyde" earlier this season, proves himself yet again to be a genuine matinee idol as Jack. His theatrical performance bursts with an aggressive fighting spirit and sincere adolescent emotion."
AM NY
Matt Windman
"This Disney Theatrical Production stage version of a cult movie is a cheerfully old-fashioned mix of a stirring story with a catchy score. And did I mention that the dancing by a terrific ensemble is mighty awesome? And then some!"
NJ.com
Michael Sommers
"Rousing songs by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, high-energy dance numbers, an appealing cast and an uplifting story make this reconceived version one of Disney Theatrical's most entertaining new properties in years...Newsies adheres to a time-honored Disney tradition of inspirational storytelling in the best possible sense. "
Hollywood Reporter
David Rooney