Newsies: The Broadway Musical
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dazzling staged musical has some mild cursing.
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Newsies: The Broadway Musical
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Based on 1 parent review
I love Newsies!!!!!!
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What's the Story?
It's 1899 in NEWSIES: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. Kids work for pennies to bring money home to their families. Desperately poor folks work long hours in abominable conditions to make a meager living. In this true story about a hugely successful "strike" by the newsboys of New York City, Jack Kelly (Jeremy Jordan) leads the fight for fair treatment and fair wages against a pillar of the news publishing establishment: Joseph Pulitzer (Steve Blanchard). The tycoon literally wants to squeeze every dime from the sale of his "papes." And it has been OK with the struggling kids until they're finally pushed too far. When Pulitzer demands the boys pay more for their supply of newspapers, Jack Kelly unites the boys. They'll strike and refuse to sell the papers until their wages are restored. Pulitzer pushes back with an unsuccessful attempt to destroy the collection of protestors -- the union. With Katherine (Kara Lindsay), a vivacious but surprising reporter as their ally, Jack and his buddies stand firm, bring Pulitzer and his cronies to their knees, and win big for everyone.
Is It Any Good?
What a great experience is in store for folks who otherwise don't get to see great Broadway musicals like this one, with stellar dancing, great music, engaging performances, and delightful comedy. Newsies: The Broadway Musical, available on DVD and streaming, has a terrific true story to tell. The underdogs -- very young newspaper hawkers -- take on a very rich publishing mogul and sing and dance their way to victory. Director Brett Sullivan expertly films the theatrical production, which is directed by Jeff Calhoun, with choreography by Christopher Gattelli. It's exuberant, corny in the best possible way, and satisfying on all counts. Jeremy Jordan as Jack Kelly is simply wonderful. The supporting cast, including the multitalented Ben Fankhouser and Andrew Keenan-Bolger, and an excellent ensemble fill the stage with high spirits and contagious energy. Highly recommended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about characters from movie musicals as role models. How do Jack Kelly, Katherine, and Crutchie and the others make important changes in their 1899 world? How does Newsies emphasize such important character strengths as teamwork, courage, and perseverance?
Even musical movies can educate as well as entertain. How did Newsies: The Broadway Musical, set in 1899, increase your understanding of unionism in the early 20th century? Find out how unions filled an important role in protecting American workers from corporate abuse. If you know a member of a union, ask him or her about the relevance of unions in today's world.
Disney continues to re-create some of its most popular movies on the Broadway stage. In what ways do those productions assure an enthusiastic audience and lessen the risk that comes with mounting an original story?
What are some of the many differences between shooting a live-action musical movie and filming a staged version of a theatrical musical production? Start with the shooting schedule. How long might it take to shoot a live-action musical movie? A theatrical stage musical? In a stage musical, is there any room for error? Can a sequence be re-shot?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 1, 2017
- Cast: Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay, Ben Fankhauser
- Director: Brett Sullivan
- Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
- Genre: Musical
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage, Integrity, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 134 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some language, mild action, and smoking images
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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