Newsies: The Broadway Musical Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of overworked street kids decide singing and synchronized backflips are the best way to convince a newspaper mogul not to hike up prices, because apparently, dance solves everything.

🍿 Newsies: The Broadway Musical: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life as a Newsie

Set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century, the story follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy dreaming of a better life away from the city streets in Santa Fe. He leads a group of teenage newsboys who sell newspapers to make a meager living.

Pulitzer Raises Prices

Their lives are disrupted when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst decide to increase the price of newspapers for the newsboys. This cut into the boys’ already slim profits, making it nearly impossible to survive.

Calling a Strike

Outraged by the unfair change, Jack finds a cause to fight for. He teams up with brothers Davey and Les, who are new to the newsie business and need to make money for their family. Together, they rally the newsboys across the city to go on strike.

Gathering Support and Facing Opposition

The strike gains momentum as newsies from Manhattan, Brooklyn (led by Spot Conlon), and other boroughs join the cause. However, Pulitzer is determined to break the strike and uses various tactics, including violence and sending striking newsies to the notoriously harsh Refuge.

Reporting the Story

The newsboys’ struggle attracts the attention of Katherine Plumber, a young journalist eager to prove herself. She decides to cover the strike, giving the newsboys a voice but also navigating her own complex connection to Pulitzer.

The Climax: Standing Up to the Titan

The strike reaches a critical point as the newsboys refuse to back down despite mounting pressure. They organize a major rally to publicize their plight and confront Pulitzer directly, demanding fair treatment and prices for their papers.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Katherine Plumber (Kara Lindsay): A determined young reporter who allies with the newsboys to expose unfair labor practices.
• Davey (Ben Fankhauser): An intelligent and initially reluctant newsboy who becomes a strategic advisor to Jack during the strike.
• Crutchie (Andrew Keenan-Bolger): Jack’s loyal and optimistic best friend, whose vulnerability fuels the newsboys’ resolve.
• Joseph Pulitzer (Steve Blanchard): The powerful and ruthless newspaper magnate whose price hike sparks the newsboys’ strike.
• Medda Larkin (Capathia Jenkins): A kind-hearted Vaudeville theater owner who provides shelter and support to the striking newsboys.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack Kelly: “Headlines don’t sell papes. Newsies sell papes!” – Jack tries to explain the importance of the newsboys’ labor to Pulitzer’s editor, highlighting their collective power.
• Jack Kelly: “I ain’t got nothin’! I got nothin’ but the Newsies! And I gotta stand by them!” – Jack, feeling betrayed and cornered, declares his unwavering loyalty to his fellow newsboys and the strike.
• Jack Kelly: “We’ll fight him ’til we win!” – Jack rallies the newsies to stand up to Pulitzer and fight for fair treatment during the strike.
• Ensemble: “Seize the day!” – Sung as the title number, this becomes the rallying cry for the newsboys to stand up, take action, and demand change.
• Newsies: “The world will know!” – This powerful lyric from a key strike anthem proclaims that the newsboys’ struggle and fight for justice will not be ignored.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,827,489
• Worldwide Gross: $2,827,489

💥 Newsies: The Broadway Musical Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, just… wow. Watching Newsies: The Broadway Musical on screen was an absolute rush from start to finish. The energy radiating from that stage is just infectious, and the dancers are seriously out of this world – I don’t know how they do half of those flips! Jeremy Jordan as Jack Kelly is pure charisma, and his voice? Goosebumps! Andrew Keenan-Bolger brings such heart to Crutchie, his solo really got to me. Even through the screen, you could feel the passion from the whole cast. Sure, sometimes the camera jumps around a bit during the big numbers, making it a little hard to take it all in, but being able to see those facial expressions up close during the quieter moments was amazing. It genuinely felt like having a front-row seat to something magical. I’m ready to watch it again right now!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the original 1992 Disney movie”
  • “Musical theatre enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy high-energy dance numbers”
  • “Families looking for inspirational stories”
  • “People interested in historical events like the 1899 newsboys strike”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild thematic elements (child labor, poverty, class struggle)”
  • “Scenes of confrontation and mild violence related to the strike”

Professional Reviews

• Summarized from user reviews: “This filmed production captures the high-octane energy and talent of the Broadway and Tour casts. The performances, especially from Jeremy Jordan and Andrew Keenan-Bolger, are captivating. While some camera choices and editing during dance numbers could be distracting, the close-ups offer an intimacy you don’t get live, bringing emotional depth to the fore. It’s a sensational way to experience this beloved musical.
• Summarized from user reviews: “The singing and acting are top-notch, showcasing incredible talent. However, the filming often fails the spectacular choreography, with too many quick cuts and tight shots that lose the scale and energy of the full ensemble. Die-hard fans of the original film may find the book changes jarring, particularly character backstories and gender swaps, impacting the narrative flow for some. A powerhouse performance hindered by questionable camera direction.

Audience Reactions

The dancing is mind-blowing and unlike anything seen before.: Viewers were consistently blown away by the athleticism and skill of the cast, especially the dancers. Jeremy Jordan’s performance and vocals were widely praised, as was Andrew Keenan-Bolger’s portrayal of Crutchie. Many felt it captured the energy of a live show and appreciated the opportunity to see it filmed.

Overall Consensus: Widely praised for its incredible performances, high energy, and spectacular dancing, though some viewers noted frustration with the filming and editing choices during large ensemble numbers. Fans of the stage show and the original movie generally found it an enjoyable and powerful experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “To ensure the tap dancing in ‘King of New York’ could be heard clearly throughout the theater, microphones were taped to the bottom of the tables used as percussion during the number.”
• “This filmed version combines cast members from both the original Broadway production and the North American Tour, allowing many fan-favorite actors to reprise their roles.”
• “The character of Katherine Plumber, the reporter and Jack’s love interest, was created specifically for the stage musical adaptation, replacing the original movie’s male reporter character, Bryan Denton, to add a stronger female lead.”
• “The choreography for the filmed stage production was reportedly intensified and adapted slightly to better utilize the space and camera angles, featuring even more turns and acrobatic feats than seen in standard live performances.”

🖥️ How to Watch Newsies: The Broadway Musical?

Newsies: The Broadway Musical, the filmed stage production, is available to stream on Disney+ and BroadwayHD. You can also rent or purchase the film digitally through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital storefront for current pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Newsies: The Broadway Musical, you might like these similar films:

• Newsies (1992): The original live-action Disney film that the Broadway musical is based on, sharing the same story, characters, and many of the songs, though with notable plot differences.
• Hamilton (2020): A professionally filmed version of a popular Broadway musical with historical themes, energetic performances, and a focus on revolution and finding one’s voice, appealing to fans of stage-to-screen musicals.
• Les Misérables (2012): A film adaptation of a classic musical featuring themes of poverty, social injustice, rebellion, and a group of young people fighting for a better future in a historical setting.
• Billy Elliot (2000): Features a backdrop of a labor strike in a working-class community and explores themes of pursuing artistic dreams against adversity, much like Jack Kelly’s desire for a better life.
• The Greatest Showman (2017): An original movie musical released the same year, known for its highly energetic performances, ensemble cast, and inspiring songs about finding your place and creating your own destiny.
• Oliver! (1968): A classic musical film adaptation of ‘Oliver Twist,’ focusing on a group of street children in historical London struggling against poverty and exploitation, with memorable songs and dynamic group numbers.

🛒 Newsies: The Broadway Musical Related Products

• Newsies: The Broadway Musical Blu-ray: Own the high-definition filmed performance of the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, captured live on stage. Experience every flip and harmony in stunning detail.
• Newsies: The Broadway Musical Original Cast Recording: Relive the powerful music of Newsies with the official Broadway cast recording. Features all the iconic songs performed by the original stars like Jeremy Jordan.
• Newsies ‘Seize the Day’ T-Shirt: Show your ‘Fansie’ pride with a comfortable graphic tee featuring iconic imagery or lyrics from the show’s most famous anthem.
• Newsies: The Newsboys Strike of 1899 Book: Dive deeper into the true history that inspired the musical with this non-fiction book detailing the actual events of the 1899 New York City newsboys strike.

🎧 Soundtrack

Newsies: The Broadway Musical features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Overture” – performed by Newsies Broadway Cast
• “Santa Fe (Prologue)” – performed by Jeremy Jordan, Ben Fankhauser
• “Carrying the Banner” – performed by Newsies Broadway Cast
• “Seize the Day” – performed by Jeremy Jordan, Newsies Broadway Cast
• “King of New York” – performed by Newsies Broadway Cast
• “Something to Believe In” – performed by Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay
• “The World Will Know” – performed by Jeremy Jordan, Ben Fankhauser, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Newsies Broadway Cast
• “Crutchie’s Variation” – performed by Andrew Keenan-Bolger

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

almost 6 minutes of jeremy jordan being a cutie || newsies trash

Okay, but seriously, who *doesn’t* love Jeremy Jordan as Jack Kelly? This video is almost 6 minutes dedicated to just how adorable he is in Newsies, and honestly, it’s kind of impossible not to smile while watching!

Who is the BEST Broadway Boyfriend? // tier list of fictional musical theatre men RANKED

Ever wonder how Jack Kelly stacks up against other musical theatre leading men? This video ranks Broadway characters based on their “boyfriend potential,” and it’s a super fun way to hear someone break down what makes our favorite Newsie tick!

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