Just in time for Christmas, Newsies, is an explosion of energetic dance and song -a typical feel-good Disney Production. Based on a true story, Newsies tells the tale of the children who sold newspapers for Joseph Pulitzer ( Yes, the famous Pulitzer Prize founder). In those days thousands of children worked as deliverers, paper sellers, shoe shines and messengers to support their immigrant families. In 1899 led by Kid Blink, these kids came together, rose up and organised a city-wide strike in New York.
Michael Ahomka-Lindsay plays the main protagonist ‘Jack Kelly’ whose character is based on Kid Blink. With Pulitzer’s daughter Katherine, he inspires and organizes the newsies to rebel when Pulitzer raises the price of the newspaper bundles – meaning newsies would have to sell 25 more papers to earn the same money. His vocal performance is nothing short of amazing as are the powerful tones of Medda (Played by Moya Angela) but what will strike you most about this play is the dance, it’s fabulous! A massive Afridiziak shouts out to Matt Cole, choreographer.
Full of wholesome fun this is an ideal show for all the family. It has touches reminiscent of ‘Annie’ and maybe a little ‘Bugsy Malone flavour’ and I love the fact it was based on real historical events. I’m betting Disney will eventually make this into a movie… remember you heard it here first!
