By Emma Shuford ’22 News Reporter
On Sunday December 8, Mercersburg students who participated in the fall musical, dance, and chorale programs were transported to a world of astonishing acrobatics and song, by the compelling stage performance of the Disney musical Newsies.
Newsies is set in New York City in 1899 during the Newsboy Strike. The story revolves around a young newsboy, Jack Kelly, who dreams of escaping the city and the challenges of being a newsboy to pursue a career in art. The main conflict of the play references the historical newsboys or “Newsies” rebellion against Joseph Pulitzer and the other powerful publishing figures of New York City after they increased the prices of newspapers to make more money. This was bad news for the the Newsies because they would be unable to make a profit. To fight back, Jack and his colleagues formed a union and began to strike, showing that they would not submit to unfair practices. Katherine Plumber, a beautiful female reporter and Jack’s love interest, helps the Newsies spread word of their strike. Despite the powerful publishers’ persistent, violent efforts to silence the newsboys and end the strike, the Newsies persisted. By remaining determined to improve the lives of working children and by working together, Jack and the Newsies gained widespread support and won, gaining fairer pay and treatment for numerous kids.
Every song and dance step radiated youth and energy. No matter how difficult the choreography, the actors always appeared as if they were playing joyfully, immersed in every moment of the performance. A highlight of the show was the song “King Of New York.” The show-stopper followed intermission and featured an explosion of acrobatic tricks and incredible tap dancing.
Shannon Fan said, “My favorite moment was the tap dance – besides being exceptionally skilled, the Newsies exuded energy and hope even in the midst of their struggles.” John David Bennett, the Dean of Curricular Innovation and Director of Springboard, agreed saying, “I don’t know who the young tap maestro was, but I’ll never forget the two minutes he was in the spotlight…It was one of those moments that you feel grateful to simply witness.”
Newsies is an exhilarating show. It is easy to see that every performer on the stage is while having the time of their lives, though the dance appeared deceptively effortless. The story of Newsies, a group of kids who prevailed against powerful men and the monopoly they had over the newspaper industry, is compelling and inspiring.
Carina Cole said, “This show is important because it shows the importance of not giving up a fight for something you believe in.” From a technical standpoint, Mercersburg Academy’s students learned a lot from watching the performance. Laurie Mufson, Director of the Burgin Center for the Arts, said, “As young artists…to be inspired by the excellence and quality of work our students saw before them as something to aspire to.” Newsies is a story of hope, perseverance, and standing together to make a change. As the Newsies implore, “Let us seize the day…One for all and all for one.”