Musical Review: Newsies
If you like the distinct varieties of New York accents mixed with the energetic boisterousness of a coming-of-age film, this may be the musical for you. Newsies follows a group of rambunctious boys trying to make ends meet while living packed in a questionable boarding house.
Newsies is loosely inspired by the 1899 newsboys' strike, a real movement in history in New York City’s when child paper-sellers came together to fight unfair price increases. These boys, many of whom were living in poverty, organized one of the most impressive youth-led strikes of the era. The musical takes the real historical setting and turns it into an inspiring story that uplifts and encourages.
We follow Jack Kelly — also known as Cowboy — as he takes David and his little brother under his wing in selling newspapers. Things take a turn for the worse when a rival newspaper company starts gaining more profit, pushing Jack’s employer to cut corners to stay on top of the New York news market. This means the newsies get gouged, the prices they pay to sell newspapers go up, and their livelihoods are threatened as their wages go down.
This gougging and risking of livelihoods spurs on Jack Kelly and David to rally the newsies all over New York, and together they fight against an unjust system created by a powerful newspaper tycoon — using only their wits and occasionally their brawn.
Artistry and Craft
The musical is well done, the musical numbers were almost always engaging, telling the story in tune with the boyish antics and passion of young men coming together to fight for what they believe in. The cinematography was also wonderful and tactfully done, portraying chaotic environments or touching tender moments with versatility. The dance numbers are super technical and embody the gumption and striving the boys must maintain to keep up with the demanding hand-to-mouth paycheck they survive on, while simply working to have a place to sleep and food for their stomachs.
Some interpersonal relationships were also very well done, while others I feel like could have been explored more or shown in a more gradual pacing to show authenticity. I believe the movie makers made this intentional to keep the focus on the boys and their fight, but I also feel like this was a missed opportunity in certain ways.
Christian Bale was excellent in the role of Jack, and as a fan, when I first saw that he was in the musical, I was ecstatic. Even as a young actor, he manages to pull off a New York accent very well in a believable way most times, with only a couple of slip-ups here and there. Christian Bale's portrayal of Jack is also very believable and heart-wrenching. Even when Jack doesn’t make the best choices or seems to be a more morally gray-centred character, you can't help but feel a certain personal connection with him in his very "human" state.
Although child labour is legally prohibited today, the musical serves as a reminder that such practices persist in many parts of the world—often under even more horrific conditions. While North America has largely moved beyond these realities within its own borders, for many communities across the globe child labour remains a means of survival. In turn, this exploitation continues to feed the consumerism and materialistic culture present in American society today.
It is certainly not an issue confined to the past. In fact, a 2022 UN report stated: “The latest Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, published by the International Labour Organization, International Organization for Migration, and international human rights group Walk Free, revealed that last year some 50 million people were living in modern slavery: 28 million in forced labour and 22 million in forced marriages.” This sobering statistic reminds us that there is still much work to be done. As Christians, called to be stewards of creation, we have a responsibility to confront and work to end this ongoing atrocity. ★★★
Themes and Messages
As I said before, Newsies explores tension — constant tension, much like the city of New York itself. There is a relentless effort required to make a daily living. There is the tension between budding friendships and tentative trust. There is the tension of walking the line between right and wrong, navigating morally gray decisions. And there is the tension of moving forward with nothing but the hope of a dream that keeps you going day after day.
The musical captures the rambunctiousness of youth in all its wild laughter and physical freedom — the first attempts at spreading one’s wings, the early stirrings of responsibility, and the slow understanding of what it means to do the right thing, even when it isn’t the easiest or most logical choice.
To me, Newsies is a comforting film, portraying both the mistakes of youth and its glories — everything it has the potential to be. It explores betrayal and redemption in ways that feel deeply relatable, especially as these themes unfold within the fragile, formative world of adolescent friendship.
This part in particular resonated with me because it made me realize how common these social dynamics are at that age. It stirred memories of my own struggles with similar experiences, yet also offered a measure of peace in recognizing that these challenges are universal — and that many people grow through them. ★★★.5
Final Thoughts
Overall, I can say that the musical was genuinely good, even though I haven’t watched many musicals. It may not have reached the level of excellence that some productions achieve, but it still offered a meaningful and engaging experience. Stories about youth come in countless shapes and sizes, and Newsies represents just one of these many narratives. What makes it memorable is the way it captures the energy, uncertainty, and determination of young people trying to carve out a place for themselves in an unforgiving world.
The musical also carries a message that extends beyond its historical setting. It suggests that fighting for justice is not reserved for heroes or adults or people with power; it is something that can be taken up by anyone, at any age. In its own way, Newsies invites viewers to reflect: When the moment comes and you have the chance to be brave, what will you choose to do?
While it may not be flawless, the production offers enough heart, spirit, and sincerity to make it worth watching for some. For that reason, I would give this musical three and a half stars.
Content Disclaimers:
Child labour, violence, mild peril involving minors, physical danger, poverty, light swearing, smoking, thematic references to exploitation, and emotionally intense scenes involving Mia Metta’s performance that may be unsettling for some viewers.
That’s all, folks! If you’ve watched Newsies, tell me what you thought about it in the comments below ❤❤❤
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