Newsies

In 1899, in New York City, Jack Kelley dreams of escaping to the beautiful landscapes of Santa Fe. His ambitions for a better life motivate him to seek more than just the streets of New York.

Jack crosses paths with brothers Les and David Jacobs, who have taken up selling newspapers after their father’s accident. Jack quickly becomes a mentor, sharing his skills and strategies for selling papers effectively.

The newsboys' lives take a turn when Joseph Pulitzer decides to raise the purchase price of newspapers by 1/10 of a cent. While it may seem trivial to him, this increase significantly impacts the newsboys' livelihoods.

Jack, inspired by David's ideas, begins to rally other newsboys across New York City against the price hike. His leadership aims to unite them for a collective response to this unfair treatment.

In their efforts to strengthen their cause, the newsboys journey to Brooklyn to enlist the help of Spot Conlon and his gang. Despite their skepticism about joining the strike, Jack continues to advocate for unity among the newsboys.

The newsboys attract the attention of Bryan Denton, a reporter from the New York Sun. His support proves crucial as he becomes their loudest advocate, bringing media coverage to their plight.

Tensions rise as the newsboys create chaos at a newspaper distribution hub, drawing police intervention. This moment escalates the conflict between the newsboys and the authorities.

During the unrest, one of the newsboys, Crutchy, is captured and sent to The Refuge, a place masquerading as a rehabilitation center. Jack recalls his own traumatic experiences there, igniting further anger among the boys.

As rumors spread about a visit from Governor Theodore Roosevelt, the newsboys' spirits are lifted. This potential support for their cause rallies them together, despite facing danger and uncertainty.

Warden Snyder recognizes Jack from a newspaper image and attempts to arrest him at a rally. With Jack caught in this legal bind, David takes the mantle of leadership, pushing the movement forward in Jack's absence.

In a strategic move, David and the other newsboys decide to create their own newspaper. This publication focuses on their unjust treatment and shines a light on the harsh realities they face.

Jack returns to the forefront of the movement, invigorating his fellow newsboys. Together, they begin producing and distributing their papers, highlighting their struggles and the corruption of The Refuge.

The newsboys confront Joseph Pulitzer directly, demanding change. Jack passionately asserts that 'people have voices, and they need to be heard,' encapsulating the essence of their fight for dignity.

The mounting pressure from the newsboys leads Pulitzer to finally repeal the controversial price increase. This moment of victory sparks joy and celebration among the newsboys, affirming their collective strength.

Choosing to remain in New York, Jack reaffirms his commitment to his friends and their shared struggles. United, the newsboys look forward to brighter opportunities, ready to face the future together with hope and solidarity.