A group of talented and enthusiastic young performers are preparing to bring the inspiring story of Newsies Jr to life on stage at the Whakatāne Little Theatre.

Opening on Friday, May 16, and running until May 25, the show promises high energy, powerful messages, and unforgettable music.

The one-hour production is a junior version of the hit 2012 Broadway musical Newsies, based on the 1992 Disney film.

The story is inspired by the true events of the 1899 newsboys' strike in New York City, where a group of young workers took on the city’s biggest newspaper publishers in a fight for fair treatment.

Directed by Trace Tidd and performed by students from the Stage Door Performing Arts Academy, Newsies Jr features a large and dynamic cast, including six principal characters and two lively ensemble groups – the “newsies” and the “adults".

Ruby Gibbs, 14, playing the lead character of Jack Kelly, explained how the show was based on real life events, the strike by newsboys– and newsgirls – who go up against powerful newspaper publishers in New York in 1899.

Jack rallies newsies from across New York to strike against the unfair conditions.

“Jack really wants a better life for everyone,” said Ruby. “He dreams of escaping to Santa Fe, but he also cares so much about helping the other newsies. He’s selfless and brave. Crutchie, his best friend, is always by his side.”

McKenzie Tidd, 13, plays Crutchie, who uses a crutch due to polio. “Jack is like a best friend, brother, even a father figure to Crutchie. He’s really loved by all the newsies,” she said.

“One of the cool things about the show is how many characters are based on real people,” said McKenzie.

Davey is portrayed by Jacksen Gundersen, while Alec Simpson, 15, takes on the role of the show’s antagonist, newspaper tycoon Joseph Pulitzer.

“Pulitzer owns The World newspaper and is very determined and calculating,” Alec said. “In real life, he was a little out of touch, but in our show, he’s much more malicious and calculating,”

“He is terrifying,” the other cast members yell.

The show features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, including fan favorites like Santa Fe, Carrying the Banner, Seize the Day, and more.

“Seize the Day is probably the most well-known song,” said Emily McGougan, who plays Katherine, a bold journalist who supports the strike. “It’s the moment the newsies really commit to taking action.”

Alannah King, 13, plays Medda, a spirited theater owner who also backs the cause. “The show is full of upbeat songs and a lot of fun,” she said.

Tickets are available now via Trybooking.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a local cast bring an empowering story to life.

What: Newsies Jr

Where: Theatre Whakatane

When: May 16-25

Tickets: Trybooking.com