Newsies Jr
Whakatāne Little Theatre

Newsies Jr, the latest production by Stage Door Performance Academy, has burst on to the Whakatāne Little Theatre stage with infectious energy and youthful talent.

This condensed, family friendly version of the Broadway hit opened Friday night and runs until Sunday, May 26 – so there’s still time to catch this spirited show.

Directed by Stage Door’s principal, Trace Tidd, the show is a credit to her passion and experience in musical theatre.

The cast – made up entirely of performing arts students – deliver a show that is brimming with enthusiasm, stunning choreography and music.

What makes Newsies Jr stand out is that it’s based on a real-life event: the 1899 New York City newsboys’ (and newsgirls’) strike.

Many of these children were orphans or helping to support their families, and they bravely took on the powerful newspaper publishers to protest a hike in the wholesale cost of papers, which cut into their slim profits. This became the largest child-led strike in history.

It’s worth telling kids (and adults) a little about this historical backdrop before the show – it adds depth to the storyline and shows just how courageous these young workers were.

Ruby Gibbs is terrific in the lead role of Jack Kelly, the street-smart, big-dreaming teen who leads the strike.

With charisma and confidence, Ruby brings charm and heart to the character, quickly winning over the audience.

McKenzie Tidd is equally strong as Crutchie, Jack’s disabled but fiercely loyal friend, striking a lovely balance between humour and poignancy.

The duo is joined by Jacksen Gundersen as Davey and Jordan Northey-Singsam as his younger brother Les, both of whom bring solid performances.

The musical doesn’t shy away from big ideas – child labour, unionisation, political resistance, and even women’s emancipation – all wrapped in a feel-good story about standing up for what’s right. It’s empowering and uplifting, especially for young audiences.

One of the show’s highlights is Emily McGougan as Katherine, a headstrong journalist breaking into the male-dominated news world.

Her rendition of Watch What Happens, performed while furiously typing her first scoop at a desk, is fast-paced, funny, and powerful – a showstopper.

Alec Simpson plays a formidable Joseph Pulitzer, the ruthless newspaper tycoon and Alannah King gives a lively performance as Medda, a spirited vaudeville theatre owner who backs the young strikers.

The leads’ strong performance is backed by choreography and ensemble numbers that are a joy to watch, with a large cast of young performers dancing and singing their hearts out to Alan Menken’s catchy, Broadway-style score. It’s clear they’re having a blast on stage, and the audience shares in that joy.

Newsies Jr offers a great way to support local youth theatre and enjoy a night out that’s full of talent and inspiration.

Don't miss out – book your tickets now.

Newsies Jr
*Where: Whakatāne Little Theatre
*When: May 16-25
*Tickets: Trybooking.com