The notorious “newsie” hats and urge to “stick it to the man” are two iconic aspects of the unique musical, “Newsies.” However, after experiencing it live in Denver’s Buell Theatre, the main thing that comes to mind is the incomprehensible amount of pirouettes witnessed on the stage. The cast gave a magnificent performance filled with desire for the unknown, rebellion and amazing vocals and choreography.

“Newsies,” a 1992 musical drama film produced by Walt Disney Studios, is a musical loosely based on the oppression of child workers and the New York newsboys strike of 1899. While a film first, it was later adapted for the stage and made its Broadway debut in 2012.

Jack Kelly, portrayed by Joey Barreiro, is followed by the young newsies Davey (Stephen Michael Langton) and  Crutchie (Zachary Sayle) in their fight for equal treatment in the workplace. After “The World” newspaper owner Joseph Pulitzer portrayed by Steve Blanchard raises prices on the Newsies, the young newsboys take to the streets and offices to fight for their cause with the help of Katherine portrayed by Morgan Keene.

“Seize the Day,” “King of New York” and “Santa Fe” are a few of the songs by composer Alan Menken that are already incredible in their own right. However, with the direction of Jeff Calhoun, the musical numbers were given a new life on stage and struck a chord in even the most apathetic audience member. Calhoun perfectly captured the newsie spirit. Calhoun also had an amazing industrial style set with numerous large cinematic screens to better accentuate the more intimate parts of the performance and to showcase the Manhattan styled set.

The show’s amazing choreography, as well as unique costumes also boosted the already great performance. The show was filled with  youthful backflips, cartwheels and so many pirouettes it made your head spin. Some might say so much movement took away from the depth of the performance, but instead it added to the youthfulness and individuality being portrayed by the young dancers and actors. The period-appropriate costumes also helped the audience fully appreciate the age and economic position the young newsies are experiencing.

“Newsies” certainly delivers an exhilarating performance. It will be on stage in Denver’s Buell Theatre through April 9 until it makes its way to Sacramento, California. “Newsies” is definitely a must-see play for the young and the old. Not only will the catchy songs be stuck in your head for days on end, it’ll make you want to go on a newspaper strike of your own. The tickets will be going for as low as $35.