NEWSIES Will High Kick its Way to Marshwood High School

Extra, Extra, read all about it! Disney Newsies is coming to Marshwood High School! Based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899, Newsies depicts the story of New York newsies, boys and girls who sold newspapers on the streets, who went up against two newspaper publishers, Joseph Pulitzer of the New York World and William Randolph Hearst of the New York Journal, to fight for their chance to earn a liveable wage.

The strike lasted for two weeks and the newsies eventually came to a compromise with the publishers. A significant historical event, the newsies strike is one of the first strikes that was carried out by children and it ended in compromise, which was a success for the newsies.

This Disney story of the strike of 1899 follows Jack Kelly, a seventeen-year-old newsboy, who dreams of a better life than the streets of New York City. Jack lives with other newsies who are all trying to scratch out a living by selling newspapers. He leads his fellow newsies in a fight for better wages against newspaper giant Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of New York World. Jack rallies all the newsies in the city to get behind him against Pulitzer. "...if we stand together, we change the whole game... Ain't no crime to bein' poor...all we ask is a square deal."

The end of the 19th century was a time of great change around the world. The strike made an incredible impact on history, and in turn, our world today. It helped make changes in child labor laws and inspired many other unions and strikes. It inspired children and adults alike, as the newsies fought to be treated fairly and valued for their efforts. Because children banded together to help children, they were able to change the world.

Director Tanya West envelops that spirit of helping each other, supporting each other and respecting everyone as equals in the district musical. "As a group we created our own "newsie code," which embraces concepts such as "include everyone, set a good example, listen!" and "everyone makes mistakes." And my favorites - "respect each other, you are the only person responsible for you" and "ask for help, offer help." We strive to follow this "newsie code" in producing this show," she said.

Don't miss your chance to see Marshwood students in grades 3-12 in this spectacular show with fantastic dance numbers and a score of songs that tells a story which explores the idea that it takes courage, determination and the support of your friends to stand up for what's right. "Just look around at the world we're inheriting and think of the one we'll create... So whatever happens, let's begin!"

Performances for Newsies will be Friday, November 9th at 4:30pm, Saturday, November 10th at 7pm, Friday November 16th at 7pm, and Saturday November 17th at 2pm and 7pm, at the Wesley E. Kennedy Performing Arts Center at Marshwood High School. Tickets are available for $10 in advance and $12 at the door and reservations can be made by calling Marshwood High School at 207-384-4500 or online at marshwoodmusic.org.