Newsies
Kenny Ortega had his directorial debut with the Disney musical film Newsies (1992). Although not a huge hit at the box office, it gained a huge cult following once it was released on video.
The film follows the true story about the newsboys of New York and their strike against Joseph Pulitzer (played by Robert Duvall) in 1899. When Pulitzer increases the cost of the newspapers, the newsies feel they can’t bear the added cost and still be able to feed themselves. Newsie leader Jack "Cowboy" Kelly (played by Christian Bale) encourages they start a revolution, alongside brothers David (played by David Moscow) and Les (played by Luke Edwards) Jacobs, and many other young boys who are homeless, orphans, or earning money for parents who are out of work. So with the aid of rival newsboy groups from Brooklyn and other sections of New York, newspaper reporter Bryan Denton (played by Bill Pullman) and vaudeville performer Medda "Swedish Meadowlark" Larkson (played by Ann-Margret), the boys put together their own newspaper to tell their story and find the strength to fight the powerful.
The film contains 12 songs composed by Alan Menken, and multiple dance sequences (choreographed by Kenny Ortega), including "Carrying the Banner," "Santa Fe," "Seize The Day," "The World Will Know," and "King of New York.".
" The choreography is top-notch and the slight lack of polish is perfect for the subject." – Reel Reviews
