Sometimes the greatest way to learn history is through memorable dances and songs, as well as talented actors and actresses. One musical that was particularly significant to American culture is Newsies, a film-turned-Broadway musical based on the true events of the 1899 newsboys strike. Cultural significance not only comes from the fact that it was based off of true events, it is also important to acknowledge the relevance to life in New York City both then and now, and the power of unity and brotherhood. Before explaining the cultural significance of the musical, a distinction needs to be made between the original 1992 musical film Newsies and Disney Theatrical Productions stage musical Newsies The Musical. The stage production opened at…show more content… Many young and teenage boys sold newspapers for the famous newspaper publishers Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. In an effort to make more money, they decided to raise the taxes on the newsboys (also called newsies) from 50 cents to 60 cents. Upset with this raise in taxes and lack of compassion from Pulitzer and Hearst for the poor and usually orphaned boys, the newsies decided to go on strike. The film was accurate in portraying strike marches with signs, rallies, and speeches from a charismatic leader. The lead role of Jack Kelly is based off of the actual leader of the strike, Kid Blink. He was blind in one eye and wore an eyepatch, and he was also known for his charisma and heavy Brooklyn accent. He is famous for telling the strikers, “Dis is a time which tries de hearts of men. Dis is de time when we'se got to stick together like glue.... We know wot we wants and we'll git it even if we is blind." (Morisako) With the help of newsboys from all over New York, they were successful in getting Pulitzer and Hearst to buy back any unsold papers, although not lower the tax. The film shows the power of a strike, as well as an important part of history where change can happen with anyone, even poor, orphaned…show more content… The newspaper business was crucial in this era because of the power of persuasion it possessed. In the film, Pulitzer states, “Power of the press is the greatest power of them all. I tell this city how to think. I tell this city how to vote. I shape it’s future.” The power of the press even helps the newsies win the strike after they published a paper of their own informing the public about the mistreatment of the children at the Refuge. Getting into the hands of Governor Roosevelt, and with his help, the newsies are able to obtain their demands. But the power of the press did not start the strike, the unity of the newsboys did. They came together to fight for a cause, even though they were children. While most of them were orphaned, it was important that they band together through hard times, especially when something as important as money for survival was involved. The strike can be a powerful movement, but it all comes down to the unity and commitment of the strikers, no matter how young or
