I attended Newsies when it was still relatively new on Broadway, between 2012 and 2014. I clearly remember Jeremy Jordan as Jack Kelly, though I no longer recall the rest of the cast. I bought my ticket at the box office at the last minute and was seated to the side on the second or possibly third level. The tall, towering stage structure made the view surprisingly good even from that height.

At the time, newspapers were sold in sealed plastic boxes on the streets — the "newsies" themselves were long gone from modern New York. With no prior knowledge of the show, I watched as it opened on a bare scaffolding structure representing the newsboys’ residence. The songs told the story from the very start, led by Jeremy Jordan’s strong voice. I didn’t fully understand why Jack wanted to go to Santa Fe — and I still don’t, though the name sounded beautiful, and so did the song.

What struck me most was the energy of the audience. Especially in the upper levels, many seemed to be tourists. They whispered explanations to each other and reacted loudly throughout the show. Normally, I might have found that distracting, but since I didn’t know much about the musical, their commentary actually helped me follow the story. By the end, some even mimicked catching the newspapers tossed into the crowd — like a football audience celebrating a win.

I was overwhelmed by the chorus and choreography. The precision and power of the dancing made me think the show could become a legend. The story unfolded with the introduction of Davey Jacobs and his younger brother Les, who joined the newsies and soon became part of the newsboys’ strike. Katherine Plumber — not played by Lianna Hunt, who joined later productions — was beautiful and sang wonderfully. The kiss scene, though perhaps not a surprise, was met with loud approval from the audience.

The songs were memorable, but it was the dance that left the strongest impression. The choreography combined street and classical movements, performed with incredible athleticism by the newsies. It was no wonder the hotel concierge had recommended the show to me.

The actors playing Crutchie and Les Jacobs stood out as well. Mr. Joseph Pulitzer (yes, the Pulitzer Prize namesake) and Governor Theodore Roosevelt also appeared, adding a touch of historical pride. The strike’s resolution — using the press itself to spread the newsies’ cause — reflected the American spirit of resilience and the belief that problems can be solved from within society.

At the show’s end, newspapers were thrown into the audience — a brilliant final touch.

Looking back, I’m grateful to have seen Newsies during its early Broadway run. The experience stays vivid in my memory not only for the music and dancing but also for the shared energy of the performers and the audience.