April 15, 2026 By Ally Donnelly (Pictures by Joshua Ross)
Picture turn-of-the-century New York City: cobblestone streets, towering newspaper empires, and a band of scrappy kids with nothing to lose and everything to fight for. That’s Newsies Jr. which opens tonight at Hingham Middle School, bringing to life one of Disney’s most beloved and high-energy musicals.
Based on the 1992 motion picture and the 2012 hit Broadway musical, Newsies Jr. is inspired by the real New York City newsboys’ strike of 1899, and follows the charismatic Jack Kelly as he rallies his fellow newsies to stand up against the powerful newspaper publishers who have raised prices at the boys’ expense. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united — and create a movement to fight for what’s right.
The HMS cast is supported by 8th grader Henry Earle as Jack Kelly, the scrappy, big-hearted ringleader at the center of the action and 7th grader Madison McGuire who plays Katherine, the ambitious young reporter determined to tell the newsies’ story, but is replete with stunning performances by dozens of student actors.
For Drama Director Maureen Fish, the show’s message is as relevant as ever. “The overall message of Newsies, Jr. is ‘we can make change when we work together, Everyone’s contributions to this show are living proof of the truth of that phrase. Our students have been working nonstop to tell this story through scene, song, and dance,” she says.
Fish has been equally impressed by the leadership she’s witnessed among her students throughout the production process. “This is a huge show, with many, many moving parts,” says Fish. “I have been blown away by the initiative of our student leaders working so hard to keep everything running so smoothly. We are watching the evolution of middle schoolers stepping into their own strength and spotlight, on and off the stage.”
Newsies features classic songs like “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” “Watch What Happens,” “Santa Fe,” and “Just a Pretty Face.” And for Musical Director Christopher Landis, the connection to the show stretches back decades. “I came upon this show during my early teaching career.” He said. “For a day that I was going to be out, I stumbled upon a VHS tape to play for my students with a young Christian Bale singing and dancing–I fell in love with the movie and it quickly became a favorite show of mine.”
The students, Landis says, have more than risen to the challenge of the high-energy show. “What can I say about these kids?!? This is probably one of the most demanding shows we’ve done at the middle school. With its high intensity dance numbers, lyrical ballads, and patter songs, this musical has a high standard. The students have certainly shown they are up for the task of tackling songs that challenge their vocal range, as well as the demanding dance routines. The audience is sure to be blown away by the talent on the stage.”
Landis calls the direction of Choreographer Brandy Nickerson critical to the production. “She has gone above and beyond, choreographing some of the most difficult group numbers to be performed on the middle school stage,” says Landis. “The choreography is iconic – and incredibly athletic. The students truly responded to Miss Brandy’s encouraging style of teaching, and it is clearly evident in their performance. There is a tap feature with about 20 students who are nailing some very advanced routines. It is such fun to watch and so impressive!”
If tonight’s opening night is any indication, this may be a production long remembered in the halls of Hingham Middle School. Fish is already looking to the future. “These kids will be knocking your socks off in the casts and crews of HHS Drama in the years to come,” says Fish. “What a privilege it is to be witness to such powerful, personal growth! BRAVO to all on a job well done!”
Disney’s Newsies Jr. opens tonight at Hingham Middle School through Thursday. Get your tickets here: Newsies Jr tickets