‘Newsies’ musical showcases passion inspired by true tale

Cheer on charismatic newsboy Jack Kelly as he leads a ragged band of young newsies to fight for what’s right in the high-energy production, “Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical.” The show, inspired by the real-life Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, is playing through Aug. 12 at Diamond Head Theatre.

“Newsies” follows Jack, who dreams of a better life off the streets of New York City. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies the impoverished boys, including orphans, to harness their power and strike.

“For me, the most stand-out message that ‘Newsies’ has to offer is one regarding the importance of family, especially during times of hardship,” said Nicholas Amador, the actor who portrays Jack.

To these boys who have been stripped of their biological families, their “brothers” mean everything to them, Amador said.

“The sense of familial community fostered by the characters in this show is one that we should all strive to create with the people we love the most,” he said.

On the surface, “Newsies” is a heartwarming piece of historical fiction rich with romance, passion and jollity, plus memorable music and dance sequences, Amador said.

“But it also makes a wonderful artistic statement regarding the ability of a small group of people with strong wills and ideals to truly make a difference in the world,” he said.

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“DISNEY’S NEWSIES: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL”

>> Where: Diamond Head Theatre, 520 Makapuu Ave.

>> When: 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday, and 4 p.m. Sunday, shows continue through Aug. 12.

>> Cost: $15-$50

>> Tickets: DiamondHeadTheatre.com