Who doesn’t love a dance musical?

If you’ve ever come across an advertisement or poster for “Newsies”, you have most certainly seen an image of some high kicking or high flying kid in mid-air. There’s nothing like a good old dance heavy musical to get your blood pumping.

The Forestburgh Playhouse production of “Newsies” does not let you down. The show is based on a 1992 Disney film that is a fictionalized account of the real life 1899 newsboy strike in New York City. The show made its way to Broadway in 2012 with a book written by the one and only Harvey Fierstein and music by Alan Menken.

The driving force of the plot is a group of poor, on-the-streets NYC kids who barely survive selling newspapers. When the newspaper owner decides to raise the cost of the papers to the kids, these teenaged hawkers decide to go on strike. It is a completely unheard-of idea when one realizes that these kids who are on the brink of starvation decide to go head-to-head against one of NYC’s richest and most influential men. It is a true David and Goliath story.

An essential part of this production is to match the high octane energy of the dance numbers to the high get-up-and-go of the struggle these kids have for their cause. Even when the characters are beat down mentally (and physically), they get back up, kicking, high stepping and believing in their cause. A wonderful theatrical metaphor!

As a theatre reviewer, it’s your job to praise great performances especially individual performances. And I will. Matthew Richards Jr as Jack Kelly makes himself a clear standout. He is Jack Kelly. Every mannerism, every “Let’s go get ‘em!” gesture or solitary reflective moment, he is the guy we root for. His passion as Jack Kelly is real and actually quite admirable. But I will also state that he is one of an incredibly talented ensemble. If you’re going to see a dance heavy show that boasts Jerome Robbins style choreography, then you better deliver. And this ensemble does! The opening dance numbers are just a teaser of what’s to come. Just before the first act ends, this cast profoundly pounds the floor and brings an extremely snappy, sharp and slick sequence in “Seize The Day.” I must admit that when Act Two opens and I saw metal tips on the actors’ feet, I was gleeful! Early in Act Two I was ecstatic to watch this young cast perform such a rousing, fantastic tap number. Tap! I swear I hope tap never fades away!

I know that I have gone on and on about the collective and the ensemble, but please know that there is a plethora of terrific performances throughout. I mentioned the lead, but his co-stars are fabulous and vocally formidable. Especially Mia McManamy as his love interest Katherine and Mason Ballard as his buddy Crutchie and so many of the other supporting roles. However, as I usually do, I have to point out a young man who happens to be one of our local residents. Lukas Bressler does a wonderful job as Les, the youngest of the newsboys. Without a doubt, he holds his own among this cast of talented professionals.

Acclaim has been heaped upon this group of thespians who have made this show a success, but none of it happens without the patience, expertise and knowing-eye of Director and Choreographer Lauren Haughton Gillis. Believe me, this show is a success because of this professional. On point, peppy, seamless and meaningful is her direction; both acting and choreography. Tremendous job.

What’s very cool about this show is its universal theme. Set in the early 1900’s, it still gets its point across even to our younger generation as evidenced by its overwhelming appeal to my 14 year old granddaughter who sat right beside me!

“Newsies” will run through August 10. Tickets and info are available through the box office at 845-794-1194 or online at fbplayhouse.org.