The Disney musical Newsies was a surprise hit on Broadway, running there for over two years from 2012, followed by a successful North American tour of a similar length. However, the show has never come to Australia. But now, Australians have a chance to see a specially filmed live performance screening at 46 cinemas around the country for one day only on February 19 – and while it’s not the subtlest musical ever written, it’s an irresistible, uplifting experience.

^{Newsies being filmed at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Photo: Disney Theatrical Productions}

Filmed over the course of five days at the Hollywood Pantages Theater last September, with a cast including several stars of the original Broadway production as well as performers from the tour, the screen version captures the atmosphere of the live event, while at the same time enhancing it with numerous different camera angles and close-up shots. Christopher Gattelli’s Tony Award-winning choreography fairly explodes off the screen, while the sweet story pushes all the right buttons.

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, Newsies is based on the 1992 Disney musical film of the same name directed by Kenny Ortega and starring Christian...