Grab your banner and don a newsboy cap with New York’s scrappiest youngsters as they band together to fight for change.

South Whidbey tweens and teens got an education in journalism history with the Whidbey Children’s Theatre’s production of “Newsies, Jr.” The show directed by Cait Cassee opened Friday and runs until March 9.

The energetic musical is a window to the past, based on the newsboys’ strike of 1889 that inspired other labor movements. Newsies made their living selling newspapers to the masses in New York City. Seeking better compensation, the children declared a strike against the publications of newspaper magnates Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst.

A century and a quarter later, a group of 28 kids on an island across the country are joyfully telling their story – with the aid of catchy tunes.

“They love this music,” Executive Director Ann Johnson said. “It’s so captivating for them and so dynamic and so modern while still having this historical background that they sing it all the time. You can always tell if they love the music if they’re singing the music in the current show, rather than music from past shows.”

“Newsies, Jr.” is the second show in the 2024-2025 Season of Rising and features actors in 6th through 12th grades. For many, the classic David versus Goliath story couldn’t have come at a more relatable time in history.

“‘Newsies’ is really special because it’s a true story about the 1899 newsboy strike,” Production Manager Jenica Deer-Cerda said. “And so it’s particularly relevant today, standing up against tyranny.”

As Cassee pointed out in her director’s notes, “The newsies chose to do something about their situation and succeeded not only in improving their lot but also inspiring countless other strikes around the country, drawing attention to the exploitation of child workers and ultimately influencing improvements in child welfare reform.”

For the cast of the production, it was an opportunity to learn more about newspapers; some of the actors were unfamiliar with the print medium, growing up in a digital age, and were amazed by the existence of certain parts, such as the funny pages.

Among the props used on stage is an authentic 1904 typewriter that Deer-Cerda borrowed from her father’s collection.

“I think the story of ‘Newsies’ highlights how important journalism is in spreading ideas and information that both fuel and organize movements that bring change,” 14-year-old June Murray, who plays the role of Race, said.

Kenneth Martin, a 17-year-old who plays Davey, said they learned all about the B-words of journalism – banner, beat and byline.

“‘Newsies’ is the action movie of musical theater: fast-paced, exhilarating and full of adrenaline,” Martin said. “But it’s not without a moving and timely storyline as well. It really is a story of underdogs, and there’s a lot of messaging about the importance of resilience, bravery and standing up for what’s right, so it’s very fulfilling to participate in.”

As Martin noted, “Newsies, Jr.” also has more female representation than both the 1992 Disney movie and the Broadway adaptation. Though they were not as common as the boys, some girls did indeed participate in the 1899 strike.

Carmen Cerda, 14, plays the role of Katherine. She said it was important for her to really connect with her character so she could tell her story as accurately as possible, honoring the people involved in the Children’s Crusade.

As 11-year-old Lydia Rieneckert, who plays Muriel, put it, “This show is special because the whole story is about kids rising up against people in power who are taking advantage of them. Also, the music is amazing!”

Tickets cost $15 for youth up to age 19 and $18 for adults. The box office opens one hour before the show. To purchase online, visit wctmagic.org.

“Newsies, Jr.” is open for two weekends only. Evening performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with a special showing at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 6. Matinees are at 2 p.m.

(Photo by Jenica Deer-Cerda) Katherine Plumber, played by Carmen Cerda, is a role exclusive to the musical version of “Newsies.”

(Photo by Jenica Deer-Cerda) From left, Muriel (Lydia Rieneckert), Jack Kelly (Noelani Martin) and Race (June Murray) are among the newsies who go on strike.