“Back to the Banner: Why the ‘Newsies’ Proshot Still Delivers”
As someone who was obsessed with the original Broadway cast of Disney’s Newsies, I went into the filmed stage production with high expectations—and maybe a touch of trepidation. There’s always that nagging fear when something you love is reinterpreted for a wider audience. Would the energy still crackle through a screen? Would the cast deliver the same heart-pounding urgency I remembered from the live performance? The short answer is yes—and in some moments, it delivers even more.
[Warning: Spoilers from the Newsies proshot on Disney+ are below!]
Broadway legends return in Newsies Proshot
The Newsies proshot, filmed live at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, isn’t just a tribute to the Broadway show; it’s a love letter to the fans who helped it become a cult classic. And as a longtime fan of the original cast, I was thrilled to see so many familiar faces back where they belong—most notably Jeremy Jordan reprising his role as Jack Kelly, and Kara Lindsay returning as Katherine Plumber. These two were part of what made the Broadway run electric, and their chemistry, even years later, hasn’t lost a beat.
Jordan’s Jack is just as charismatic, raw, and vocally powerful as ever. Watching him belt “Santa Fe” with that same gut-wrenching blend of hope and heartbreak reminded me exactly why I fell in love with the show in the first place. He doesn’t just sing the part—he lives it, with every strained note and furrowed brow pulling you deeper into Jack’s restless spirit.
Kara Lindsay’s Katherine remains a standout as well. “Watch What Happens” is still a rollercoaster of nerves, ambition, and wry charm, and Lindsay’s comedic timing gives the song the levity it needs without losing the character’s core drive. In fact, seeing her perform the number on screen—where every subtle eye roll and half-smile is caught up close—makes me appreciate her performance even more.
Highlights from this proshot on Disney+
The direction of the proshot itself is tight and kinetic, doing justice to the explosive choreography that made Newsies such a Broadway phenomenon. Christopher Gattelli’s Tony-winning choreography is a marvel in person, but here, it’s shot in a way that actually enhances the experience rather than diluting it. Wide shots are used wisely during big ensemble numbers like “Seize the Day” and “King of New York,” allowing us to appreciate the scale and precision of the dancing, while the tighter shots help us connect emotionally during the more intimate moments.
One unexpected highlight is Ben Fankhauser as Davey, who gets even more time to shine here. His vocals are clean and rich, and his steady, grounded presence plays beautifully against Jordan’s fiery Jack. And while Andrew Keenan-Bolger’s Crutchie was always a fan favorite, seeing his “Letter from the Refuge” up close is downright heartbreaking. The proshot gives him the quiet space to let the emotion breathe, and it’s one of the most moving moments in the entire show.
That said, the proshot isn’t without its quirks. While the camera work is generally excellent, there are moments where cuts feel slightly over-edited—pulling away from a powerful moment too quickly or bouncing between angles in a way that doesn’t quite match the rhythm of the performance. Also, the stage-to-screen translation always runs the risk of losing the immersive, communal energy of live theater. There’s something about sitting in a packed house and feeling the floor vibrate during “The World Will Know” that can’t quite be replicated on screen, no matter how high the production quality.
Still, this filmed version is about as close to that feeling as we can get—and for fans who never got to see the original Broadway production, it’s a gift. It preserves what made Newsies special: the boundless energy, the underdog heart, and the irresistible call to “seize the day.” It’s aware of the deep emotional connection fans (especially those of us who were there in the early days) have with these characters and songs. It gives us the chance to experience the magic again, to remember why we fell in love with Jack, Davey, Crutchie, and the rest of the ragtag revolutionaries.
For those of us who grew up with Newsies—whether the 1992 film or the stage musical—the proshot is more than just a recording. It’s a reunion. It’s a second chance to cheer, to cry, to sing along, and to remember that sometimes, the world will listen to little guys who shout loud enough.
Newsies is currently streaming on Disney+! Have you watched this proshot before? Let us know what you think of this musical @bsb.insider on social media!
History in Harmony: Why Hamilton on Disney+ is a Must-See
