Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Newsboys go on strike! I Imagine that the headline that stunned the newspaper publishing world in New York City, circa 1899, read something along those lines. Almost 100 years later (1992), someone over at Disney imagined that the story would make an interesting movie, and a musical one to boot. From what I understand, the film was not initially successful, making a modest $2.8 million at the box office, even though Disney spent $15 million to produce it. As the movie gained a “cult following’ in the intervening years, Disney once again re-imagined the story, this time on Broadway (“They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines”), where the show was more successful in 2012, garnering TONY Awards for Choreography and Original Score.

Capitalizing on their success with producing Disney-inspired “theatrical productions” this season, The Forestburgh Playhouse is presenting Disney’s "Newsies"—featuring a remarkably talented cast, singing and dancing their way through the true story of how a group of ragamuffins stood up for themselves and showed the villainous Joseph Pulitzer (boo- and hiss-worthy Ira Denmark) a thing or two along the way. The band of boys, led by Jack Kelly (Dan Maldonado) comprises some fine performers, each of whom make their mark with well defined individual characterizations, and there are stand-outs (Brandon Walters, Ben Sears, Curtis Jaeger and Richard Westfahl, to name a few) but it is Maldonado who shoulders the bulk, carrying the show with a fine singing voice, excellent dance steps and moving performance that showcase his acting skills, which are considerable. Right alongside Jack is the character of Crutchie (Steven Telsey), who actually moved me to tears with his beautiful interpretation of the young lad who struggles to keep up with the other kids, hindered by a physical handicap. `

Jack’s love interest, Katherine (the sweet Kristina Walz). is inspired by the plight of the newsboys and writes (under a pseudonym) about their fight, while remaining incognito until midway through the story, and by then, the audience is already as smitten with her as Jack. Reading between the lines, there are some nice moments from Morris and Oscar Delancey (Ian Laudano and Zach Landes), a thought-provoking Davey (Julio Rey) and his little brother Les (the scene-stealing Joe Sullivan). Speaking of “scene-stealing”—burlesque queen Medda Larkin (Abbey Sierakowski) is as entertaining as humanly possible and Sierakowski is clearly having a ball kicking up her heels while belting out “That’s Rich” to a thunderous ovation from the audience.

Rounding out the cast are some fine character actors (Steve Davis, James Patterson, Sean Hayden and Shelby Griswold), and although he has but a few lines, Daniel Hines (in multiple roles) is downright hilarious as Mr. Jacobi, who actually made me guffaw, a word that one doesn’t often see in the papers in this century.

Tristan James’ attractive scenic design, Meaghan Carlo’s lovely costumes, Ethan Newman’s lighting design, Jacob Brent’s tap-worthy choreography (ably assisted by Jennifer Thiessen) and Nicholas Place’s musical direction all are lovely, while Brent is also responsible for the show’s overall direction, which succeeds on multiple levels. Did I leave the theatre humming one of Alan Menken’s tunes? No. But the entire production (with book and lyrics by Harvery Fierstein and Jack Feldman) is absolutely memorable and making headlines all over town.

For tickets and information, call 845/794-1194 or visit www.FBPlayhouse.org.