The main cast of “Newsies Jr.” rehearses for the Sing Hosanna! production of the musical. From left are Jacob Scanlon as Jack, Quintin Hixon as Crutchie, Mia McGrady as Katherine and Isaac Hixon as Davey. Submitted photo

With acrobatic dancing and jump-to-your-feet songs, Sing Hosanna!’s production of “Newsies Jr.” is a lively musical based on the newsboys strike of 1899. Set in New York City, it follows charismatic newsboy Jack Kelly and his fellow ragamuffin newsies as they fight against the unfair treatment of publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer with nothing but determination and faith in each other.

Jacob Scanlon plays the protagonist, Jack Kelly, a charismatic, though flawed, young man who eventually does the right thing. Scanlon’s first number, “Santa Fe - Prologue,” in which he dreams of a better life in the West, showcases his strong, expressive voice. His best friend, Crutchie (Quintin Hixon), captures a wistful hopefulness in a pitch-perfect old-timey Brooklyn accent that he shows off to great effect in his duet with Jack, “Sante Fe/Letter from the Refuge.”

Newsie newcomer Davey (Isaac Hixon) is the moral center of the musical, and Hixon plays him as a clever young man in a desperate situation: hungry and out of money, but never willing to give up his beliefs and resort to violence. Davey’s young brother Les is double cast with Caleb Doverspike and Lincoln Morrison playing on alternate nights. Both actors so skillfully embody the character of Les that the change is imperceptible.

Jack and the others find themselves facing off against Joseph Pulitzer (David Tomko) and his sycophantic staff Bunsen (Maranda Horstman), Pearl Seitz (Gabbi Catalfano), and Hannah (Amara DiCerbo). Tomko plays Pulitzer as a man so out of touch with the common man that he convinces himself that making the lives of the newsies more difficult will actually aid them in the long run.

As the newsies find themselves chased by Snyder (Zephan Samuel), the warden of the dreaded youth detention center, the Refuge, they shelter in Medda Larkin’s (Isabelle Colonna) vaudeville theater. Medda invites them to stay to listen to her showgirls, the Bowery Brigade (Hannah Callander, Miranda Horstman, Charli Doverspike and Amara DiCerbo) who join her in the song “Just a Pretty Face.” The Brigade’s singing and dancing skillfully sell the number, and Colonna’s voice fills the theater with skilled phrasing as she explains that women have new opportunities now at the end of the 19th century.

One of those women is Katherine, a young reporter, played by standout Mia McGrady. Katherine could have been a simple romantic role opposite Jack, but McGrady creates a strong, new type of woman. She’s at work in a man’s profession and driven not only to prove herself but also to make the world around her a better place. McGrady’s strong vocal performance in “Watch What Happens” showcases her poise and strength and demands the audience’s attention as she saves the day for the newsies and brings Jack back to his passion for life without a single misstep.

Dance is always a strong point in Sing Hosanna!’s productions and “Newsies Jr.” is no exception. Director and choreographer Ralph Christy Jr. creates dance steps that have the actors jumping, backflipping, and falling into splits with a fast-paced, physically intense movement that never falters.

Especially impressive are the moments when the stage fills with the entire ensemble. The show is full of stirring numbers like “Seize the Day” when the newsies decide to form a union.

With a cast of more than three dozen, pointing out everyone’s individual accomplishments is impossible, but their skill level as they weave, jump and use every inch of the stage without faltering is a huge part of the success of the show. It’s hard not to jump to your feet in solidarity with these brave children in their crusade as they raise their fists and voices in solidarity. Especially impressive is an intricate newspaper passing bit that winds around the stage with bundles being tossed from player to player.

It’s a cruel world, “Newsies Jr.” tells us, but it also reminds us that persevering through tough times and having faith in ourselves will help us to achieve our goals. Through spirited songs and energetic dance numbers, the young performers of Sing Hosanna! showcase themes of solidarity, determination and empowerment in a way that will leave audiences not only with smiles but new reflections on the power of friendship.

The Sing Hosanna! production of Disney’s “Newsies Jr.” runs 80 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Shows are June 19 and 20 at Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater. Tickets are $18 and are available at singhosanna.ticketleap.com.