WESTPORT–When newsboys banded together in 1899 to take on publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer, they organized a strike, formed a union and made history.

Later this month, the student thespians of Coleytown Middle School will recreate that moment in time when they present “Newsies,” the popular musical based on the battle.

“Their voices were not about shouting,” said Ben Frimmer, artistic director of the Coleytown Company. “It was about being counted. In the world of Newsies, they had no voice, no economic leverage, no seat at the table, and no protection if they failed. But the moment they spoke to each other, organized collectively and refused to accept invisibility was the moment they claimed their power. The strike only worked when they stopped being individuals and became a chorus – literally and politically.” 

The company will present four performances at Coleytown Middle School, 255 North Ave., Westport. The showtimes are: March 27 at 7 p.m.; March 28 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and March 29 at 1 p.m. 

The excitement around “Newsies” kicked off with a benefit concert, “Carrying the Banner,” on Feb. 2, produced by Ben Frimmer in partnership with Broadway music director Mat Eisenstein.

The concert featured four stars from Broadway’s Newsies, including Westport native Adam Kaplan. Kaplan also spent the following day teaching a Master Class to the Coleytown Company Newsies cast, sharing his expertise while dancing alongside them, the district said in a release.

Purchase tickets for Newsies at cc.ludus.com. Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes peeks leading up to the show: @coleytown_company.