"Newsies" [Theater program]

Date

2008-12

Authors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

[Yeshiva College Dramatics Society, Yeshiva University]

YU Faculty Profile

Abstract

The musical NEWSIES is loosely based on actual historical events. In 1898, in response to skyrocketing sales due to the Spanish American War, newspapers throughout the US raised the wholesale price of their papers. In other words, the price for newspaper sellers (newsies) was raised from 50 cents for 100 papers to 60 cents for 100 papers. The newsies didn’t mind, though, because they sold the papers for 1 cent each and, with such a popular topic as the war, and multiple daily editions to sell, they were making money. •Eventually, the war ended and most papers slowly reduced their wholesale price back to the original % cent per paper. However, William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer kept the prices of their papers (The NY Morning Journal and NY World, respectively) where they were. So, on July 19, 1899, the newsies in Manhattan went on strike. The strike quickly spread through NYC and beyond. •On July 24 the newsies hosted a rally at New Irving Hall and, though the hall only held 2000, there were 5000 newsies there that night, overflowing into the streets. (From Program)

Description

YCDS theater program

Keywords

YCDS theater program, Yeshiva College -- Playbill, Alpha Psi Omega Dramatics Honor Society -- Chi Pi Chapter, Alpha Psi Omega -- Chi Pi Chapter

Citation

Snider, L. (Director). "Newsies" by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White [Theater program]. Yeshiva College Dramatics Society, Schottenstein Theater. Yeshiva University, New York.